Here’s the translation into American English:
In 2023, it has been reported that 12.2% of the population of the European Union experiences issues related to pollution, dirt, and other environmental factors affecting their quality of life. This number represents a significant decrease compared to the 15.1% recorded in 2019, suggesting that recent initiatives to address these problems are starting to have a positive effect, although much remains to be done.
Among member countries, Malta stands out as the most affected, with a concerning 34.7% of its population reporting environmental issues. Greece and Germany follow in the rankings with figures reaching 20.5% and 16.8%, respectively. In contrast, Croatia remains the country with the lowest proportion of affected individuals, at only 4.2%, followed by Sweden and Slovakia, with 5.0% and 5.8%, respectively.
The data also reveals that exposure to pollution and other environmental problems varies significantly depending on the level of urbanization. In rural areas, only 6.8% of the population feels affected, a figure that increases to 10.5% in small towns and suburban areas. However, large cities reflect a more alarming situation, with 17.2% of the population reporting feeling impacted. This indicates that life in urban environments is closely associated with greater exposure to environmental problems, demanding urgent attention from authorities and society at large.
As the European Union faces ongoing environmental challenges, it is essential to monitor and analyze these indicators to develop effective policies that protect both the population and the environment. While the decrease in the percentage of people feeling the impact of pollution is a positive sign, the disparities between countries and between urban and rural areas highlight the need for a more comprehensive and targeted approach to properly address these issues.
Source: MiMub in Spanish
