A United Nations report is warning that poor air quality and climate change are the two greatest threats to public health in a vast zone stretching from Europe to central Asia.
Wednesday's publication of the sixth Global Environment Outlook for the pan-European region includes recommendations for policymakers, such as boosting renewable energy production, reducing use of fertilizers and chemical contamination of seas, and improving laws on land and soil protection, AP reports.
The report was unveiled at an environmental conference in Batumi, Georgia.
It warns that biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation are continuing throughout the region, while private use of cars and trucks now causes more pollution than industry in some EU nations.