Antti Roose

Hazardous substances in the aquatic environment of Estonia

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) aims to regulate the management of European surface water bodies. Directive 2008/105/EC, which establishes the environmental quality standards of priority substances and certain other pollutants, the content of which in the surface water should be monitored, has been transposed by the Estonian Ministry of Environment 9 September 2010 Regulation No. 49. Sampled hazardous substances were selected primarily based on their toxicity, as well as their lifetime in environment and ability to accumulate in living organisms (bioaccumulation). The contents of hazardous substances and their groups determined from Estonian surface waters remained below the limits of quantifications of used analysis methods in most cases. However, the content of some heavy metals, mono- and dibasic phenols in the surface water/waste water and sewage sludge/bottom sediments can still reach the delicate levels in the Estonian oil shale region in particular. Among new substances analysed in Estonia historically first time in 2010, amounts of organotin compounds in sediments and some alkylphenols, their ethoxylates and phthalates were found in various sample matrices.

Remote sensing of climate change, long-term monitoring of air pollution and stone material corrosion in Estonia

The Fifth National Communication Under the Framework Convention on Climate Change covered the policies and activities in Estonia of the period 2006–2009. Climate change and air pollution cause significant damage, especially to various materials. Worldwide, 387 objects belong to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World heritage list, including the Old Town of Tallinn. The International Cooperative Programme on Effects on Materials, including Historic and Cultural Monuments (ICP Materials) is an ongoing research programme in the framework of which air pollution and the effect of climate on the corrosion of various natural and synthetic materials, including historical and cultural monuments, is studied. So far, the studies have shown that even though air pollution has continuously declined in Estonia, no significant reduction in corrosion has been noticed on the displayed limestone sample plates at the Lahemaa air monitoring station. On the contrary, in 2005–2006, the corrosion loss of limestone was greater compared with that in 1987–2003. It could be explained partly by changing environmental conditions but another possible explanation is that the Portland limestone as a stone material has a different quality.

Developing long-term monitoring of ozone in Estonia: the mandate of the Montreal Protocol

This article introduces the Estonian experience and lessons learnt in ozone climatology, solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels, the effects of UV radiation on human health, plant growth and corrosion of materials, as well as ground-level ozone quantities in Estonia. The concentrations of ground-level ozone remain within the European Union (EU) limit values except in remote areas. Direct sun total ozone measurements have been performed since 1993, those of the erythemal UV irradiance since 1998 and recording of UV spectra was started in 2004. The aerosol optical properties have been used for modelling the surface UV irradiances. A reconstruction of the erythemal daily doses has been carried out using the daily sums of broadband direct and global irradiance and total ozone data. Estonia is striving to meet not only the phase-out targets of the Montreal Protocol, adopted fully from 1999, but also the more stringent requirements contained in the EU regulations. As a result of the measures taken, the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) decreased from 199 t in 1997 to 0 t in 2002.

Sea-Level Change and Flood Risks at Estonian Coastal Zone

This paper reviews Estonian relative sea level, land uplift and coastal floods data and provides sea-level scenarios and risk assessment of coastal flooding in urban areas for the twenty-first century. Considering the present post-glacial land uplift rates of Estonian coastal areas and the global ocean level rise projections, the long-existing trend of relative sea-level lowering may very probably be replaced by a relative sea-level rising trend during the twenty-first century. By the end of the twenty-first century we project the relative sea level to be c. 20 to 40 cm or c. 40 to 60 cm higher in the case of the International Panel for Climate Change Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) 4.5 or RCP 8.5 scenario, respectively. The sea-level rise together with the increased storm frequency and decreased winter ice cover period will very probably increase the extent of floods during the twenty-first century. A significant coastal flooding risk affects four cities, Parnu, Kuressaare, Haapsalu and Tallinn and eight smaller towns. The largest coastal flooding in Estonia is recorded in Parnu, with the highest sea level 275 cm in 2005. Calculations show that due to the impact of predicted climate change and in the case of certain weather conditions, coastal floods in Parnu may affect areas up to 400 cm above the present sea level by the end of the twenty-first century. The scenarious of future flood limits are needed for sustainable planning of the coastal zone and for development of rescue strategies.There are already several land use and urban planning instruments and laws for climate adaptation, such as environmental impact assessment, risk assessment and restriction zones for construction in certain buffer and flood areas. Flooding risk measures consist of risk mapping and a national emergency plan. However, further integration of climate issues into existing laws, strategies and land use plans is essential to have a targeted approach in reducing the vulnerability of populated areas and strengthening the adaptive capacity of the urban system against climate change.

Advancing Education for Planning Professionals in Estonia—Between New Qualities and Path-Dependency

The chapter examines the factors and drivers influencing planning-related university programs in Estonia. In recent years, both the planning system and academia have been coping with high levels of societal dynamism and transition associated with the assertion of national independence in 1991, while seeking to overcome path-dependencies and to capture and implement innovative planning approaches. A shift from land use to strategic spatial planning requires the introduction of a new knowledge set in respect to balanced interdisciplinary and specialized directions. Results from a survey of planning practitioners illustrate the need for qualified planners, and upskilling of current practitioners who lack of competencies for contemporary planning approaches. Although in the 2000s, the number of quasi-planning degree programs reached a peak at 20 planning-related programs in six universities, the educational provision in the country lacks diversity and remains mostly limited to programs rooted in environmental and engineering disciplines. An alternative model for a cross-university joint planning program advancing the diversity of current programs, widening the array of subjects and depth of scholarship to enhance future qualities of the planning profession for a small European country could not be implemented thus far. However, as a major positive shift in professional advancement, setting professional codes and certification for spatial planners serves as post-curriculum standardization and harmonization of knowledge and skills, as well strengthening planners’ position in the Estonian planning scene.