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D618 – Environmental Health
Task 1: Risk Identification Report
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A1: Purpose Overview
This report intends to conduct an environmental risk assessment of Croatia, particularly
regarding air pollution and water contamination. As Croatia works towards becoming a full
member of the European Union and adopting its policies, it is important to determine where
environmental quality meets human health. This report examines the impacts of existing
ecological stressors on the Croatian population, as well as providing scientific solutions to
combat such risks. Although Croatia has seen great success in mitigating the impact of industrial
emissions, many problems still exist, including particulates still being a danger to cities (Spasić,
2026). During Croatia's shift toward a circular economy, water pollution becomes an increasing
problem not only for people’s well-being but also for the tourism industry (SameerTasaki, 2022).
High levels of air pollution correlate with increased incidences of cardiovascular and respiratory
diseases among the Croatian people, a trend documented in the latest regional health assessments
(European Environment Agency, 2026). The purpose of this report is to protect people’s health
by promoting better infrastructure and following the European Green Deal guidelines (European
Environment Agency, 2025).
A2: Country’s Influence of Environmental Health
The economic system, healthcare system, and political process in Croatia make up a
dynamic situation that poses both obstacles and opportunities for environmental health outcomes.
As part of the European Union, the country must follow stringent regulations that govern its
environmental policy.
Economic Influence
The Croatian economy is highly dependent on services sector, especially tourism, which
contributes around 20% to its GDP. This makes it necessary that the environment be of very high
quality, especially in terms of water quality along the coast and the air quality. However, the
same factor that makes the country economically strong causes an increase in waste and water
needs seasonally. Although the state managed to decrease SO2 emissions by 98%, and NOx
emissions by 52% thanks to the modernization of industry, the financial cost of transitioning the
last two sectors is rather expensive (Spasic, 2026). According to the OECD (2026), despite the
GDP increase seen in Croatia, the investment gap in urban sewage systems in Croatia, which
costs approximately 1.2% of the national GDP per year, prevents the mitigation of any water
contamination dangers in both industrial and rural regions.
D618 – Environmental Health
Task 1: Risk Identification Report
, 2
A1: Purpose Overview
This report intends to conduct an environmental risk assessment of Croatia, particularly
regarding air pollution and water contamination. As Croatia works towards becoming a full
member of the European Union and adopting its policies, it is important to determine where
environmental quality meets human health. This report examines the impacts of existing
ecological stressors on the Croatian population, as well as providing scientific solutions to
combat such risks. Although Croatia has seen great success in mitigating the impact of industrial
emissions, many problems still exist, including particulates still being a danger to cities (Spasić,
2026). During Croatia's shift toward a circular economy, water pollution becomes an increasing
problem not only for people’s well-being but also for the tourism industry (SameerTasaki, 2022).
High levels of air pollution correlate with increased incidences of cardiovascular and respiratory
diseases among the Croatian people, a trend documented in the latest regional health assessments
(European Environment Agency, 2026). The purpose of this report is to protect people’s health
by promoting better infrastructure and following the European Green Deal guidelines (European
Environment Agency, 2025).
A2: Country’s Influence of Environmental Health
The economic system, healthcare system, and political process in Croatia make up a
dynamic situation that poses both obstacles and opportunities for environmental health outcomes.
As part of the European Union, the country must follow stringent regulations that govern its
environmental policy.
Economic Influence
The Croatian economy is highly dependent on services sector, especially tourism, which
contributes around 20% to its GDP. This makes it necessary that the environment be of very high
quality, especially in terms of water quality along the coast and the air quality. However, the
same factor that makes the country economically strong causes an increase in waste and water
needs seasonally. Although the state managed to decrease SO2 emissions by 98%, and NOx
emissions by 52% thanks to the modernization of industry, the financial cost of transitioning the
last two sectors is rather expensive (Spasic, 2026). According to the OECD (2026), despite the
GDP increase seen in Croatia, the investment gap in urban sewage systems in Croatia, which
costs approximately 1.2% of the national GDP per year, prevents the mitigation of any water
contamination dangers in both industrial and rural regions.
