The depletion of biological diversity is an increasing area of concern. While the country's wildlife is among the richest and most diverse in Europe, changes in farming practices, trans-boundary pollution and urbanization are threatening natural habitats.

Urbanization throughout Latvia has created poor conditions in large cities. Industrial towns produce large amounts of air pollution, wastewater and solid waste. As a result, there are deteriorating health and environmental conditions. The average life expectancy in Latvia is the lowest in Europe for men and one of the lowest for women, and it is continuously decreasing. Cardiovascular diseases increased as a cause of adult death. During the last 10 years, also the incidence of lung cancer increased by 30%. These conditions are significantly damaging the population's attitudes and outlooks, creating additional social and environmental problems.

Latvia would like to create an efficient environmental management system in conjunction with boarding countries to develop an integrated monitoring system for pollution. Only 3% of the total air pollution is caused by stationary sources in Latvia. It is proven that Germany

Topic Two: Trade and Sustainable Development

Presently, the amount of wastewater and agricultural leakage has decreased significantly, leading to a subsequent reduction in the total amount of pollution discharged into watercourses. This improvement can be linked to the wastewater treatment facilities and the country's overall decrease in production. However, conditions in the Gulf of Riga and the Baltic Sea deserve immediate attention. Reports of phosphorous and chlorophyll concentrations over the years serve as evidence of continuing eutrophication in the Gulf of Riga. Current findings from biological studies do not indicate any increase in eutrophication in the Latvian zone of the central Baltic Sea. Zones of ecological risk include coastal regions in the vicinity of river estuaries, municipal and industrial wastewater discharge locations, mineral extraction and gravel disposal sites, and regions surrounding ports.

The development of Latvia's national economy has been greatly influenced both by its geographical position and political, social and economic situation. The geographical location of Latvia on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea has permitted the development of a significant transport network. Latvia is pursuing foreign trade policies consistent with market reforms and

Some common words found in the essay are:
Sustainable Development, Baltic Sea, Poland Britain, Norway Switzerland, NEAP NEPP, Sea Zones, Germany Poland, Riga Current, Nevertheless Latvia, baltic sea, environmental protection, sustainable development, Union Latvia, free trade agreement, national economy, germany poland, gulf riga, latvia created, environmental issues, environmental latvia, national environmental,
Approximate Word count = 871
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)