The report in question is prepared by the UN — Economic Commission for Europe as well as the European Commission, and involves 34 European countries. Its results are a matter for concern in the overall context of European forests, but the extent of forest damage differs in participating countries. The most heavily affected areas are mostly in eastern Europe, while damage to Ireland's forests is low.
The most important probable causes of forest damage are adverse weather, insects, fungi, forest fires, human actions, damage by game and air pollution. Air pollution is considered by some countries to be the essential factor affecting forest health and in others as a factor leading to the weakening of forest ecosystems. It has not been an identifiable cause in damage to Irish forests.