The European Environment Agency (EEA) and Microsoft have announced a new five-year alliance to develop an environmental information portal for more than 500 million citizens across Europe.

The plan is the first phase of a scheme to provide a global repository of environmental information for experts, policymakers and individuals.

“To sustain the improvements in the environment made over the past few decades, everyone needs to be involved and understand the consequences and impact of their actions,” said Jacqueline McGlade, executive director of the EEA.

The EEA envisages the repository evolving to include real-time satellite information for emergency relief services, as well as other environmental operations.

Microsoft will provide development services to help the EEA extend the programme.