Second Clean Air Outlook report: Full implementation of clean air measures could reduce premature deaths due to air pollution by 55% in 2030
The European Commission has published its second Air Quality Outlook report, which presents the prospects for reducing air pollution in the European Union up to 2030 and beyond. According to the report, the number of premature deaths from air pollution could be reduced by around 55% in 2030 compared to 2005, if member states implement all measures agreed and announced under EU legislation. The report also stresses that more can be done – there are, indeed, many measures to reduce air pollution, the benefits of which would outweigh the costs, if implemented correctly.
Virginijus Sinkevičius, Commissioner for Environment, Fisheries and Oceans, said: “This report sends a clear message. Further reduction of air pollution would save more lives, reduce pressure on ecosystems and be economically sound. This is the approach we are adopting with the European Green Pact and our Zero Pollution ambition. It is essential that all Member States fully implement the agreed and planned measures, and step up their efforts to tackle emissions.”
The report shows that with the full implementation of all existing legislation, the majority of Member States would then be able to meet reduction commitments by 2030 for four of the five air pollutants regulated by the directive on national emission reduction commitments (NEC).
Additional air cleaning measures announced in national air pollution control programs would further accelerate planned improvements. However, these measures would not be sufficient to bring ammonia emissions (90% of which come from the agricultural sector) to the maximum authorized levels.
Finally, this second Air Quality Outlook report shows that the clean air measures reviewed have clear benefits for society, the benefits of these measures will always outweigh their costs and help boost GDP in the long run. These benefits increase with more ambitious actions in terms of clean air and climate, highlighting the synergies between these two policies.
Source – European Commission
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