‘A lifeline for dirty cars’: EU backs new air pollution limits, but not until 2035

The EU Votes to Clean Its Air, Setting Tough Limits on Pollutants

The European Union (EU) has taken a significant step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by voting to clean its air through the implementation of strict limits on pollutants. Experts believe that this decision will not only save lives but also result in economic benefits.

Setting Limits Based on World Health Organization Guidelines

On Wednesday, the European Parliament agreed to limit the concentration of several dangerous substances in the air to levels recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, due to opposition from center-right politicians, the deadline for meeting the WHO’s limits has been extended by five years.

Positive Impact on Health and Well-being

The decision to set tougher limits on air pollutants has been welcomed by experts and health professionals. Zorana Jovanovic Andersen, an epidemiologist at the University of Copenhagen and chair of the European Respiratory Society’s environment and health committee, stated that this is great news for European citizens, especially those living with lung conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. While the full alignment with the WHO guidelines has been delayed until 2035, Andersen believes that this is an important step towards clean air for all.

The Urgent Need for Clean Air

Currently, almost everyone living in Europe’s urban areas breathes air that exceeds the WHO’s yearly guideline level for fine particles (PM2.5). These particles are small enough to enter the bloodstream and cause damage to organs. Outdoor air pollution, including other harmful gases, is estimated to cause the premature death of 300,000 people in Europe each year.

A Slow-Motion Pandemic

Javi López, a Spanish MEP with the center-left S&D grouping, compared air pollution to a slow-motion pandemic. He emphasized the need for governments to take action against air pollution, similar to their response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Political Backlash and Opposition

The update to the air quality law faced opposition from center-right politicians, including members of the European People’s Party (EPP) grouping. The EPP, which includes European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, voted against the proposal. Critics argue that stricter measures could lead to driving bans and the closure of construction sites and industrial plants.

Economic Benefits of Clean Air

In addition to the positive impact on health, clean air can also benefit economies. The European Commission’s report suggests that full compliance with the WHO limits for PM2.5 by 2030 would boost the economy more than weaker rules. The estimated net benefit to society each year would be €90bn (£77bn) if PM2.5 levels were limited to 15 µg/m3 and €123bn if they were reduced to 5 µg/m3.

Monitoring, Information, and Compensation

The approved proposal calls for better monitoring of air pollution and easier access to information. It also includes clauses that grant people greater rights to compensation if their governments fail to comply with the limits.

Concerns and Criticisms

While the law is seen as a step in the right direction, critics argue that delaying alignment with the WHO guidelines will result in avoidable air pollution and cost lives. They also express concerns about the potential impact on low and zero-emissions zones and the continued use of diesel and petrol cars.

A Global Health Risk

Air pollution is the fourth leading risk factor for premature death worldwide, following high blood pressure, smoking, and an unhealthy diet. Barbara Hoffman, an environmental epidemiologist at the University of Düsseldorf, highlights that unlike the other risk factors, individuals have limited control over the air they breathe.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
   • Indicator: Concentration levels of dangerous substances in the air.

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
   • Indicator: Levels of fine particles (PM2.5) in urban areas.

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
   • Indicator: Reduction of harmful gases such as nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and ozone in the atmosphere.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 13: Climate Action.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are:

– Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.

– Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.

– Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article mentions or implies the following indicators:

– Concentration levels of dangerous substances in the air.

– Levels of fine particles (PM2.5) in urban areas.

– Reduction of harmful gases such as nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and ozone in the atmosphere.

These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.

The article states that the European parliament agreed to limit the concentration of dangerous substances in the air to levels put forward by the World Health Organization (WHO). This aligns with Target 3.9 of SDG 3, which aims to reduce deaths and illnesses from air pollution. The concentration levels of dangerous substances in the air can serve as an indicator to measure progress towards this target.

The article also mentions that almost everyone in Europe’s urban areas breathes air containing enough fine particles (PM2.5) to breach the WHO’s guideline level. This relates to Target 11.6 of SDG 11, which focuses on reducing the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including air quality. The levels of fine particles in urban areas can be used as an indicator to track progress towards this target.

Furthermore, the article highlights the need to reduce harmful gases such as nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and ozone in the atmosphere. This aligns with Target 13.2 of SDG 13, which aims to integrate climate change measures into national policies and strategies. The reduction of these harmful gases can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards this target.

Overall, the article provides indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets under SDGs 3, 11, and 13.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: theguardian.com

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.