Europe’s Clean Transport Future: the urgent need for clean transport solutions – EPHA
Europe's Clean Transport Future: the urgent need for clean transport ... European Public Health Alliance
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The Urgent Need for Clean Transport Solutions
On July 29th, the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) hosted an informative event focused on the urgent need for clean transport solutions in recognition that there is no safe level of air pollution. The discussions were centred on the various opportunities within key EU air quality policies, including the Euro 7 Emissions Standard, the Ambient Air Quality Directive, and the Heavy-Duty Vehicle CO2 Emissions Standard, serving as the foundations to protect health in Europe.
Air Pollution: A Significant Environmental Health Threat
Air pollution is the most significant environmental health threat that Europeans face, and currently the bulk of urban populations are exposed to levels above the WHO 2021 Air Quality Guidelines. The transport system is not only a major cause of air pollutants, but also contributes to noise pollution and planetary health degradation, all of which have extensive related health risks impacting almost every system in the body.
Vulnerable Groups and Health Impacts
Everyone is vulnerable to the risks of air pollution, but certain groups are more susceptible to its effects. The EEA has stated that over 1,200 childhood deaths occur every year due to air pollution. Air pollutants have also been positively associated with higher hospital admissions, hospital costs, and length of hospital stays. The total health costs of air pollution, as modelled by the European Commission, is set between EUR 231 and 800 billion per year.
MEP Ciarán Cuffe delivered a powerful message, stating, that;
“Europe has made progress on legislation that should reduce emissions over the coming decades, but it looks like there is a consorted effort to kill off crucial legislation for protecting human health and tackling the largest environmental health risk in Europe: air pollution.”
Economic Feasibility and Technical Implementation
The principal argument put forward by the car industry against the adoption of ambitious legislatory proposals is the economic cost it would incur. However, the following speakers highlighted both the economic and technical feasibility of implementing ambitious regulations. Notably, it was observed that although there has been a decline in car sales, Europe’s top five car manufacturers have capitalized on their position by increasing vehicle prices and shifting sales towards more expensive models, resulting in doubled profits since 2019. The financial viability of implementing the Euro 7 regulation throughout its lifetime is clear.
Sustainable Mobility and Policy Formulation
The event continued by exploring opportunities for sustainable modes of mobility, including low-emission zones and zero-emission zones as valuable tools when formulating both local and EU-wide policies. Additionally, there was a focus on the significance of fostering behavioral changes, enhancing the quality and accessibility of public transport, and developing infrastructure that promotes active mobility.
The Co-Benefits of EU Air Quality Policies
The EU air quality policies proposed have the potential to offer substantial co-benefits, including climate mitigation, health equity, and biodiversity conservation. Given the preventable and unacceptable health impacts associated with transport-related pollution, a strong health focus within these policies is necessary to yield significant social and health returns.
- Dr Cale Lawlor, European Public Health Alliance (EPHA)
- Minister Ciaran Cuffe, MEP
- Mr Kestutis Kupsys, European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)
- Ms Anna Krajinska, Transport and Environment
- Dr Ben Marner, Air Quality Consultants Ltd
- Mr Thomas Lymes, EuroCities
- Prof Mark Nieuwenhuijsen, Barcelona Institute of Global Health
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
The article discusses the urgent need for clean transport solutions to address air pollution, which is a significant environmental health threat. This connects to SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. It also relates to SDG 11, which focuses on making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Additionally, the article mentions the co-benefits of the proposed EU air quality policies, including climate mitigation and biodiversity conservation, aligning with SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- SDG 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.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
- SDG 15.9: By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies, and accounts.
The targets identified are directly related to the issues discussed in the article. SDG 3.9 focuses on reducing deaths and illnesses from air pollution, which is the main concern highlighted in the article. SDG 11.6 emphasizes the need to address air quality in cities to reduce adverse environmental impacts. SDG 13.2 highlights the importance of integrating climate change measures into policies, which is relevant to the proposed EU air quality policies. Finally, SDG 15.9 emphasizes the integration of biodiversity values into planning processes, which aligns with the co-benefits mentioned in the article.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Air pollution levels (measured by specific pollutants such as PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide, etc.)
- Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution
- Adverse per capita environmental impact of cities (including air quality)
- Integration of climate change measures into policies and planning
- Inclusion of ecosystem and biodiversity values in planning processes
The article mentions the impact of air pollution on health, indicating that measuring air pollution levels and tracking the number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution can be used as indicators to measure progress towards SDG 3.9. The adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including air quality, can serve as an indicator for SDG 11.6. The integration of climate change measures into policies and planning can be measured by tracking the inclusion of these measures in relevant documents and strategies. Finally, the inclusion of ecosystem and biodiversity values in planning processes can be assessed by monitoring the integration of these values in local and national planning documents.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | – Air pollution levels (measured by specific pollutants such as PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide, etc.) – Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 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. | – Adverse per capita environmental impact of cities (including air quality) |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | – Integration of climate change measures into policies and planning |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.9: By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies, and accounts. | – Inclusion of ecosystem and biodiversity values in planning processes |
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: epha.org
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