Parliament backs stricter limits for air pollutants, better monitoring
Parliament backs stricter limits for air pollutants, better monitoring Euronews
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EU Parliament Votes for Stricter Air Quality Standards
The European Parliament has voted in favor of introducing stricter standards to measure air pollutants and improved monitoring, with the aim of delivering cleaner air across EU cities. The vote took place during the last plenary session of this EU mandate, with 381 votes in favor and 225 against.
Ambient Air Quality Directive (AAQD)
The new rules, known as the Ambient Air Quality Directive (AAQD), were proposed by the European Commission in 2022. The directive sets a zero-pollution goal for 2050 and introduces air quality standards for 2030 that are closer to, but not fully in line with, World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The EU executive will conduct a review every five years to align the directive with WHO standards.
Stricter Limits and Target Values
Once adopted by the EU Council, the rules will set stricter limits and target values for pollutants that have a severe impact on human health, including particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. EU countries can request a postponement to the 2030 deadline by up to ten years, under specific conditions set by the EU Council.
Enforcement and Legal Action
If EU countries fail to comply with the new rules, those affected by air pollution will have the right to take legal action. Citizens may also receive compensation if their health has been damaged. The law acknowledges that air pollution currently causes 300,000 premature deaths in Europe.
Policies for Cleaner Air
The AAQD introduces a list of policies aimed at achieving cleaner air, including the electrification of vehicles, the expansion of bike lanes, and the implementation of low emission zones.
Reactions and Benefits
Anne Stauffer, deputy director at the NGO Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL), welcomed the commitment of MEPs to clean up air pollution for millions of people in the EU. Xavier Brenez, CEO of the Belgian Independent Health Insurance Funds, stated that reaching WHO standards for particle pollution would save €43 million in healthcare costs annually.
Formal Adoption by EU Council
The law voted in the Parliament still needs to be formally adopted by the EU Council before it can enter into force.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
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
The article discusses the European Parliament’s vote to introduce stricter standards for measuring air pollutants and improving monitoring, with the aim of delivering cleaner air to EU residents. This directly relates to SDG 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. Additionally, the article mentions the introduction of policies aligned with achieving cleaner air, such as the electrification of vehicles, the expansion of bike lanes, and low emission zones. These policies contribute to SDG 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Lastly, addressing air pollution is also relevant to SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
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.
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are reducing deaths and illnesses from air pollution (SDG 3.9), improving air quality in cities (SDG 11.6), and integrating climate change measures into policies and planning (SDG 13.2).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator: Number of premature deaths caused by air pollution
- Indicator: Adherence to World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guidelines
- Indicator: Reduction in healthcare costs related to air pollution
The article mentions that air pollution currently impacts 300,000 premature deaths in Europe, indicating that the number of premature deaths caused by air pollution can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards SDG 3.9. The article also states that the new rules aim to align air quality standards with WHO guidelines, implying that adherence to these guidelines can be used as an indicator. Additionally, the CEO of the Belgian Independent Health Insurance Funds mentions that reaching WHO standards for particle pollution would save €43m in healthcare costs annually, suggesting that a reduction in healthcare costs related to air pollution can be used as an indicator.
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. | – Number of premature deaths caused by 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. | – Adherence to World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guidelines |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | – Reduction in healthcare costs related to air pollution |
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: euronews.com
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