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Begin New Search Topic Air Pollution Political Geography Europe

1. How much does Europe pay for clean air?

Author:
Miquel Oliu-Barton and Juan Mejino Lopez
Publication Date:
06-2024
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Bruegel
Abstract:
Despite significant progress, air pollution still causes €600 billion in losses each year in the European Union – equal to 4 percent of its annual GDP. These costs stem from productivity losses such as increased absenteeism, the reduction of in-job productivity and harm to ecosystems. Air pollution costs are disproportionately high in eastern Europe and Italy, where losses are projected to remain above 6 percent of GDP until 2030. The EU’s 10 percent most-polluted regions suffer 25 percent of the burden of mortality attributable to air pollution. Measures against air pollution should be prioritised, not delayed, in these regions. Promoting clean air boosts economic growth by €50 billion to €60 billion every year. The EU’s increasing commitment to cleaner air is reflected by a threefold increase in the funds allocated to promoting clean-air policies, from €7 billion annually for the period 2014-2020 to €25 billion annually for 2021-2027, notably supported by the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). EU financial support must continue beyond 2026 when the RRF terminates. The EU Ambient Air Quality Directive sends a strong signal but leaves loopholes: exceptions and postponements may jeopardise overall progress on cleaner air. Fossil-fuel consumption is one of the main obstacles to achieving clean-air targets. Yet fossil fuels subsidies were fourteen times higher than EU clean-air funds between 2014 and 2020, and are projected to remain five times higher for the years ahead. Ammonia, an important precursor of fine particulate matter mainly stemming from agriculture, is insufficiently regulated. Effectiveness of clean-air policies is context-dependent. Identifying concrete actions for each region and quantifying the potential gains are required to accelerate the transition to cleaner air. Phasing out coal use in residential heating is most profitable in eastern Europe, while reducing industrial and agricultural emissions would reap more benefits in the north of Italy.
Topic:
European Union, Economic Growth, Productivity, and Air Pollution
Political Geography:
Europe

2. Towards a cleaner air in Europe: Time for a stronger vision and more action

Author:
Annika Hedberg, Stefan Sipka, Simon Dekeyrel, Melanie Fessler, and Danielle Brady
Publication Date:
07-2023
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
European Policy Centre (EPC)
Abstract:
As scientific evidence on the impact of air pollution on human life continues to grow, accepting air pollution as a given side product of our economies and activities can no longer be tolerated. This Discussion Paper highlights what the EU needs to do to recognise clean air for what it is: a necessary component for healthy societies, people and long-term economic prosperity and social well-being in Europe. A stronger vision and framework for action is needed, and this paper recommends what the EU needs to do next. Have a stronger vision and framework for action by: Adopting an ambitious and comprehensive clean air agenda; Making cleaner air an integral part of the EU’s vision and framework for greater well-being; Improving enforcement of the air quality standards and monitoring; Raising awareness about the causes of air pollution, benefits of action and measures to be taken. Provide concrete measures to address air pollution by: Ensuring all key sectors, including agri-food, industry, energy and mobility, play their role; Encouraging, empowering and enabling regional, local and citizen action.
Topic:
European Union, Public Health, and Air Pollution
Political Geography:
Europe