News » Clean Air for All: Stepping up Joint Efforts to Fight Air Pollution in Europe

According to the latest data by the WorldHealth Organisation 9 out of 10 people breathe air containing highlevels of pollutants (WHO, 2018). A 2017 report from the EuropeanEnvironment Agency (EEA) states that the human toll for poor air qualityis worse than for road traffic accidents. Furthermore, the OECDprojects that the market costs of air pollution (reduced productivity,additional health expenditure, crop losses, etc.) will increase to 2% ofthe European GDP by 2060 (OECD 2016).

With air pollution beingperceived by citizens as the environmental issue of most concern afterclimate change (Special Eurobarometer 468, 2017), the EU has been takingmeasures to achieve levels of air quality that do not have a negativeimpact on human health and the environment. Examples include industrialinstallations such as large combustion plants or initiatives in the areaof transport with fuel quality improvements and the successive Euroemission standards. Other key measures have been the revised NationalEmission Ceiling (NEC) Directive of 2016 setting targets for 2020 and2030, the Urban Agenda for the EU, the Air Quality Index and thecooperation of member states through the Clean Air Dialogue.

Althoughair quality has improved in the EU over the last decades, many MemberStates citizens? lives are hampered, as a number of States exceed thetargets set in the NEC Directive for NOx, NMVOCs or NH3, particularly inurban areas. Moreover, the welfare costs due to premature deaths fromair pollution are projected to more than double in European OECDcountries by 2060 (EP briefing 2017). Implementation of policy largelytaking place at the regional and local levels often prevents theadoption of more holistic and ambitious measures in the fight againstair pollution. In this context cooperation at European, national andlocal levels and exchange of technology and innovation is crucial tomeet the objectives set out by the EU and reduce the health impact andits costs.

This timely international symposium will provide aninvaluable opportunity to discuss current challenges related to airpollution and to reignite the debate over an EU-wide strategy to ensurecleaner air in Europe, while also enabling the delegates to analyse therole of clean technologies in improving air quality. The symposiumoffers a platform for discussion on an improved European regulatoryframework on air pollution; supports the exchange of ideas andencourages delegates to engage in thought-provoking topical debate.

Delegates will:

• Gainknowledge and insights on the revised National Emission Ceiling (NEC)Directive and other constituents of the EU Legal Framework on airpollution
• Assess whether the EU Ambient Air Quality Directives(Directives 2008/50/EC and 2004/107/EC) are fit for purpose and addresskey priorities for future legislation.
• Explore measures available to help EU Member States fight air pollution.
• Examinethe negative consequences of poor air quality and assess currentprogress made towards an effective strategy to fight air pollution.
• Explorethe possibilities for governments, local authorities and businesses tolimit the emission of pollutants through social and technologicalinnovation.
• Develop ways to support national strategies via EUfunding in order to foster the creation of a cleaner and healthierenvironment
• Explore ways of promoting action and cooperation atglobal, European, national and local levels in the fight against airpollution
• Take part in lively and interactive discussions withkey stakeholders in the field of energy policy and build lastingpartnerships.
• Share best practice on innovative projects aimed at fighting air pollution.

For more information visit www.publicpolicyexchange.co.uk/events/IL05-PPE2.