There are strong links between the problems of climate change and air pollution, in particular the fact that emissions from fossil fuel combustion contribute significantly to both problems. Consequently, measures to abate emissions of greenhouse gases may show strong co-benefits in terms of less air pollution and vice versa.
The European Parliament agreed in December to a proposal that emissions of nitrogen oxides from new heavy duty vehicles shall be cut by 80 per cent and those of particulate matter by 66 per cent, as compared to existing standards.
A carbon dioxide emission limit for power plants should apply to both new and existing installations if it is to have a significant impact on reducing emissions by 2030, according to a study published by environmental consultants Ecofys.
The final agreement on the EU climate package retains the goal to reduce emissions by 20 per cent. Together with a 20-per-cent share of renewables and 20-per-cent energy savings, this creates the triple goal of 20-20-20 by 2020.
Draft new EU legislation that would limit harmful vapour emissions from petrol pumps was proposed on 4 December by the European Commission. Petrol vapour contains benzene, which is known to cause cancer, and contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone, one of the air pollutants that is most damaging to human health and the environment and which also contributes to global climate change.
Sixteen EU countries are likely to exceed national limits on emissions of at least one of four key air pollutants set for 2010, according to an analysis carried out by the European Environment Agency (EEA).
Health savings of up to 25 billion euro could be achieved every year in the European Union if stronger climate policies were implemented, says a new study.
