N. EU's Zero Pollution Action Plan and its Focus on Air Quality
The Zero Pollution Action Plan is a cornerstone initiative of the European Green Deal, aimed at comprehensively addressing pollution across different domains. Pollution, a significant threat to both health and the environment, has spurred the European Union to lead global efforts to address it. This plan encompasses a range of key objectives, primarily directed towards water, air, and soil pollution, with the overarching vision of achieving a pollution-free environment by 2050.
While the action plan is broad in scope, it explicitly underscores the significance of tackling air pollution as a fundamental concern130. Among its pivotal objectives, the plan seeks to reduce health impacts caused by air pollution by more than 55%, resulting in a considerable decrease in premature deaths attributed to particulate matter by 2030131. Additionally, the plan aims to reduce the extent of European ecosystems facing the threat of air pollution-related biodiversity loss by 25%132.
The Zero Pollution Action Plan holds the potential to transform the European Union’s approach to pollution prevention, fostering a greener, digitally advanced, and economically vibrant Europe. It not only seeks to integrate pollution prevention across various policies but also endeavours to identify and address potential gaps in relevant legislation. Despite its clear focus on improving air quality as part of its holistic vision for pollution reduction, the plan does not currently encompass a specific, European Union wide legislative framework for IAQ. Notably, the importance of addressing indoor air pollution has been acknowledged in recent European Commission communications, indicating a growing awareness of the interconnectedness between indoor and outdoor air quality and the need for broader policy considerations.
Clean Air Policy within the Zero Pollution Action Plan
The Clean Air Policy component of the Zero Pollution Action Plan is a vital pillar in the European Union's determined efforts to enhance ambient air quality and address air pollution, thereby safeguarding both the environment and human health. With a holistic approach towards achieving the EU's overarching vision of zero pollution by 2050, the clean air policy is structured around three key pillars: establishing stringent ambient air quality standards, reducing air pollution emissions, and implementing emissions standards for critical pollution sources.
A cornerstone of this policy's aspirations is the European Union’s target to achieve a minimum 55% reduction in premature deaths attributed to particulate matter by 2030, underscoring the urgency of the issue. At its core, the Clean Air Policy not only seeks to directly improve public health and diminish instances of illness associated with air pollution but also endeavours to alleviate the strain air pollution places on ecosystems and biodiversity. By merging these objectives with a comprehensive approach to emissions reduction, the Clean Air Policy within the Zero Pollution Action Plan emerges as a crucial mechanism in the European Union’s broader drive towards a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment.
European Commission Communication: Towards Zero Pollution for Air, Water and Soil
European Commission recognises the complex web of factors affecting IAQ and acknowledges that existing European Union policies have touched upon various determinants, encompassing aspects from ambient air to construction materials, consumer products, and occupational safety and health regulations. However, a comprehensive and integrated approach addressing IAQ remains absent within the European Union Legislative framework. Notably, the COVID-19 pandemic's impact has placed a renewed emphasis on the critical need for maintaining clean indoor air environments, especially as building insulation advancements heighten the significance of IAQ. School buildings, in particular, are emphasised as deserving special attention, due to the particular health and well-being vulnerability of children to poor IAQ.
A recent communication from the European Commission concerning Zero Pollution for Air Water and Soil underlined policy and knowledge gaps in terms of IAQ while also highlight actions the European Commission has undertaken. These include flagship actions as part of its Zero Pollution Action Plan. These initiatives aim to holistically address urban pollution and foster greener cities. Within this context, the Commission intends to synergise various strategies, such as the Horizon Europe Mission for Climate Neutral and Smart Cities, the Covenant of Mayors, and the New European Bauhaus initiative, to pinpoint key requirements for urban innovation and greening, encompassing indoor air pollution prevention. By 2024, the European Commission also intends to commend cities making significant strides in reducing air, water, and soil pollution, thereby fostering tailored pollution mitigation strategies in local contexts.
The European Commission has set forth a concrete plan to assess pathways and policy options to improve IAQ, coupled with the proposal of relevant legislative measures. With a focus on key determinants and pollution sources, this endeavour strives to augment public awareness, diminish risks, and culminate in a more comprehensive, coherent approach to tackling IAQ challenges.
References
130 The European Commission Joint Research Centre, “Zero Pollution Report 2022”, Publications Office of the European Union, 2022. Available online: https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/scientific-activities-z/zero-pollution-outlook-2022_en
131 The European Commission, “Air”, 2023. Available online: https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/air_en
132 The European Commission Joint Research Centre, “Zero Pollution Report 2022”, Publications Office of the European Union, 2022. Available online: https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/scientific-activities-z/zero-pollution-outlook-2022_en