Average PM2.5 levels are almost four times above WHO limits.

Chinese life expectancy can be raised by 3 years

China could raise average life expectancy by 2.9 years if it improves air quality to levels recommended by the WHO, according a new study from the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago. Following a campaign to curb coal use and improve industry and vehicle standards, China has cut average concentrations of hazardous particles (PM_2.5) to an average of 39 μg/m³. However, this is still significantly higher than China’s own 35-microgram standard, as well as the 10-microgram limit recommended by the WHO. In China’s northern industrial regions, average concentrations are much higher.

Source: Reuters, 11 January 2019

Air qualityChina

In this issue

16,000 lives could be saved

Full implementation of emission control measures in all European sea regions would provide net socio-economic benefits of up to €19 bn in 2030, rising to €40 bn in 2050.

Editorial: Cutting ship emissions is cost effective

Over the last thirty years, fuel and emission standards for land-based transport have been dramatically strengthened over most of the world. But international shipping ...

The health costs of dirty diesel revealed

Air pollution from road traffic causes damage worth at least €80 billion every year in the EU, with diesel fumes responsible for three-quarters of the harm.

Great benefits of cutting ship emissions in the Mediterranean Sea

Implementation of a full Emission Control Area could slash air pollutant emissions by between 77 and 95 per cent and avoid more than 6000 premature deaths every year.

Transport is not on track to implement the Paris Agreement in the EU

GHG emissions from transport are still rising in the EU, despite calls by the environmental movement to cut GHG emissions to almost zero by 2040 at the latest.

CCS 2001–2018: Expectations and results

Carbon capture and storage is not a real mitigation option. There are faster, cleaner, surer, safer, more durable, more effective and cheaper ways to cut CO₂: renewables, efficiency measures and the development of carbon-free industrial processes.

Set strict emission limits for power plants

It is now up to the member states to set ambitious emission standards for large combustion plants, in line with the strictest recommended air pollution limit values.

Investing in development of electricity from renewables

Ambitious countries and companies are showing the way with a strategy that could help eliminate the risk of unmanageable climate change.

Faster melting ice-sheets

Research shows that the tipping point for long-term melting of polar regions and high-mountain glaciers could be close.

Analyzing global energy scenarios

Coal has peaked worldwide and it won’t come back, and that is as official as it gets.

A win-win for health and environment

The EAT-Lancet Commission calls for a great food transformation that could save 11 million lives a year and mitigate climate change. Though that would require new institutions such as an IPCC for our food system.

Opportunity to sharpen CAP proposal

For the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) to deliver on environmental and climate goals, policy makers must specify targets and ring-fence funding for green interventions.

Potential to cut non-CO2 emissions from farming

Setting a high carbon price for emissions from agriculture combined with changes in dietary preferences could cut methane and nitrous oxide emissions from farming by two-thirds.

Main menu

Chinese life expectancy can be raised by 3 years

In this issue

16,000 lives could be saved

Editorial: Cutting ship emissions is cost effective

The health costs of dirty diesel revealed

Great benefits of cutting ship emissions in the Mediterranean Sea

Transport is not on track to implement the Paris Agreement in the EU

CCS 2001–2018: Expectations and results

Set strict emission limits for power plants

Investing in development of electricity from renewables

Faster melting ice-sheets

Analyzing global energy scenarios

A win-win for health and environment

Opportunity to sharpen CAP proposal

Potential to cut non-CO2 emissions from farming

In Breif

Cruise ship captain fined for using dirty fuel

Denmark vows to shame sulphur cheats

Sweden plots course to zero-emissions shipping

EU wants urgent clarity on scrubbers

Emissions from aviation keep on rising

Germany to spend €2 bn to avert driving bans

Pastures thrive under solar panels

What are the health costs of pollution?

Publications

Food for Thought

Northern forests, climate change and the UNFCCC

EU climate targets aligned with the Paris agreement’s 1.5°C objective

Baltic Sea Offshore Wind Collaborative-Learning project

Air pollution in Europe and children’s health

Climate Change: A Himalayan Odessey

No further discussion needed. The agreed global goal is to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C

Fossil-free electricity 2021

What we do

Air pollution

Climate Change

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