7th Environment Action Programme agreed

Photo: flickr.com Harald Hoyer cc by-sa

In late June, representatives from the outgoing Irish presidency and the European Parliament agreed the final text of the EU’s seventh environment action programme (7EAP) for the period to 2020.

The new EAP sets out priority objectives for EU environment policy in a range of areas. It foresees the adoption of new targets for climate and energy as well as a wide range of new measures to make products more efficient, longer lasting and easier to repair and recycle.

Regarding air pollution, it is stated that the programme shall ensure that by 2020 air pollution and its impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity are further reduced with the long-term aim of not exceeding critical loads and levels. This is said to require, among other things strengthened efforts to reach full compliance with EU air quality legislation and the defining of strategic targets and actions beyond 2020.

To safeguard EU citizens from air pollution risks to health and wellbeing, the programme shall ensure that by 2020 outdoor air quality in the EU has significantly improved, moving closer to WHO recommended levels. This is said to require implementation of an updated EU policy on air quality, aligned with the latest scientific knowledge, and the development and implementation of measures to combat air pollution at source.

The programme must be formally endorsed by member states and the full parliament before becoming an EU decision, which will give it more legal weight.

Source: ENDS Europe Daily, 21 June 2013

In this issue

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Editorial: Last warnings?

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Shale gas has lost its lustre

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Need for stronger EU action on air pollution

World Health Organization calls for tightening of Eurpean Union air quality standards.

Sea levels might rise 2 metres for each degree of warming

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Agreement on equity issues essential

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Shipping air pollution costs €60 billion per year

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Ship emissions down in the Baltic and North Sea

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Air pollution causes 210,000 deaths each year

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Fewer congestion charge exemptions

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Germany blocks CO2 deal for cars

The agreed CO₂ rules for cars are threatened by demands from Germany to re-open the negotiations.

High potential to further cut pollution from power plants

Emissions of the main air pollutants – sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and dust – could be significantly further reduced if the emission levels associated with the best available techniques were to be achieved.

New tool raises awareness of air pollution impact

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7th Environment Action Programme agreed

In late June, representatives from the outgoing Irish presidency and the European Parliament agreed the final text of the EU’s seventh environment action programme (7EAP) for the period to 2020.

Coal power must be replaced with green energy

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New CAP deal: “little more than greenwash”

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400 ppm exceeded at Mauna Loa

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Where are air pollution science and policy heading?

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Main menu

7th Environment Action Programme agreed

In this issue

Warming can be limited to 1.5°C

Editorial: Last warnings?

Shale gas has lost its lustre

EU energy tax reform stalled

Need for stronger EU action on air pollution

Sea levels might rise 2 metres for each degree of warming

Agreement on equity issues essential

Shipping air pollution costs €60 billion per year

Ship emissions down in the Baltic and North Sea

Air pollution causes 210,000 deaths each year

Fewer congestion charge exemptions

Germany blocks CO2 deal for cars

High potential to further cut pollution from power plants

New tool raises awareness of air pollution impact

7th Environment Action Programme agreed

Coal power must be replaced with green energy

More food, less climate change

New CAP deal: “little more than greenwash”

400 ppm exceeded at Mauna Loa

Where are air pollution science and policy heading?

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

Policy initiatives

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