Air pollution risk in dense farming areas

A new study from the Netherlands shows that the air in heavily agricultural areas can be as risky to breathe as in traffic-choked cities. The research was released as a part of the Healthy Lungs for Life campaign and was presented at the European Respiratory Society’s International Congress in London in September.

The Dutch study is one of the first to use physical health tests to measure the health effect on residents due to living in close proximity to livestock holdings. As many as 2,500 adults participated in the research. They were all living in rural areas in the Netherlands and it was shown that those living within one kilometre of 15 or more farms had five per cent lower lung function. Five per cent may not sound much, but the results are very significant, especially for those who already have reduced lung function.

The research also found that the lung function of the test participants got worse if the concentration of ammonia in the air was higher. This effect was seen in both healthy adults and those with existing respiratory conditions.

It has already been proven, in many previous studies, that agriculture is one of the major culprits regarding air pollution, and ammonia from animals is one of the main contributors. According to the researchers the effects of air pollution in rural areas are as harmful as in urban areas. It is therefore equally important that policy makers work harder to combat both agricultural emissions and urban air pollution. The researchers also highlight the importance of much better monitoring of intensive farming and the need to apply the same strict pollution laws as in other industries. Some countries have more densely populated areas near livestock farming than others, but air pollution caused by ammonia is a large-scale problem that affects everyone.

Source : European Lung Foundation press release, 20 September 2016 (www.europeanlung.org)

Air pollution

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Editorial: Global sulphur cap in 2020

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End derogations for polluting coal plants

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A Europe powered only with renewable energy

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Initiative to boost soil carbon

In Paris an initiative called “4 per 1000” was signed by 25 countries, with the aim to protect and increase carbon stocks in soil and to develop accounting and safeguard criteria.

Multiple actions needed to reduce food emissions

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Climate target for agriculture

A new study proposes that the agricultural sector needs to reduce emissions by 1 billion tonnes of CO₂e per year by 2030 to contribute to the 2°C target.

Air pollution costs trillions

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Germany’s slow decarbonisation

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Proposed gas strategy is a gamble with the climate

The EU, Norway and Russia are all promoting fossil gas as a long-term clean and sustainable energy solution. “There’s no such thing as clean gas”, says Friends of the Earth Europe.

Phasing out fossil fuel power is essential

The EU should seize the opportunity to replace ageing and end-of-life coal-fired plants with renewable energy sources.

Unique oppurtunity for Ukraine

The changed geopolitical situation in Ukraine has led to an energy crisis, and the country is now at a crossroads: sticking with coal and nuclear power or investing in renewables?

Greening transport with more electric vehicles

A large scale roll-out of electric cars on EU roads would result in significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions and lower levels of certain air pollutants.

New diesel cars still emit up to 15 times too much NOx

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European emission trends updated

Overall air pollutant emissions keep on slowly shrinking – sulphur emissions show the biggest reductions, while there is much less improvement for ammonia and particulate matter.

Industry does not need CCS

Swedish steel group SSAB, the country’s top CO₂ emitter, foregoes CCS. It opts to replace coal with hydrogen. The cement industry and refineries also show low-CO₂ potential soon, and without CCS.

NOAA: Reefs are boiled to death

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Main menu

Air pollution risk in dense farming areas

In this issue

IMO confirms 2020 date

Editorial: Global sulphur cap in 2020

End derogations for polluting coal plants

A Europe powered only with renewable energy

Small is beautiful

Initiative to boost soil carbon

Multiple actions needed to reduce food emissions

Climate target for agriculture

Air pollution costs trillions

Germany’s slow decarbonisation

Proposed gas strategy is a gamble with the climate

Phasing out fossil fuel power is essential

Unique oppurtunity for Ukraine

Greening transport with more electric vehicles

New diesel cars still emit up to 15 times too much NOx

European emission trends updated

Industry does not need CCS

NOAA: Reefs are boiled to death

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

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