View of polluted air in the Hungarian industrial city of Miskolc. Photo: © Drone Media Studio/ Shutterstock.com

Formal notice to Hungary for ongoing PM10 violations

The EU Commission has sent formal notice under Article 260 TFEU to Hungary for failing to comply with a 2021 judgement on PM10 exceedances of the 2008 Ambient Air Quality Directive (Directive 2008/50/EC). The 2021 ruling showed systematic and persistent exceedances in three zones since 2005, for which the ruling states that insufficient action was taken to address these. One area was still in exceedance in 2022, and was not expected to be in accordance before 2025, which the Commission ruled as inadequate. A response is expected in Autumn 2024, at which point the notice can be escalated to the Court of Justice for possible financial sanctioning.

European Commission. July infringement package: key decisions. European Commission Press Corner. 2024

Air pollutionAir qualityHungary

In this issue

EU climate targets need more ambition

As the majority shifts to the right, can the Commission still align the EU's 2030-target with the 1.5°C objective?

"Cut down on coal", climate protest at the harbour of Amsterdam, next to the rail tracks used for coal transportation. Photo: © Milos Ruzicka /shutterstock.com

Editorial: EU delays critical action for 1.5°C target

Over the next months, the EU will negotiate a pathway and set a 2040 target outlining the steps required to meet the 1.5°C target of the Paris Agreement.

Photo:© Design36 / Shutterstock.com

WHO calls for urgent and radical action on climate change

For the first time in 16 years, the World Health Assembly adopted a new WHO resolution on climate and health at the end of May.

People are struggling to cope with scorching September weather, in Gurgaon, India. Photo: © Sudarshan Jha/ Shutterstock.com

The toxic cocktail of heat and air pollution in a changing world

New data reveals synergistic impact of heatwaves and air pollution on mortality. The good news is that these two challenges can be addressed through unified strategies.

Mines, like this one in nothern Sweden, are now included in the IED. Photo: © Mr_Karesuando / Shutterstock.com

Updated EU directive set to tackle industrial emissions

More consistent pollution control, increasing the scope to include mines and battery manufacturers and and enabling victims of illegal polltution to seek compensation are some of the wins, when the revised Industrial emissions directive entered into force.

Street view from Dublin. Ireland has decided to reduce car usage by at least 20 per cent by 2030.Photo: ©Matthew Reeves/ Shutterstock.com

The need for new transportation goals and cheaper public transport

There is an urgent need for integrated policies that both electrify the car fleet and reduce car usage to meet climate goals efficiently.

Photo: ©Jenya Smyk/ Shutterstock.com

Commission NEC report: Ammonia pollution lags behind

Ammonia emissions have only fallen by 16% since 2005. Some Member States have even seen increases, making ammonia a key challenge moving forward.

Photo: © photoschmidt/ Shutterstock.com

Lessons for the EU – policy mixes are the way to go

Experiences from 1500 policies world-wide, show that an effective climate mitigation strategy must include a mix of approaches that include carbon pricing.

Subsidies for electric shipping, such as this electric ferry crossing in Norway, are among the measures highlighted in the report. Photo: © Andre Schmitt/ Shutterstock.com

Best climate policies in northern and eastern Europe

Civil society experts have evaluated existing climate mitigation measures and highlight the best practices and lessons that countries can learn from each other.

Photo: © David Boutin/ Shutterstock.com

UN body discusses northern forests and climate change

Last May, at the 45th session of the joint FAO/UNECE Working Party on Forest Statistics, Economics and Management, governments held a thematic discussion on climate change and northern forests.

Reducing methane emissions would boost global crop yields

Ground-level ozone is an invisible air pollutant that causes significant damage to crops worldwide. Tackling methane emissions, one of the precursors, could be the key to curbing rising background levels of ozone.

Promotion of cleaner transport options is one of many policy measures identified in the report. Photo: © Barillo_Images/ Shutterstock.com

EU Member State's policies in the fight against air pollution

Report shows that the majority of air pollution policies in 2022 and 2023 have targeted NOx emissions, but there is also more focus on PM2.5 and ammonia compared to previously.

Offshore wind’s role in the race to net zero

Technological advancements and policy reforms are paving the way for offshore wind, but are these efforts sufficient to replace fossil fuels at the pace required?

Many risks related to carbon markets and Article 6 in the Paris Agreement

Article 6 of the Paris Agreement sets out how parties can use voluntary cooperation internationally to achieve their climate mitigation targets (NDCs). However, civil society identifies significant risks, including failed climate action and adverse social and environmental consequences in host countries.

Forests in Azerbaijan – a vital yet diminishing resource

They are the most valuable ecosystems for the country’s biodiversity, home to hundreds of endemic species. However, over the past century, two thirds of the area has been lost.

Main menu

Formal notice to Hungary for ongoing PM10 violations

In this issue

EU climate targets need more ambition

Editorial: EU delays critical action for 1.5°C target

WHO calls for urgent and radical action on climate change

The toxic cocktail of heat and air pollution in a changing world

Updated EU directive set to tackle industrial emissions

The need for new transportation goals and cheaper public transport

Commission NEC report: Ammonia pollution lags behind

Lessons for the EU – policy mixes are the way to go

Best climate policies in northern and eastern Europe

UN body discusses northern forests and climate change

Reducing methane emissions would boost global crop yields

EU Member State's policies in the fight against air pollution

Offshore wind’s role in the race to net zero

Many risks related to carbon markets and Article 6 in the Paris Agreement

Forests in Azerbaijan – a vital yet diminishing resource

Publications

Addressing challenges in the land sector under the Paris Agreement

SINK OR SOURCE? Northern Forests at a crossroads

The role of northern forests in limiting warming to 1.5°C

Protecting Northern Forests crucial for biodiversity, the climate and indigenous rights

The 100 largest industry emitters in EU-27

Road to Nowhere

Bioenergy CCS – too little, too expensive, and not net negative

Direct air carbon capture and storage - A waste of time and energy

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