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German air programme deemed insufficient

In Germany, action taken against the Federal State by Deutsche Umwelthilfe, found that the National Air Pollution Control Program, under the NEC Directive, was insufficient. This was due to outdated data, and non-accounting for changes in measures since adoption of the Program. For example, the plan failed to take into account amendments to the Building Energy Act, changes to federal funding for efficient buildings and changes to electric vehicle subsidies. The government is now obliged to make changes to bring the Program back in line with the obligations under the NEC Directive.

Berlin.de. Klage der DUH: OVG verurteilt die Bundesregierung zur Änderung des Nationalen Luftreinhalteprogramms – 29/24. Oberverwaltungsgericht Berlin-Brandenburg. 2024.

Air pollution

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

German air programme deemed insufficient

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

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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