Italy must take action on air quality

On 27 April, Italy received a final warning from the European Commission because of failure to address persistently high levels of particulate matter (PM₁₀). More than 66,000 people die prematurely in Italy each year as a result of PM pollution, making it the most affected of all EU countries, according to estimates by the European Environment Agency.

The final warning applies to 30 air quality zones across Italy, where the daily limit values for PM10 have been exceeded since they came into force in 2005. In addition, the warning also refers to exceedances of the annual limit value in nine zones. If Italy fails to act within two months, the case may be referred to the EU Court of Justice (ECJ).

The Commission is currently pursuing infringement actions for excessive levels of PM10 against 16 member states, and two of these cases (against Bulgaria and Poland) have been brought before the ECJ. Legal action has also been initiated on nitrogen dioxide (NO2), so far involving twelve member states.

Source: European Commission press release, 27 April 2017
Information: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/air/quality/legislation/index.htm

Air qualityItaly

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Italy must take action on air quality

In this issue

Ocean acidification threat to sea life

Editorial: UN must increase its climate ambition

Threats to coral reefs

Tighter emission limits for EU power plants

We need to talk about nitrogen

Ammonia increasing over agricultural areas

CAP delivers meagre climate action

Global free-fall in coal plant development

CCS – from power plants to industrial plants

Air pollution health impacts shifted by global trade

Renewables to be subsidy free

Need to monitor and measure soil carbon

Ruling against Bulgaria opens door for air pollution action

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Global warming will thaw more permafrost than previously thought

MEPs agree to halve food waste by 2030

People want more information about climate change and food systems

Madrid to halve traffic emissions by 2030

EU must step up car fuel efficiency

Fossil-fuelled cars should pay their health bill

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The first autonomous electric container ship

Paris launches urban air pollution watchdog

France adopts national air pollution plan

Italy must take action on air quality

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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

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Fossil-free electricity 2021

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