MEPs weaken air pollution ambition The agriculture industry must also make an effort as member states strive to meet stricter 2025 and 2030 air pollution reduction targets under the National Emission Ceilings directive, says the European Parliament. Read more
Editorial: EU’s key legal instrument for improving air quality The National Emission Ceilings (NEC) directive is the EU’s key legal instrument for improving air quality and is currently the subject of negotiation among member states in the Council. Read more
The costs of melting permafrost Researchers have for the first time modelled the economic impact caused by melting permafrost in the Arctic up to the end of the twenty-second century. Read more
Diesel cars will continue to exceed emission limits With the new real driving emissions test coming into force from September 2017, new diesel cars will still be allowed to exceed the NOx pollution limit by 110 per cent. Read more
Cut agricultural ammonia emissions The additional cost for farmers to reduce ammonia emissions is only a small percentage of the total volume of subsidies that flow to the agricultural sector through the Common Agricultural Policy. Read more
Coal phase-out in Germany and the UK has started? Citizens movements and public debate are putting pressure on governments. Read more
Legally binding phase-out law for coal Extract from BUND’s 2014 proposed plan to phase out all coal power stations in Germany by 2030. Read more
New Energy [R]Evolution Scenario from Greenpeace Greenpeace has published an updated version of its Energy [R]Evolution scenario. It delivers more CO₂ cuts than previous versions, and does away with nuclear and CCS. But is still not compatible with a fair chance of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees. Read more
Global health risks from short-lived climate pollutants The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a new report that highlights the urgent need to reduce emissions of black carbon, ozone and methane, which all contribute to more than 7 million premature deaths annually linked to outdoor and indoor air pollution. Read more
BUND criticises lignite reserves: Not making the grade The lignite reserve will be no more than an expensive placebo for climate protection if the Federal Government does not step up its measures. This is an extract from BUND’s call for the reserve to be doubled at least, and for costs to be minimised. Read more
Better enforcement and stiffer fines wanted Shipping industry and environment groups urge member states to take action to ensure proper implementation of the EU ship sulphur limits. Read more
The structure and power of the fossil gas industry The oil and gas lobby is very strong and has strong political links. Read more
Air pollution takes 3.3 million lives per year Farming emissions of ammonia are a leading cause of air pollution health damage and premature deaths in Europe and eastern United States. Read more