Content: The costs of melting Permafrost, Tipping points - no safe limit, Diesel cars will continue to exceed emission limits, Cut agricultural ammonia emissions, Legally binding phase-out law for coal.
No. 4, December 2015
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.
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.
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.
Tipping points – no safe limit
18 possible tipping points well before +2°C is reached
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.
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.
Coal phase-out in Germany and the UK has started?
Citizens movements and public debate are putting pressure on governments.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The structure and power of the fossil gas industry
The oil and gas lobby is very strong and has strong political links.
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.
