Christer Ågren

Up to the early nineties, EU policy in regard to air pollution had tended to be fragmented. Such directives as existed were either those setting air-quality standards for a few selected air pollutants such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, or others to control emissions from certain defined sources such as large power plants and road vehicles.

Up to the early nineties, EU policy in regard to air pollution had tended to be fragmented. Such directives as existed were either those setting air-quality standards for a few selected air pollutants such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, or others to control emissions from certain defined sources such as large power plants and road vehicles.

A study showing that the estimated annual costs for achieving the interim environmental quality targets of the proposed national emission ceilings (NECs) directive can be reduced by nearly two thirds. This result is obtained by using an low-CO2 energy scenario as the basis for the cost estimation.

In order to determine the extent to which the emissions of air pollutants will have to be reduced, if the environment is to be protected from damage, it is essential to know the limits to nature's tolerance.

WIth much air pollution coming from large combustion plants, revision of this directive is of exceptional importance.

A brief description of the air pollution treaty "Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP)".

The limits of nature's tolerance.

Forest damage and air pollution in Europe.