Brussels, 31/05/2013 (Agence Europe) - Cleaner air for all is the theme of European Green Week in Brussels on 4-7 June, which will be launched by EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik on Tuesday.
The current revision of EU air quality legislation and draft legislation to be unveiled by the European Commission in the autumn are what lies behind the decision by the Commission's Directorate General for the Environment to focus this year's Greek Week on air quality. The week provides an annual opportunity to raise awareness among the general public and stakeholders (politicians, scientists, NGOs and ordinary people) about environmental issues and the EU's environment rules.
The challenges (and opportunities) of the fight against air pollution, which causes more than 455,000 premature deaths each year in the EU, will be examined during Green Week with the aim of identifying ways and means of getting all industries to help clean up the air. Green Week 2013 will include an assessment of the situation and the lessons of the legislative updating process, sustainable development and sustainable cities, how air pollution impacts on health, the international side of tackling air pollution in partnership with the World Health Organisation and technological solutions for dealing with the sources of air pollution. The event will include debates, workshops, exhibitions and talks. (AN/transl.fl)