Most Europeans are concerned about the impact of air pollution on health and the environment, according to a special Eurobarometer survey published on Monday 24 October.
The survey comes ahead of the presentation of the ‘Zero Pollution’ legislative package expected on Wednesday, which will contain an “ambitious” revision of the EU’s ambient air quality directives, says the EU Commissioner for the Environment, Virginijus Sinkevičius. The aim is to bring these standards more in line with the stricter WHO guidelines of September 2021 (see EUROPE 12833/11, 12797/9).
Almost 90% of respondents think that health problems such as respiratory diseases (89%), asthma (88%) and cardiovascular diseases are serious problems in their country. They are also concerned (83%) about the acidification and eutrophication of water bodies, caused by air pollution.
67% of those who are aware of the existence of EU standards are calling for higher standards. They believe that large industrial plants, fossil fuel-based energy producers, governments and employers are not doing enough for air quality, while the domestic sector is doing enough.
The ‘Zero Pollution’ package will also include a revision of the legislation on integrated water management and the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC to adapt it to climate and energy challenges. To see the survey: https://aeur.eu/f/3rh (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)