(02 March 2022) – On behalf of the European Commission, AEIDL produced an in-depth report documenting the Third EU Clean Air Forum.
Besides its role in climate change, air pollution is responsible annually for 400 000 premature deaths across EU. Particulate matters (PM2,5, PM10) and other air pollutants can affect the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, leading to serious diseases.
Building on the success of clean air policies since 2005, the European Commission organised the Third EU Clean Air Forum in close collaboration with the Spanish government on 18 and 19 November 2021 in Madrid.
In line with the Zero Pollution Action Plan adopted in May 2021, the Forum focused on six themes: the zero pollution challenge, cities and citizens engagement; linking clean air and economic recovery; air pollution and climate change; access to justice and the right to clean air; and revision of the Ambient Air Quality Directives.
High-level interventions and panel discussions reflected this complex challenge. Concerted action across various economic sectors, engagement from civil society, a systemic approach and legislative development are the solutions suggested by the stakeholders.