The brings together non-profit health organizations across Europe to advocate for policies that improve health through cleaner air. The Coalition’s new infographic sets out the evidence on the health burden of air pollution and the urgent steps needed to address it.
Air pollution is the leading environmental threat to health in Europe. It is linked to all major chronic diseases, including cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses, cancer, and diabetes. Scientific evidence shows that even low levels of exposure can be harmful. Certain groups are disproportionately affected: pregnant women, children, older people, individuals with pre-existing health conditions, and socio-economically disadvantaged populations face the highest risks.
Poor air quality carries substantial health impacts and a significant economic cost, amounting to hundreds of billions of euros each year in healthcare expenditure, lost productivity, and reduced quality of life.
To protect health and reduce these costs, EU and national decision-makers should:
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- Accelerate the pace of binding emissions reductions
- Introduce binding methane reduction targets
- End subsidies for fossil fuels and ammonia-emitting practices
- Remove the “renewable” designation from biomass that worsens air quality
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