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EEA says industrial air pollution cost Europe up to €169 billion in 2009; some 37% attributed to CO2

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Aggregated damage costs by pollutant. Air pollution from the 10,000 largest polluting facilities in Europe cost citizens between €102–169 billion (US$135–224 billion) in 2009, according to a new report from the European Environment Agency (EEA) which analyzed the costs of harm to health and the environment caused by air pollution.

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EEA: Traffic pollution still harmful to health in many parts of Europe

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Trend in emissions of air pollutants from transport in EEA-32: PM 2.5 , CO, SO x , NMVOC, NO x. Transport in Europe is still responsible for damaging levels of air pollutants and a quarter of EU greenhouse gas emissions, despite some progress in reducing the impacts from transport. Source: EEA. Click to enlarge. road fleet in 2010.

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Nations agree on global, legally binding treaty on mercury emissions: Minamata Convention on Mercury

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At the conclusion of the International Negotiating Committee on Mercury ( INC5 ) meeting in Geneva ( earlier post ), nations agreed on a global, legally-binding treaty to prevent mercury emissions and releases. The international negotiators selected the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to fund implementation of the new Mercury Convention.

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Upwards of 90% of EU city dwellers exposed to PM2.5 and O3 pollution at levels deemed harmful by WHO

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Despite a decline in emissions of the main air pollutants in Europe in the period 2002–2011, around 90% of city dwellers in the European Union (EU) are exposed to PM 2.5 Lower proportions of EU citizens were exposed to levels of these pollutants exceeding the limits or targets set out in EU legislation. Click to enlarge.

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Study: traffic density, wind and air stratification influence concentrations of NO2

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In connection with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, satellite measurements made headlines showing how much the air pollutant nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) had decreased in China and northern Italy. In Germany, traffic density is the most important factor. With the method used, this will be easier in the future.

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US files civil complaint against Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche for alleged Clean Air Act violations

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The complaint alleges that nearly 600,000 diesel engine vehicles had illegal defeat devices installed that impair their emission control systems and cause emissions to exceed EPA’s standards, resulting in harmful air pollution. liter diesel vehicles sold in the United States since the 2009 model year. Jetta Sportwagen (2009-2014).

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Coalition of 11 states sues US EPA over soot rules

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A coalition of 11 states filed a lawsuit to compel the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promptly to revise national air quality standards for air pollution involving soot. The EPA has not taken action in response to the coalition's notice, leading Schneiderman and his coalition to take the latest legal action.

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