As EU member states, regional and local authorities prepare to implement the revised Ambient Air Quality Directive (AAQD), this briefing by the Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) argues that decision-makers and authorities should pay particular attention to addressing socio-economic inequalities in their clean air efforts. The swift transposition and implementation of the new rules, with strengthened administrative collaboration and the full utilisation of financial support schemes, promise significant progress towards cleaner air across Europe. Improved air quality will be beneficial to everyone and contribute to preventing health inequalities for those living in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas.
The health organisations Klimawandel Gesundheit (KLUG), Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL), European Public Health Alliance (EPHA), Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Public Health (DGPH) and ClientEarth have sent a letter to members of the ITRE committee, pointing out the health and climate impacts of burning biomass, ahead of a vote in the committee on the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) and whether wood burning should continue to be classified as “renewable” and therefore subsidised.
The letter calls on MEPs in the committee to no longer classify wood as a renewable energy source in the new RED III and to stop subsidies for wood as an energy source.
Wood burning in power plants, heaters and fireplaces pollutes air, contributes to the climate crisis, and is therefore harmful to health in several ways.
Full letter here
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