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.
HEAL has sent a letter to EU energy ministers ahead of their meeting on 27 June 2022, calling on them to
- Commit to a timeline and an ambitious deadline for the phasing out of all fossil fuels,
including fossil gas. A continued reliance on fossil fuels undermines the EU’s zero pollution
commitment included in the Green Deal, and accelerates climate change, when alternatives
exist. - Avoid false solutions in the process of becoming independent from Russian fossil fuels.
This includes investing into new fossil gas infrastructure, the promotion of wood burning or
prolonged coal power use, to name a few. - Fast track renewables and energy savings, especially in transport and buildings. Energy
savings, both the reduction in demand and greater efficiency, could bring huge health
benefits and address energy poverty.
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