A new horizon: Better air quality for Europe
EurocitiesFeb 21
EU Countries Clinch Air Pollution Deal
The Facts
The European Parliament, EU Council, and European Commission have secured an agreement to combat air pollution, which is reportedly linked to multiple health problems, including heart attacks and lung cancer.
Dubbed the Ambient Air Quality Directive, the provisional agreement calls for a 50% decrease in fine particulate matter by 2030 and is expected to meet the WHO's global air quality criteria.
The Spin
Narrative A
The EU Ambient Air Quality Directive provides a comprehensive new set of tools to achieve a toxin-free environment by 2050. This advancement has the potential to save and enhance the well-being of countless individuals. Though the initial goal is aimed at 2030, it offers a roadmap for countries to achieve the WHO air quality standards, possibly within a decade later.
Narrative B
While this is a positive step, the inclusion of an option for member states to apply for an extension is unfortunate. Air doesn't recognize borders, and countries needing help to comply with existing air pollution laws may face even greater challenges in reaching the goal of zero pollution by 2050. Numerous lives will be lost if countries begin to say they can't afford to make the necessary changes.
Nerd narrative
There's a 3% chance that US greenhouse gas emissions will be halved by 2030, according to the Metaculus prediction community.