Air pollution is the single largest environmental health risk in the EU and causes significant damage to ecosystems. As part of the European Green Deal's zero pollution ambition, on 26 October 2022 the Commission tabled a proposal for a revision of the Ambient Air Quality Directives. The proposed directive would set air quality standards for 2030 that are more closely aligned with the Word Health Organization's recommendations, as updated in 2021. It would also include a mechanism for the standards' regular review based on the latest scientific information. To achieve them on time, the Member States would have to establish air quality plans ahead of 2030.

EPRS Policy Podcast - Revision of EU air quality legislation: Setting a zero pollution objective for air

Single plastics

EE 2019 - 2019 European Elections campaign photo toolkit - Plastic waste

Plastic waste

Belgium countryside river. Water stream meandering through wooded glade.

Plenary Session week 03 2014 - CO2 emissions from new light commercial vehicles

Exhaust pipe, Air pollution, Fine particul pollution, Gas fumes

Pollution, illegal rubbish deposit along the roads

Illustration picture, petrol distribution station

Work for a sustainable future for the environment: disassociate economic growth from the increased use of resources to deal with increases in noise and pollution

Joint debate on air pollution: Measures to combat air pollution from light commercial vehicles, from motor vehicles and Quality of petrol and diesel fuels.

This infoclip illustrates the new rules that provide an updated list of acts related to the environment that qualify as criminal offences at EU level and of the related sanctions, to ensure a more effective enforcement of EU environmental legislation. This item shows extracts from Iaw suits, courts, ecosystems, invasive species, forest fires, environmental pollution, water waste and treatment, ships and gas companies.

Infoclip: Environmental protection through criminal law

The new Euro 7 emission standards will ensure that cars, vans, lorries and buses are much cleaner, in real driving conditions that better reflect the situation in cities where air pollution problems are largest, and for a much longer period than under current rules. It tackles emissions from tailpipes as well as from brakes and tyres. Battery electric vehicles also still cause pollution from brakes and microplastics from tyres. In 2035, Euro 7 will lower total NOx emissions from cars and vans by 35% compared to Euro 6, and by 56% compared to Euro VI from buses and lorries. At the same time, particles from the tailpipe will be lowered by 13% from cars and vans, and 39% from buses and lorries, while particles from the brakes of a car will be lowered by 27%.This infoclip shows cars, vans, lorries and buses in city environments in Granada, Spain and Brussels, Belgium.

Infoclip: Euro 7 regulation for cars, vans, lorries and buses

Climate change and environmental degradation are an existential threat to Europe and the world. Therefore in December 2019 the Commission presented a communication on a European Green Deal that sets out a detailed vision to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, safeguard biodiversity, establish a circular economy and eliminate pollution, while boosting the competitiveness of European industry and ensuring a just transition for the regions and workers affected. This infoclip shows factories and emission of polluting gases, consequences of drought, fires and floods, wind farms and natural ecosystems.

Infoclip: Fight against climate change and Green deal

This infoclip aims to illustrate the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. As part of the 'Fit for 55' package, the proposal intends to ensure that the EU's climate objectives are not undermined by the relocation of carbon-intensive production outside the EU.The EU now seeks to phase out free allocations, and a carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) would be introduced, requiring importers to purchase certificates equivalent to the weekly EU carbon price. The CBAM would initially apply to imports in five emissions-intensive sectors: cement, iron and steel, aluminium, fertilisers, and electricity. The EP rapporteur Mohammed CHAHIM (S&D, NL) would like to extend the mechanism to cover organic chemicals, hydrogen and polymers. The footage shows cement, iron and steel, fertilizers, electricity, organic chemicals, hydrogen, polymers and the European Energy Exchange in Germany.

Infoclip: Fit for 55 – Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)

This stockshot illustrates Airparif association which measures quality of air in Paris and tests it in laboratories. This shooting took place in June, in Paris, France.

Industrial emissions: Air quality/Paris area

Cars, road and city traffic in the centre of Paris and ring road.

Infoclip: Road and city traffic in Paris

This infoclip illustrates a toll system. The electronic toll system aims to eliminate the delay on toll roads by collecting tolls electronically. This system determines whether the cars passing are enrolled in the program, alerts enforcers for those that are not, and electronically debits the accounts of registered car owners without requiring them to stop.

CO2 emissions of cars and vans: Toll system

This infoclip illustrates passenger exhaust systems and emission control measures for the latest European regulations.

Infoclip: CO2 emissions of cars and vans: research and development exhaust systems

The air pollution situation from traffic in Brussels, Belgium. Busy roads in Brussels such as Rue de la Loi, Rue Belliard and others spew out huge and harmful levels of air pollution. Also the traffic tunnels have a huge impact on the poor air quality.

Infoclip: Air pollution

This infoclip illustrates the use of plastic bags by food industry and supermarkets. Various shots of products displayed in the supermarket, fruits and vegetables in plastic bags and plastic carrier bags used by consumers. Outside views with plastic bags thrown away in the nature.

Infoclip: Reducing use of plastic bags

This infoclip illustrates bees, beekeeper at work, beekeeping, field with flowers, shop for honey products, honey

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