On 12 May 2021, the European Commission adopted the EU Action Plan: “Towards a Zero Pollution for Air, Water and Soil”(and annexes) – a key deliverable of the European Green Deal.

 

Pollution harms our health and our environment. It is the largest environmental cause of multiple mental and physical diseases and of premature deaths, especially among children, people with certain medical conditions and the elderly.

 

In addition to affecting people’s health, pollution is one of the main reasons for the loss of biodiversity. It reduces the ability of ecosystems to provide services such as carbon sequestration and decontamination.

 

The public health, environmental, moral and socio-economic case for the EU to lead the global fight against pollution is today stronger than ever.

 

Photo: European Commission