EU Low Emission Zones Aim to Curb Premature Deaths from Air Pollution

The European Union's low emission zone schemes, funded by EU legislation, are working to improve air quality in cities across Europe, where a staggering 97% of citizens are affected by air pollution. These initiatives come as a response to the 300,000 premature deaths caused by poor air quality annually in the EU.

Why this matters: The success of these low emission zones has far-reaching implications for public health, as it can significantly reduce the number of premature deaths and improve the quality of life for millions of Europeans. Furthermore, it sets a precedent for other regions to follow suit, potentially sparking a global movement towards cleaner air and a healthier environment.

Over 320 low emission zone schemes have been implemented in cities throughout Europe, including in Belgium, the UK, and other member states. The zones are designed to deter the most polluting vehicles, typically older diesel models, from driving on city streets by imposing fines or restrictions.

In Belgium, Antwerp was the first city to establish a low emission zone in 2017, followed by Brussels and Ghent. Mutualités Libres, a Belgian mutual health insurer, has been studying the impact of these zones on air quality and public health. Dr. Luk Bruyneel, a health and economics expert at Mutualités Libres, stated, "As a health insurance fund, we have to protect the health of our members. As air pollution is a major health risk, we want to contribute evidence to the debate."

The insurer used computer modeling to calculate street-by-street air pollution levels, as measuring at each individual's home was not feasible. The study aimed to determine if the three Belgian zones had changed the air quality for Mutualités Libres' 2.3 million members.

Mutualités Libres is now urging politicians to strengthen low emission zones to further improve air quality and protect public health. The insurer is part of a group of 140 health and environment experts calling for additional clean air measures.

The EU's low emission zone schemes are a crucial step towards achieving the EU's zero pollution vision for 2050. TheEuropean Parliamentrecently adopted a revised law to improve air quality, setting stricter limits for several air pollutants by 2030, requiring comparable air quality indices across member states, and granting citizens access to justice and the right to compensation.

As the EU continues to implement and strengthen low emission zones, the impact on air quality and public health will be closely monitored. With 300,000 lives lost prematurely each year due to air pollution, the success of these initiatives is vital to protecting the health and well-being of EU citizens.

Key Takeaways

• EU's low emission zone schemes improve air quality in European cities.
• 97% of EU citizens are affected by air pollution, causing 300,000 premature deaths annually.
• Over 320 low emission zones have been implemented in European cities.
• Strengthening low emission zones can reduce premature deaths and improve public health.
• EU aims to achieve zero pollution by 2050 with stricter air quality limits and citizen protections.