Category Archives: Europe

Diesel vehicles face charges after UK government loses air pollution case

Ministers now bound to implement new measures to cut toxic air quickly after high court ruling that current plans are so poor they are illegal Drivers of polluting diesel vehicles could soon be charged to enter many city centres across … Continue reading

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Madrid poised to restrict cars in city centre amid air pollution fears 

With high nitrogen dioxide levels in Spanish capital, council is on verge of halving number of cars allowed in Madrid’s city council is on the verge of temporarily slashing the number of cars allowed into the city centre by half … Continue reading

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Danish pressure leads to less shipping pollution in Baltic and North Seas

From 2021, ships sailing the North Sea and the Baltic Sea must significantly reduce their nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. Following Danish pressure, the UN’s International Maritime Organisation (IMO) approved the more stringent legislation this week. “Denmark has worked for several … Continue reading

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Air quality worsens in Greece as recession bites

World pollutionwatch The ban on diesel cars in Athens and Thessaloniki has been lifted and the price of heating oil has tripled. Hard-pressed Greeks have turned to burning logs – and other things Greece’s financial recession is leaving its footprint … Continue reading

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Air pollution limits are not strict enough to tackle public health dangers, scientists warn

Breathing in high levels of soot and other tiny particles from fossil fuels may have a similar effect on blood pressure as being overweight Living in the most polluted parts of a city appears to have a similar effect on your blood … Continue reading

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Petrol cars allowed to exceed pollution limits by 50% under draft EU laws 

Car industry successfully lobbied for loopholes to dilute EU laws limiting toxic particulates emissions for new cars, the Guardian has learned New European cars with petrol engines will be allowed to overshoot a limit on toxic particulates emissions by 50% … Continue reading

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Four in 10 UK councils exceed air pollution limits, figures show 

Ministers reveal 169 local authorities breached annual legal limits on nitrogen oxide, linked to lung disease, last year Four in 10 of Britain’s local authorities breached legal air quality limits last year, largely due to heavy road traffic, government records … Continue reading

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London pollution death toll to hit 2,500 

The death toll from tiny particulate pollution in London is on the brink of hitting 2,500 this year, according to new figures. At least four boroughs – Barnet, Bromley, Croydon and Ealing – have seen the deadly impact of long-term … Continue reading

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