Everything You Need to Know About Changes to the Clean Air Directive

There’s one need that unites every human on the planet - the need for clean air. But modern society - with its industrial processes, vehicle emissions and use of potent chemicals - threaten this fundamental need.

Air quality and pollution related medical complaints in the UK are definitely one of the latest ‘hot topics’ for many industry commentators and media as they reflect on the impact such issues are having on the health of the nation. This article, Improving Air Quality and Reducing Transport Related Pollution, looks at this topic further. In fact, poor air quality is the number one cause of premature death in the world. And that’s why the EU’s plans to scrap the clean air directive - a set of measures designed to keep air pollution below harmful levels - caused widespread uproar when they were leaked in December 2014.  

In response to the backlash, the EU has announced it will be keeping the clean air directive, although it will be undergoing some radical changes. So what will be altered? And what will be staying the same? Here’s everything you need to know.

The directive will be ‘repackaged’

Under new plans, the clean air directive will now supplement the 2030 climate and energy targets, as opposed to being stand-alone. Some experts are worried this will dilute the benefits, especially when it comes to our health. But according to the Vice President of the European Commission Frans Timmermans, goals will not be altered. Instead, the methods will be changed, so they are easier to attain over a shorter time scale.

MEPs are unconvinced

Right now, MEPs are not sure about these plans for repackaging the clean air directive. Hesitance comes for in many forms - including disappointment that the EU is seemingly putting ‘politics before health’. There are also worries that climate change targets and financial savings for businesses will not come to fruition.

But not everyone is outraged

Some industries have welcomed the backtrack - including UK manufacturers’ organisation, EEF. They argue that an emphasis on economic rather than environmental concerns is more beneficial for Europe as a whole and the idea of a zero waste ‘circular economy’. While initially opposed to plans for scrapping the directive, the EEF have welcomed the newly revised proposals.

The argument is set to rumble on

As for the future, there is no sign of the argument slowing any time soon. Environmental and health-focused groups including the Green Party and Birdlife Europe are convinced this is a backward step, allowing industry to dominate at the expense of sustainability.

The eventual aim is for the EU to achieve a circular economy - meaning we will scrap the idea of ‘take, make, consume and dispose’, in favour of turning waste into a resource. Recycling and a reduction in harmful gas emissions all have a part to play in this ideal. But these latest alterations to the clean air directive have certainly put some experts in doubt.