‘We must consume better, differently, and less’: EU pollution check-up exposes waste problem

While the internet was abuzz with the Oscars, a very different set of results was unveiled in Brussels this morning: the runners and riders in Europe’s race to zero pollution.

Of course, given the seamless nature of our seas, rivers, air and soil, pollution is an arena in which countries win or lose together. But the EU’s second Zero Pollution Monitoring and Outlook report reveals which nations are making the most progress towards Europe’s 2030 targets.

Sweden’s northernmost region of Övre Norrland, for example, is one of the continent’s cleanest places. While Portugal’s southernmost Algarve region has achieved the highest reduction in air pollution in recent years.

Overall, the biannual report from the European Commission and European Environment Agency reveals mixed progress across the EU’s six zero pollution targets, which include air pollution, noise, pesticides, plastics, and household waste. 

Ultimately, the experts urge, “much stronger action is necessary” if the EU is to achieve its 2030 pollution reduction targets, saving lives and ecosystems in the process.

How is air and plastic pollution clearing up in Europe?

The Commission also published its fourth Clean Air Outlook report today (3 March), which makes for some encouraging reading.

Air quality has improved across Europe, according to the reports, thanks to regulatory developments and emissions reductions. As a result, the EU is on track to exceed its target of cutting premature deaths from air pollution by more than 55 per cent by 2030.

Early deaths in the EU-27 dropped from up to one million annually in the early 1990s to slightly under 240,000 in 2022. The reports show that  97 per cent of EU regions have improved their air quality since 2016.

But “much work remains” cautions Jessika Roswall, commissioner for environment, water resilience and a competitive circular economy. Many Europeans still live in areas where air pollution exceeds WHO safety levels.

The report also reveals another win: the EU is on track to halve the use and risk of chemical pesticides by 2030, partly thanks to more sustainable agricultural practices. 

The use of more hazardous chemical pesticides and the sale of antimicrobials for farmed animals and in aquaculture are both on track to be successfully halved by 2030.

Plastic litter at sea is also set to reduce by 50 per cent. The report calls the reduction of single-use plastic items “a success story” of regulatory requirements and demand shift, due to increased public awareness on the enduring dangers of plastics. 

How is pollution increasing in Europe?

When it comes to microplastics, the EU has seen an increase of around 8 per cent in this form of pervasive pollution since 2016. Even if a regulation to prevent plastic pellet loss is adopted, the bloc is only on course to cut microplastic pollution by 7 per cent by 2030, well short of its 30 per cent goal.

The EU is also set to miss its target to reduce the number of people ‘highly annoyed’ by transportation noise by 30 per cent. That is concerning from a health point of view, as chronic exposure, particularly at night, can result in hypertension, heart disease, and strokes.

“Our zero-pollution review shows more action is urgently needed in key areas to reduce nutrient losses and impacts on the environment, reduce the health impacts of noise and reduce plastic pollution,” says European Environmental Agency executive director, Leena Ylä-Mononen.

It’s a similar story for municipal waste, which Europe is unlikely to halve in time for 2030. 

“Action to curb consumption and to reduce waste – which are the ultimate drivers of environmental pressures – and to promote a circular economy are crucial if we are to make progress towards our goals,” adds Ylä-Mononen.

“The EU must shift to consumption patterns that deliver more value for citizens while reducing consumption in areas driving the greatest environmental harm: in other words, we must consume better, differently, and less.”

Where are the cleanest places in Europe?

A new zero pollution dashboard shows the European regions leading by example. 

As well as the Algarve in Portugal, Luxembourg is also making good progress on air pollution.

In terms of the lowest exposure to excessive noise, the cities of Berlin, Helsinki, and Madrid have emerged as the leading capital regions.

Based on a combination of indicators, 15 regions in five countries have achieved a low level of overall pollution compared to the EU averages. For the period 2020-2022, the cleanest regions are: 

• Sweden: Övre Norrland, Norra Mellansverige, Östra Mellansverige, Småland med öarna, Västsverige
• France: Limousin, Aquitaine, Franche-Comté; Languedoc-Roussillon
• Austria: Tirol, Kärnten, Vorarlberg, Salzburg
• Finland: Länsi-Suomi 
• Germany: Gießen