Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/eu-to-reduce-pollutants-by-20-percent-by-2030 Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter EU to reduce pollutants by 20 percent by 2030 Nation Dec 18, 2013 2:00 PM EDT Photo by Flickr user rytc The European Commission laid out plans to reduce pollutants by 20 percent from current levels by 2030, the BBC reports. The Commission says the measures will prevent 58,000 premature deaths a year and save European Union member states 40 billion euros. The planned measures include lowering national emission ceilings for six major pollutants, new restrictions on small energy plant pollutions and new emission ceilings for methane and black carbon. “The actions we are proposing will halve the number of premature deaths from air pollution. It’s also good news for nature and fragile ecosystems.” EU environment commissioner Janez Potocnik to the BBC. More than 400,000 people died in 2010 from air pollution across the EU and 100 million work days are lost every year, according to the Commission. * If you liked this story, you might also like:* Chinese media spins smog as ‘military defense’; citizens not amused New research links autism and air pollution A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now
Photo by Flickr user rytc The European Commission laid out plans to reduce pollutants by 20 percent from current levels by 2030, the BBC reports. The Commission says the measures will prevent 58,000 premature deaths a year and save European Union member states 40 billion euros. The planned measures include lowering national emission ceilings for six major pollutants, new restrictions on small energy plant pollutions and new emission ceilings for methane and black carbon. “The actions we are proposing will halve the number of premature deaths from air pollution. It’s also good news for nature and fragile ecosystems.” EU environment commissioner Janez Potocnik to the BBC. More than 400,000 people died in 2010 from air pollution across the EU and 100 million work days are lost every year, according to the Commission. * If you liked this story, you might also like:* Chinese media spins smog as ‘military defense’; citizens not amused New research links autism and air pollution A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now