Text written in Basque and translated automatically by Elia without any subsequent editing. SEE ORIGINAL

European climate policies do not prevent deaths from air pollution

These are the findings of a study conducted by BC3 researchers. While plans are underway to mitigate climate change and defossilize countries, air pollution continues to pose a threat to Europe’s public health.

Aitziber Agirre Ruiz de Arkaute

in 2022, 239,000 citizens died prematurely from air pollution. measures were agreed to reduce pollution and its effects by 2030, but BC3 researchers say that with current policies, 153,000 people will still die by 2030.

The most responsible are the particles called PM2.5. They are very fine particles, 2.5 microns, which are continuously thrown into the atmosphere by cars in the combustion of fuel and by the wear and tear of the wheels. Being microscopic, in the respiratory tract they reach the alveoli, the deep structures of the lungs, from where they enter directly into the blood. This is the main cause of damage caused by PM2.5 particles.

Is the energy transition being fair?

The energy transition cannot be done in any way, and in addition to being fast, it must be fair, according to the researchers. A comparison of the health burdens currently being borne by several European countries as a result of air pollution shows that there are significant differences between countries. It is precisely the Balkan countries that are suffering the most serious consequences in Europe.

In addition, households with the most difficult economic conditions experience the most difficult health situations associated with air pollution. The researchers, seeing the effects of different energy transition rates, stress the need to analyze the policies of countries with a social magnifying glass.