Overview of the legal framework of the Green Deal

EU Action Plan for Pollution-free Air, Water and Soil

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EU Action Plan for Pollution-free Air, Water and Soil

By 2050, global pollution should be so low that it no longer poses a threat to human health and natural ecosystems. Zero pollution refers to air, water and soil. The ‘zero pollutant target’ is being strived for.

Objectives:

Reduction in deaths caused by air pollutants Improving soil quality by reducing the use of pesticides




The following milestones for the reduction of environmental pollution are planned by 2030:
By 2030
Improving air quality: the number of premature deaths caused by pollutants in the air is to be reduced by 55%.
By 2030
Improving water quality: 50% less plastic waste should end up in the sea and 30% less microplastics in the environment.
By 2030
Improving soil quality: nutrient losses and the use of chemical pesticides are to be reduced by 50%.
By 2030
Reducing the proportion of ecosystems in the EU where pollutants in the air jeopardise biodiversity.
By 2030
Reduce the number of people suffering from chronic exposure to traffic noise by 30%.
By 2030
Significant reduction in total waste volume and non-recyclable waste by 50%.



 	
The action plan includes the following key initiatives and measures:

    

        

                

                    

                        Closer alignment of air quality standards
                        with the latest recommendations of the World Health Organisation.
                    

                

            

                

                    

                        Review of water quality standards,
                        including rivers and seas in the EU.
                    

                

            

                

                    

                        Reduction of soil pollution
                        and promotion of restoration.
                    

                

            

                

                    

                        Review a large part of EU waste legislation
                        to incorporate the principles of the clean circular economy into regulations.
                    

                

            

                

                    

                        Promoting zero pollution
                        through production and consumption.
                    

                

            

                

                    

                        Establish a scoreboard of the environmental performance of EU regions
                        to promote the zero-pollution target in all regions.
                    

                

            

                

                    

                        Reduce health inequalities
                        caused by the current disproportionate level of adverse health effects among the most vulnerable groups.
                    

                

            

                

                    

                        Reducing the EU's external environmental footprint
                        by restricting the export of products and waste in third countries that have harmful or toxic effects.
                    

                

            

                

                    

                        Establishment of so-called ‘living labs’
                        for green digital and intelligent zero-pollution solutions.
                    

                

            

                

                    

                        Consolidation of EU knowledge centres
                        for zero pollutant emissions and establishment of a zero pollutant platform for stakeholders.
                    

                

            

                

                    

                        Strengthen enforcement of zero-pollution regulations
                        with environmental and other authorities.
                    

                

            

    








Further information:

[EUR-Lex] EU Action Plan for Pollution-Free Air, Water and Soil