Why Europe's Coal Regions Face an Air Pollution Crisis

Explore the critical issue of air pollution in Europe's coal+ regions, drawing insights from a European Commission toolkit. Air pollution is considered the world’s most serious environmental health concern, responsible for 8 million fatalities each year and posing a major threat to health, the environment, climate, and the economy. While emissions have decreased in Europe over recent decades due to various EU policies, air pollution continues to pose a major risk, particularly in many regions and cities. Coal+ regions (including peat and oil shale regions) in Europe are notably among those with the highest air pollution levels.