Kiera Jefferson
Europe has a long history of industrial pollution, dating back to the 18th century. The adoption of coal and industrialization in European cities led to increased air pollution, with dense smoke from coal containing harmful substances like sulfur, hydrocarbons, and heavy metals. This was further exacerbated by the emergence of the gas lighting industry in the 19th century. As a result, cities like London experienced episodes of smog and high levels of fine particulate matter, which had detrimental effects on human health and the environment. In recent decades, Europe has made significant progress in reducing pollution through legislation and cleaner industrial practices. However, air pollution remains a critical issue, with hundreds of thousands of premature deaths attributed to exposure to fine particulate matter, and agriculture and energy consumption being the biggest sources of air pollutants.
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What You'll Learn
The EU's zero-pollution vision for 2050
The industrialization of Europe, which began in the late eighteenth century, has been the source of modern pollution. As cities became more populated towards the end of the nineteenth century, European cities experienced a new kind of pollution: waste from industries and factories. Air pollution from automobiles, industrial processes, and the burning of coal in factories and homes has also been a serious problem. In the nineteenth century, episodes of "smog" (a combination of smoke and fog) in cities caused many deaths.
In recent decades, legislation has helped reduce the amount of pollution released into nature in Europe. Europe's industry is becoming cleaner, with fewer emissions into the air and water. A wider adoption of electric cars and more extensive public transportation systems contribute to cleaner air, especially in cities. Advanced wastewater treatment covers more and more communities, and agricultural practices are focusing on minimizing the risk of contaminating water and soil.
The EU's zero-pollution vision includes reducing air pollution, improving water quality by reducing waste and plastic litter at sea, and minimizing the release of microplastics into the environment. The vision also includes reducing environmental noise pollution, promoting sustainable soil and land use, and protecting Europe's coasts, seas, and oceans. The EU is also taking action to ensure chemicals are safe for health and the environment and to transition to a circular economy with less waste.
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Air pollution from automobiles and industrial processes
Europe was the cradle of modern industrial pollution, with the current model for pollution growing out of European industrialization in the late eighteenth century. The adoption of coal on the continent after 1800, coupled with the industrialization of cities, led to high levels of smoke saturation in British cities, with fine particle levels in London as high as those in contemporary Asian cities. The birth of the gas lighting industry in 1815 further exacerbated this issue, as gas lighting became the primary method of lighting in European cities before electricity. The smoke from coal was dense and high in sulfur, hydrocarbons, bitumen, and heavy metals, in addition to CO2, which we now know to be a disruptive greenhouse gas.
The onset of industrialization in Europe in the nineteenth century brought about a new kind of pollution: waste from industries and factories. The burning of coal in factories and homes, coupled with automobile emissions, has also been a significant contributor to air pollution. In the nineteenth century, episodes of "smog" (a combination of smoke and fog) in cities like New York and London resulted in numerous deaths. This trend continued through the middle of the twentieth century, with severe air pollution in Donora, Pennsylvania in 1948 leading to the asphyxiation of 20 people and serious illness in over 7,000 individuals.
In recent decades, Europe has made significant progress in reducing pollutant emissions, with the number of Europeans dying prematurely due to poor air quality less than half of what it was in the early 1990s. This is largely due to the implementation of targeted policies and measures, such as the EU's Ambient Air Quality Directives, which set standards for 12 air pollutants and outline methods for monitoring and addressing air quality. Europe's industry is becoming cleaner, with agricultural practices focusing on minimizing the use of fertilizers and pesticides to reduce water and soil contamination. The uptake of electric cars and more extensive public transport systems has also contributed to cleaner air in cities.
However, challenges remain, as the European Commission's recent update to emissions standards has been criticized as lax and ineffective. The new standards, called Euro 7, aim to reduce nitrous oxide emissions by 35% in cars and vans and by 56% in buses and lorries. While this is a step in the right direction, some argue that the Commission has bowed to the demands of the automobile industry, as the standards do little to address emissions from petrol and diesel vehicles. Furthermore, while road transport emissions have decreased, emissions from the aviation and maritime sectors have increased for some pollutants. The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily reduced transport volumes and led to a decrease in emissions, but an upturn in pollution from transportation is already visible for 2021 and 2022.
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Water pollution from agriculture and industry
Europe was the cradle of modern industrial pollution, with the current model for pollution emerging from European industrialization in the late eighteenth century. As cities became more populated towards the end of the nineteenth century, European cities experienced a new kind of pollution: waste from industries and factories. The burning of coal in factories and homes, as well as air pollution from automobiles and industrial processes, also contributed to the problem.
In recent decades, legislation has helped to significantly reduce the amount of pollution released into the natural environment in Europe. Europe's industry is becoming cleaner, with fewer emissions to air and water. Advanced wastewater treatment now covers more communities, and agricultural practices are focusing on fertiliser and pesticide use to minimise the risk of contaminating water and soil.
However, Europe's water bodies continue to be impacted by contamination. According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), Europe is not on track to meet its targets to improve the health of its waters under EU rules. The EEA's report shows that Europe's waters and aquatic ecosystems are still severely impacted by chemicals, air pollution from coal-powered energy generation, and diffuse pollution by nutrients and pesticides from agriculture.
Agriculture is the most significant pressure impacting both surface and groundwater, and is by far the highest net water consumer in Europe. Nitrates from livestock manure and mineral fertilisers have been a major source of water pollution in Europe, causing eutrophication and disrupting aquatic ecosystems. Other agricultural pollutants include veterinary medicines (antibiotics, vaccines, and growth promoters), which move from farms through water to ecosystems and drinking water sources.
To address water pollution from agriculture and industry, the EU has implemented various directives and strategies. The Water Framework Directive sets rules to halt the deterioration of EU water bodies and achieve good status for Europe's rivers, lakes, and groundwater. The Nitrates Directive promotes good agricultural practices to reduce water pollution, and the Farm to Fork Strategy aims to make food systems fair, healthy, and environmentally friendly.
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The impact of pollution on human health
The adoption of coal and industrialization in the 19th century extended pollution to the largest European cities. The gas lighting industry, steam engines, and the birth of factories all contributed to this phenomenon. Corrosive gases from factories harmed the health of inhabitants and destroyed vegetation. Sulfuric acid production, for instance, devastated fields and was Europe's most devastating source of environmental pollution until the 1880s.
In recent decades, legislation has helped reduce pollutants released into nature. The EU has adopted strict policies on air quality, setting standards for 12 air pollutants. The Clean Air Act of 1990 addressed acid rain and ozone depletion, and the EU's Zero-Pollution Action Plan aims for concrete reductions by 2030. Despite improvements, air pollution remains a significant health risk in Europe, with vulnerable populations being more susceptible to its impacts. Lower socio-economic groups, older people, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution.
Water bodies in Europe continue to be impacted by contamination, with pollutants like mercury and microplastics accumulating. However, agricultural practices are now focusing on minimizing the risk of water and soil contamination through the controlled use of fertilizers and pesticides. The EU's Water Framework Directive aims to halt the deterioration of water bodies and achieve good status for Europe's rivers, lakes, and groundwater.
Overall, pollution has had a significant impact on human health in Europe, with air and water pollution being the most prominent forms. While progress has been made in reducing pollutants, the health of vulnerable populations, especially in urban areas, remains at risk, and continued efforts are needed to achieve the EU's zero-pollution goals.
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The EU's policies and directives to reduce pollution
The European Union (EU) Environmental Policy was initiated in 1973 with the "Environmental Action Programme". The EU has since put in place a broad range of environmental legislation, and by 2015, the body of EU environmental law was estimated to amount to 500+ directives, regulations, and decisions.
The EU's Ambient Air Quality Directives set air quality standards for 12 air pollutants. These directives also outline common methods to monitor, assess, and inform the public on ambient air quality in the EU. The EU has also implemented the Water Framework Directive, which sets rules to halt the deterioration of water bodies and achieve good status for Europe's rivers, lakes, and groundwater. The EU has also adopted the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, which aims to protect citizens and the environment from harmful chemicals and boost innovation by promoting safer and more sustainable chemicals.
The EU's Zero-Pollution Action Plan translates the EU's zero-pollution ambition into concrete policy targets. The plan includes initiatives to increase and better manage the capacity of railways and inland waterways, as well as proposals for more stringent air pollutant emissions standards for combustion-engine vehicles. The EU has also proposed a Just Transition Mechanism, including a Just Transition Fund and a Sustainable Europe Investment Plan.
The EU has also implemented the Farm to Fork Strategy, which aims to make food systems fair, healthy, and environmentally friendly. This strategy includes measures to significantly reduce the use and risk of chemical pesticides and antibiotics. The NEC Directive 2016/2284/EU includes a set of measures to reduce emissions from agriculture. The EU has also implemented the Circular Economy Action Plan, which aims to transition the European economy from a linear to a circular model with less waste.
Overall, the EU has taken significant action to reduce pollution and protect the health and well-being of Europeans, as well as the environment.
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Frequently asked questions
Hundreds of thousands of people die prematurely in Europe every year due to air pollution. Exposure to fine particulate matter, ozone and nitrogen dioxide above the recommended levels causes an estimated 239,000, 70,000 and 48,000 premature deaths, respectively. Air pollution can lead to respiratory diseases, including asthma, and lung cancer and strokes.
Energy consumption and agriculture are the biggest sources of air pollution in Europe. The agricultural sector is responsible for 90% of Europe's ammonia emissions and almost 20% of emissions of non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs). Domestic heating is also a significant source of air pollution.
The EU has a zero-pollution vision for 2050 and is working on a new set of rules to enable this ambition. The EU’s Ambient Air Quality Directives set air quality standards for 12 air pollutants and outline methods to monitor, assess and inform the public on ambient air quality in the EU. The Circular Economy Action Plan aims to transition the European economy from a linear to a circular model with less waste.
