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Urban air quality and indoor air pollution:
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A significant proportion of Europe’s population live in
areas, especially cities, in which ozone, nitrogen dioxide
and other pollutants are higher than the recommended
standards.
Air pollutants released in one country may be transported
in the atmosphere.
It damages our environment and our health
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Health problems:
Heart diseases, respiratory
diseases, lung cancer, skin
cancer…
It can reduce life expectancy of
the average city dweller by 8
months in Europe, or up to 2
years in some areas (Study of
the EEA).
• LUNG CANCER
• ASTHMA
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Climate changes: floods, droughts…
Other problems:
Causes acid rain, damages forests, acidifies soils and
waters, reduces crop yields and corrodes buildings.
ENDESA
29,6 million tons
39,8 million tons
UNIÓN FENOSA
REPSOL
12 million tons
8,8 million tons
9,8 million tons
IBERDROLA
OTHERS
Only a few energy, oil, steel and cement companies are
responsible for a significant part of CO2 emissions in
Spain and account for 65% of these emissions.
[]CO2 emission [1990-2009]. Index with regard to the year bases= 100
[]Index –UE[15]
[]Objective Kioto-UE(2012)
[]Objective Kioto-Spain(2012)
1%
3%
other
15%
electricity
17%
transport to road
aeroplanes
2%
waste
24%
11%
agriculture
cement
4%
1%
industry
22%
oil refinery
marine transport
Comparison of pollution
in Europe
Average annual
nitrogen dioxide
in micrograms
per m3
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Use more renewable sources of energy (solar,
wind, water, tidal energy..)
Make greater use of public or collective
transport.
Try not to buy items that are not biodegradable.
Recycle waste.
Not throwing rubbish in the street.
Try to avoid using insecticides.
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Care for forests, not causing fires or destroy
green areas in cities.
Propose measures to improve public
transport.
Avoid burning trash and tires.
Avoidance of smoking.
Reduce consumption of electricity, which will
contribute to reduce the emission of
contaminants and particles.
Apply the 3 Rs rule : Reduce, Reuse and
Recycle.