Everyone deserves the right to breathe clean air.
Air pollution remains one of the biggest environmental threats to health in Europe, contributing to hundreds of thousands of premature deaths each year. People living with lung conditions are especially vulnerable to its effects.
This advocacy pack contains information and resources to help you raise awareness and support action on clean air.
Content Table
Air pollution remains one of the greatest environmental threats to health in Europe and worldwide. Every year, hundreds of thousands of premature deaths in Europe are linked to poor air quality, while millions more people live with the daily impacts of polluted air on their health and wellbeing.
People living with lung conditions are particularly vulnerable to air pollution. Exposure to pollutants can worsen symptoms, increase flare-ups, reduce quality of life and lead to hospital admissions. Children, older people and people living in lower-income communities are also disproportionately affected.
In 2024, the European Parliament and the European Council agreed on a revised Ambient Air Quality Directive (AAQD), an important step forward in strengthening air quality standards across Europe. While the revised standards do not yet fully align with the World Health Organization (WHO) Air Quality Guidelines, the Directive represents significant progress towards reducing exposure to harmful pollution and improving public health.
However, passing legislation is only one step. Continued political leadership, investment and implementation are essential to ensure that cleaner air becomes a reality for everyone.
The revised Directive aims to:
The Directive is part of the EU’s wider ambition to achieve zero pollution by 2050.
You can help advocate for cleaner air by contacting your local, national or European representatives.
We have prepared a template letter calling for stronger investment and action on clean air policies across Europe.
Help spread the message that everyone deserves the right to breathe clean air.
Use the hashtag: #BreatheCleanAir
You can download our social media resources below.
