It's time again to gather around an Easter bonfire and welcome spring. But there are apparently also negative consequences of this tradition. The culprit? Besides smoke and soot particles, certainly the fine dust produced by burning - and its effects on the environment and health.
A study shows the extent of the global pollution problem. Only a fraction of the earth's population would live safely from the health effects of air pollutants. It is time for a more decisive climate policy.
Numerous emissions tests have found defects in the diesel particulate filters of many internal combustion vehicles. The Swiss Automobile Association (AGVS) is sounding the alarm: one in five diesel cars could pollute the air more than is permitted under the emission limits.
Grenoble is the first French city to sue the state for inaction on air pollution. Grenoble is demanding the annulment of the Plan for the Protection of the Atmosphere (PPA3) because the limits set are too high. So far, only individuals or associations had sued.
Often, the currently valid pollution limits are complied with in many German cities, but the health hazard is far from being under control. Is it time to introduce new emission-reducing measures, including stricter limits and environmental zones? This is what the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) and Deutsche Umwelthilfe are calling for.
Current measurements in Germany and France show elevated levels of particulate matter. Advance warnings are active in Paris and other French cities and departments. The health risk for the population should not be underestimated.
Worried about a winter with numerous power cuts, the country is preparing a series of austerity and emergency measures. Among them are driving bans for electric cars. Could there also be restrictions on electric mobility in Germany?
Air pollution is still a problem in many cities throughout the world and Europe - with undesirable consequences for the health of citizens and for the environment. In Berlin, too, air pollution is rising and reaching peak levels.
Unusually high temperatures continue to rise across Europe and are also plaguing France. The resulting increased ozone levels and worsened air quality are now prompting cities like Marseille to introduce temporary driving bans.
The north and west of France were hit by high levels of air pollution last week, some of it still coming from the Saharan sands and then changing to high levels of particulate matter. At the weekend, there were driving bans in Lille, Rennes and Paris.
