Air quality has been a problem since the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century. Years ago, big cities like London used to suffer badly from smog (a mix of smoke and fog). Today, smog does not poison our cities and towns as much as it did then, so there has been some progress in controlling air pollution. However, acid rain still damages forests and wildlife, and there are growing concerns about the effect of air pollutants on our health.
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| Find out what the European Union has done, and is doing now, to improve air quality in our cities and to combat climate change. | What can YOU do to help improve air quality in cities and combat climate change? |
Everyday, tiny dust particles, chemicals and heavy metals are released into the air from factories, farming activities and transport.
Some of the pollutants in the air are dissolved in water vapour and form acid rain, which harms the environment. Others may simply remain in the air and damage our health.
Measures to counteract poor air quality include setting targets for reducing pollutants, and research into renewable energy and technological solutions.
A new publication by the Environment DG on child mobility A handbook for local authorities and schools
