Urban air cleaner, but noise problem remains – European Court of Auditors report
On 9-13 October 2023, Poland was among three European Union countries covered by an audit by the European Court of Auditors (ECA) on urban air quality and noise. Krakow, together with Barcelona and Athens, was subjected to a detailed analysis. The purpose of the audit was to check the effectiveness of measures taken by Member States in implementing EU environmental policy, particularly in the context of air pollution and traffic noise, which have a significant impact on the health of residents and quality of life.
Action plan for improving air quality
One of the key elements of the European Union’s strategy to improve air quality is the European Green Deal. In 2021, ambitious targets were set for 2030, including a 55% reduction in the health impacts of air pollution, a 25% reduction in threats to biodiversity and a 30% reduction in the number of people exposed to traffic noise.
Results of the audit of the European Court of Auditors
1. Improving urban air quality
In recent years, exceedances of standards for pollutants such as PM2.5 and NO2 have been regularly recorded in many EU cities, including Krakow. The municipal authorities implemented air protection plans, which were updated on an ongoing basis. As a result of the measures taken, Krakow has seen a significant improvement in air quality, with particulate levels falling significantly in 2022, which can be considered a success in the fight against smog.
In Barcelona, air protection plans were developed in 2007 and 2014, but the city has still not implemented the new strategy, raising questions about the effectiveness of future measures. Athens, on the other hand, has still not developed a comprehensive air protection plan despite years of exceedances of the standards, which hinders further progress in this area.
2. Traffic noise – a problem still unresolved
Noise, which is as serious a threat as air pollution, continues to be a significant problem in many cities in the European Union. The Environmental Noise Directive obliges Member States to draw up strategic noise maps. In Krakow, as many as 30% of residents are exposed to levels exceeding EU standards. Although the city authorities have drawn up the required noise maps, the problem remains unresolved.
The situation is even more serious in Barcelona and Athens, where 66% and 98% of residents respectively suffer from excessive noise. The results of the audit show the need to step up action in this area.
3. The need for further environmental action
The report of the European Court of Auditors points to the need to strengthen and better coordinate action at local and national level to meet EU air quality and noise reduction standards.
In particular, efforts to reduce emissions from the transport and energy sectors should continue in Krakow and other cities.
4. Challenges to achieving the objectives of the European Green Deal
Although progress is being made in Krakow, full implementation of the European Green Deal objectives requires further investment in renewable energy sources, public transport development and green infrastructure.
Summary
A report by the European Court of Auditors confirms that measures to improve air quality are having a positive effect, but that the problem of urban noise still requires effective solutions. Krakow, like other metropolises, is implementing a strategy to improve air quality, but faces the challenge of reducing traffic noise. The European Union has set ambitious environmental goals, the achievement of which will require further efforts and intensified action for a cleaner and quieter city.
You can read the full report here.
