Towards zero pollution in European cities

On 12 May 2021, the European Commission has published its Zero Pollution Action Plan. The plan includes a zero-pollution vision for 2050 for air, water and soil pollution to be reduced to levels no longer considered harmful to health and natural ecosystems, that respect the boundaries our planet can cope with, thus creating a toxic-free environment.

Cities and regions are at the forefront of implementing pollution-relevant laws, policies and programmes. Many cities are already taking ambitious action but still struggle to address pollution sufficiently. The Commission will continue to encourage, motivate and work with cities, under the recent Green City Accord, in particular, so that they commit to step up their local action on air, noise, water, nature and biodiversity, the circular economy and waste. Furthermore, the Commission will, in synergy with initiatives like the Covenant of Mayors identify key urban greening and innovation needs to prevent pollution.

This webinar will start with a quick introduction to the Covenant of Mayors and the Green City Accord to set the scene and update participants on the latest news.

It will continue with an introduction of the policy context by DG Environment, presenting the main features of the Zero Pollution Action Plan and how cities can contribute to its implementation through local measures.

Three cities – Munich, Lille Metropole and Turku – that have signed up to the Covenant of Mayors and the Green City Accord will share what it means for them to transition to a climate neutral and pollution-free city.