Ports are a vital part of Europe’s economy – but they are also air pollution hotspots, which have detrimental effects on the health of local communities and the environment. Opportunity Green’s Legal Officer Dominika Leitane explains why port pollution isn’t only a concern for health and the environment, but also a growing issue for human rights law.
Studies show that air pollution from port activities results in adverse health impacts and premature deaths, contributes significantly to climate change, and detrimentally impacts the marine environment. Evidence across Europe points to air pollution in ports being a systemic issue, and early warning signs are emerging regarding the inability of the industry to meet legal air pollution limits.