For many years, the Nordic cooperation has contributed to the Nordic countries' pressing work under the UNECE Air Convention, as well as within the EU and nationally to continue reducing emissions of air pollutants harmful to the environment and health. Despite significant reductions in air pollution in recent decades, substantial challenges remain. Many people in the Nordics experience illness and die prematurely due to air pollution, and ecosystems continue to suffer from adverse effects.
Measures to abate climate change and reduce air pollution often go hand in hand. Air pollutants and greenhouse gases frequently originate from the same sources, sharing common causes and consequently common solutions, which are often linked to the combustion of fossil fuels and agricultural activities. However, there are some solutions that rather induce trade-offs, and it is important that these become known and avoided. Therefore, the Nordic countries should continue to contribute to promote synergies through increased integrated work in the air pollution and climate change areas.
As net importers of air pollution, the Nordic countries are dependent on international agreements that accelerate emission reductions in surrounding countries. By producing and contributing information, scientific data and strategic policy inputs to the international air pollution work, the Nordic countries can continue to influence the priorities and ambition levels of international agreements, leading to direct air quality benefits in the Nordic countries.
The NKL would like to thank warmly Christer Ågren and Stefan Åström for their valuable contribution as well as all the workshop participants for their active contributions and fruitful discussions.
Katja Asmussen
Co-Chair of the Nordic Working Group for Climate and Air (NKL)