New Year's 2017 was a dirty night in Germany, with particulate air pollution levels reaching 26 times the EU-recommended allowed levels in Munich. This air pollution spike was caused by excessive fireworks displays, blasting soot and smoke into the environment.
High particulate matter in the air causes respiratory illness. Levels like that of Munich this New Year's are equivalent to 15% of all annual pollutants from driving cars in the country. This, of course, is completely preventable and the EU already has limitations on particulate pollution in place.
However, there is a clause that allows for overages on special occasions such as large celebrations. Other countries, such as India and Australia, have already started to tackle the fireworks pollution problem by restricting public sale of fireworks, limiting the amount of public fireworks displays or even, in Delhi, banning fireworks completely.
The EU needs to take action. Sign today to urge the EU to adopt preventative measures such as limiting public sale of fireworks and public fireworks displays. By signing today you are stating that human and environmental health is more important than a few fireworks.
To Donald Tusk,
As someone who is concerned about the environment and human health I am deeply worried about the recent spike in particulate pollution in Germany over New Year's from fireworks, in some places, such as Munich going over as much as 26 times the EU-recommended allowable particulate pollution.
This pollution is completely preventable. Other countries, such as India and Australia, have already taken action to prevent such excessive pollution.
I urge you to adopt measures to ensure that all EU countries are keeping particulate matter below EU-recommended allowances by limiting public access to fireworks and by limiting municipal displays of fireworks.
The amount of particulate pollution is a public health hazard and an environmental concern. I urge you to enforce your recommendations as law to ensure the health and safety of the human and non-human populations.
[Your Comment Here]
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
