Within the framework of the European Union programme Clean Air for Europe (CAFE) the European Commission calls on the people of all Member States to express their opinion on the quality of ambient air in their home country. The Internet-based survey lasts until 31 January and the questionnaire in Estonian is available on the homepage of the Ministry of the Environment at www.envir.ee. The negative impact of chemical and physical factors causing ambient air pollution is manifested in health deterioration, decrease in plant productivity, depletion of the ozone layer, acid rain and climate change. Since ambient air pollution and its impacts are problems beyond state borders, it is necessary to have common rules for decreasing the level of ambient air pollution and improving the quality of ambient air in different countries. At the level of the European Union, activities in this field are directed and coordinated by the European Commission. By filling in the questionnaire, the people of Estonia are invited to participate in preparing the strategy for improving the quality of ambient air in the entire European Union. The strategy will establish long-term objectives, tasks and obligations for ambient air protection in the European Union until 2020. The strategy prepared by the European Commission encompasses areas having considerable impact on the quality of ambient air such as traffic, energy consumption and the prices of related products and services. At the same time, the survey is expected to provide information for preparing future action plans. The questionnaire consists of 16 questions. Respondents can remain anonymous, but organisations that have filled in the questionnaire and wish to disclose their name may freely do so. The results of the survey will be published in March this year. The aim of the Clean Air for Europe programme launched by the European Commission is to shape the European Union ambient air protection policy in agreement and in cooperation with all Member States and relevant organisations. Estonia is represented in CAFE by the Ministry of the Environment. The opinion of the people of Member States is considered in preparing the CAFE strategy and other action plans of the European Commission for monitoring and improving the quality of ambient air. That is why the Estonian people are invited to respond to the Interned-based questionnaire on ambient air quality (www.envir.ee). Further information: Monika Kopti |
