Naples and Palermo Face EU Infringement Over Persistent Air Pollution
The European Commission has initiated an infringement procedure against Italy for failing to comply with the Ambient Air Quality Directive. The action stems from consistently high levels of air pollution in Naples and Palermo, which have “for several years” exceeded not only particulate matter limits but, more critically, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) thresholds. Naples leads Italian metropolitan areas in NO2 exceedances with 180 violations, followed by Palermo with 147, according to data from Arpa Campania re-elaborated by Isde in November.
Local administrations’ efforts, primarily focused on restricting vehicular traffic for specific categories of vehicles, have been deemed “inadequate” by the Commission. These measures, Brussels argues, do not guarantee a timely resolution to the health risks posed by the pollution.
Italy Given Two Months to Respond
The Italian government has been granted a two-month period to address the concerns raised by Brussels. Should a “satisfactory” response not be provided, the Commission may proceed with the infringement process. The directive mandates member states to adhere to limit values for various atmospheric pollutants and to implement air quality plans when NO2 concentrations surpass these limits.
Environmental Doctors Highlight Health Risks
The exceptional NO2 levels in Naples were recently underscored by environmental doctors from Isde’s provincial district. They extensively discussed the health consequences of these pollutants, urging authorities to advance projects for electrified docks at the Port of Naples, funded by the Pnrr, and to consider the partial relocation of airport traffic to Salerno airport where feasible.
Legambiente Calls for Coordinated Strategy
Mariateresa Imparato, president of Legambiente Campania, commented on the situation: “The fact that a coastal city like Naples has recorded exceedances of atmospheric pollutant concentration limits, particularly nitrogen dioxide, speaks volumes.” She emphasized the need for a coordinated strategy involving structural and sustainable interventions to combat emissions from various primary sources. Imparato stressed that rather than temporary measures like traffic restrictions, an integrated plan for sustainable mobility and efficient public transport is essential to address the critical health implications and avoid the “axe of the infringement procedure.”
The smoke from ships at the Port of Naples, which use polluting fuels, has been identified as a significant contributor to the problem.
Naples Municipality’s Response
Vincenzo Santagada, Naples’ Councillor for the Environment, acknowledged the notification of the infringement procedure with “due attention.” He stated that the Municipality has already implemented a series of measures to reverse the trend and meet European parameters. These include investments to increase the frequency of buses, metros, and funiculars, promoting the use of electric and low-emission vehicles. Additionally, a plan for urban reforestation is underway-though urban green spaces in Naples are in such critical condition that the mayor had previously considered entrusting communal parks to private entities. The city also plans to expand Limited Traffic Zones (ZTLs) and create new pedestrian areas, alongside partial traffic restrictions for certain vehicle types.
Overtourism and Air Quality
Environmental doctors from Isde (Medici dell’Ambiente) have also linked the air quality issues in Naples to “overtourism,” suggesting that the high volume of visitors contributes to the city’s pollution challenges.
