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Scientists confirm air pollution is holding back Spanish economy
A recent report has revealed the economic impact of pollution in Spain
The Spanish economy could have grown by up to 5% more than it did between 2014 and 2020 if the air pollution levels had remained beneath the limits recommended by the World Health Organization.
A report entitled ‘Pollution in Spain: Its Impact on the Economy and Health’ and published by EsadeEcPo, revealed that the effect of air pollution in Spain is just below the average of the European Union.
Europe has lost an average of 6% growth in GDP because of air pollution and such countries as Italy have really suffered as a result, having lost 9% of possible economic improvement, according to the report.
The study also highlights that, despite the reductions in pollution in the last decade, Asturias, Catalonia and Andalucía have suffered a greater economic impact than the national average.
The report stresses that improving air quality and achieving WHO targets could unlock all the lost economic potential. Reducing air pollutants’ negative impact from 5% to 2% at a national level could bring about greater prosperity, it highlights.
The recommendations that come as a result of the paper include the gradual elimination of fossil fuel subsidies and a tax system more closely aligned with environmental impact.
Furthermore, it is noted that the most polluting sectors in Spain are waste treatment centres, homes (mainly heating systems) and the industrial sectors. The report concludes by saying that if Spain could improve in these areas they could be a leader within Europe for improving air quality.
Image: Ayuntamiento de Lorca
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