PM10 trend constantly decreasing, the focus is on innovation and research.
Air quality in Lombardy, councilor Maione: “In 2024 we will invest resources for 54 million”
A series of calls from 54 million euros, a scientific consultation table with sector experts and regulatory adaptation. The Lombardy Region has convened the regional table on air quality to illustrate to municipalities and trade associations the environmental interventions implemented in 2024.
Maione: “We focus on innovation and collaboration with the scientific world”
“We are firmly focusing on innovation and the relationship with the scientific world – he highlighted Giorgio Maione, Councilor for the Environment and Climate of the Lombardy Region at the opening of the meeting – there is great collaboration with institutional bodies and the economic world. The air quality in Lombardy is constantly improving. However, it is necessary to continue investing and involving citizens and businesses in the process of change that is underway.”
The trend of PM10
After the year 2023, the best ever since air quality measures began, the first half of 2024 was characterized by multiple episodes of atmospheric stability. All with the repeated exceeding of the daily PM10 thresholds. The situation, however, is similar to what happened in previous years. The trends for this pollutant, if evaluated on a multi-year basis, continue to decrease.
Lombardy’s per capita emissions are one third compared to the European average
“There are – added Maione – problems of increased concentrations of pollutants in certain periods of the year. This occurs especially in winter, when frequent thermal inversion conditions transform the Po Valley into a sort of closed container. However, Lombardy’s per capita emissions are one third compared to the European average. We want to continue to improve.”
Four important calls for 2024
For 2024 the Lombardy Region plans four important measures on the topic. 6 million will be available for the replacement of polluting vehicles of SMEs (call open on 14 May), 23 million for the renewal of polluting heating systems (call within a month). Furthermore, two tenders on ‘green roads’ aimed at municipalities (10 million) and on the storage and distribution techniques of livestock waste (15 million) are currently being definitively approved by the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security.
Scientific consultation table
In April, a scientific consultation table was also set up composed of experts from the academic world with functions, free of charge, of supporting the development of the proposal for new regional planning for the improvement of air quality.
