National Emission Reduction Programme approved

The Government at its session on Thursday approved the National Emission Reduction Programme which is expected to contribute to improving air quality and reducing emissions. The target for 2030 is to reduce sulphur dioxide emissions by 82 percent, nitrogen oxides by 50 percent, non-methane volatile organic compounds by 32 percent, ammonia by 30 percent and dust particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers by 49 percent compared to 2005. "Reducing emissions of these substances aims to reduce the health consequences of polluted air by 50 percent by 2030," reads the paper. With the programme, Slovakia should thus approach the achievement of a level of air quality that does not have a negative impact on human health and the environment and does not pose a risk to them. According to the Environment Ministry, the overall reduction of the emission burden and the improvement of air quality will have a positive impact on biodiversity.