The monitoring and outlook assessment, published jointly by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre and the EEA, serves as regular bi-annual check-up on the progress of Member States in achieving the EU’s zero-pollution targets. The PLAN-B Project and AquaPLAN projects are highlighted as contributing to efforts to mitigate the environmental impacts of light and noise pollution across Europe.
Zero pollution monitoring and outlook 2025
The monitoring and outlook assessment, published jointly by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre and the EEA, serves as regular bi-annual check-up on the progress of Member States in achieving the EU’s zero-pollution targets.
This second edition will also inform future policies designed to support the zero-pollution ambition — to reduce pollution to the extent that it no longer presents a risk to human health and the environment by 2050.
The latest Zero Pollution Monitoring and Outlook assessment, published jointly by the European Commission‘s Joint Research Centre and the EEA, provides a biannual check-up on Member States’ progress towards the EU’s zero-pollution targets.
For the first time, light pollution has been acknowledged within the Zero Pollution Framework and other EU environmental action plans. The report mentions light pollution five times, here’s a brief summary of its key points:
Light Pollution as a Biodiversity Threat: Recognised under the new Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM GBF), the NRR, and the SML.
Dedicated section on light and noise pollution: The report discusses their ecological impacts, focusing on environmental pressure.
A Growing concern: Light pollution is highlighted as an increasing issue caused by human activities.
Lack of specific legislation: While public awareness campaigns are deemed crucial, there is still a significant gap in targeted regulations.
Recognition of key initiatives: The PLAN-B Project and AquaPLAN projects are highlighted as contributing to efforts to mitigate the environmental impacts of light and noise pollution across Europe.
This is an important step towards greater recognition of light pollution within the EU political agenda. However, no specific targets for ALAN reduction have been proposed or adopted. Unlike other pollutants such as noise, the report does not provide clarity on light pollution sources. Additionally, while public awareness is encouraged, concrete measures to reduce ALAN remain both necessary and urgent due to its rapid increase across Europe.
From AquaPLAN and us will continue pushing for stronger EU action.
Take action! Please support the action to reduce light pollution in Europe by filling out this form.
Your input will help demonstrate the growing demand for meaningful measures. I would love to hear your thoughts on the report and the next steps forward!