Air pollution - Outlook 2020 (Hungary)

Implementation of the measures included in recent air quality action plans will reduce national emissions and decrease the levels of air pollutants in ambient air, so air quality should improve significantly, resulting in the reduction of the impacts on human health and ecosystems. To reduce PM₁₀ concentration in ambient air, regional inspectorates prepared updated air quality plans in 2008. Implementation of the measures prescribed within these should result in compliance with limit values by 2011.

Depending on how – both at national and European level – economic, energy and transport policies develop and to what extent they integrate environmental aspects, the outlook on the future of air quality can vary significantly. Progress in terms of sustainability and energy efficiency can improve it greatly, while the lack of considerable developments can lead to stagnation or can even cause deterioration (in terms of human health, ambient air quality, built environment etc.).

Due to the timescale involved and the pace of change in drivers, pressures and technology, it is difficult to estimate the changes that can be achieved in terms of air pollutant emissions and ambient air quality. Furthermore, not enough is known about synergies and trade-offs in terms of the measures foreseen, especially with regard to those aimed at tackling climate change. How the higher average temperatures foreseen for the future can modify the processes through which air pollutants affect ambient air quality is just one example for a single factor that can determine future effects on human health.