The European Union’s revised NEC directive (2016/2284) lays down the obligation to prepare a National Air Pollution Control Programme (NAPCP) for member states. The NAPCP comprises the actions for realizing the emission reduction commitments laid down in the directive for emissions of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, fine particulate matter and ammonia. The NAPCP includes a description of the current state of Finland’s air pollution control (emissions, air quality, effects) and an estimate on the amount of pollution, the effects caused by it and what measures must be implemented by 2030.

The calculations made by the Finnish Environmental Institute show that Finland already meets the emission reduction obligations set by the directive with the previously agreed on measures set out in the energy and climate strategy and the action plan to reduce ammonia emissions from agriculture.

Air pollution continues to cause health hazards and environmental damage despite the fact that the emission reduction obligations are met. Due to this, the NAPCP includes measures to further improve air quality and reduce exposure to pollution. These measures are specifically related to emissions that are inhaled (small-scale woodburning and street dust, exhaust fumes) and, on the other hand, to the actions of other sectors that affect air quality.

The NACPC emphasizes the need to take air pollution control into account systematically in all planning and decision-making activities that affect air quality at all levels of decision-making. In particular the traffic, energy, climate, agriculture and land-use sectors, together with municipalities, can affect air quality. The benefits can be seen throughout the welfare sector. Joint projects, aimed at promoting carbon neutrality and public health, usually also improve air quality.