Estonia Marks UN Clean Air Day With Its Air Among Europe's Cleanest

Estonia has reason to be proud of its air quality, but the government says the country's strong position will not maintain itself.

The message came on September 7, the UN International Day of Clean Air. This year's focus is the connection between clean air, public health, climate policy and economic performance. Coordinated air and climate measures can reduce health damage, support the economy and improve living conditions.

"Estonia can be proud of its clean air. It is our calling card and an important part of a good living environment," Energy and Environment Minister Andres Sutt said. He pointed to EU-supported upgrades to household heating systems and the renewal and expansion of the national air-quality monitoring network. Estonia has also updated its air-quality requirements, he said.

Air pollution remains one of the world's biggest environmental health risks. The article said it particularly affects respiratory and cardiovascular health and causes an estimated 7 million premature deaths each year, according to the World Health Organization. The World Bank estimates that pollution costs the global economy about 5 percent of gross domestic product annually through health expenses, missed workdays and lower crop yields.

In Estonia, the University of Tartu estimated the external costs of air pollution at nearly 660 million euros in 2022. A recent European Environment Agency report placed Estonia among Europe's cleaner-air countries and said Estonian cities consistently rank among the continent's best. Tallinn was identified as Europe's capital with the cleanest air. Transport, domestic heating and industry are the main influences on air quality. Estonia monitors air at nine stations, while also tracking pollen, a common outdoor allergen. Real-time data are available at õhuseire.ee.

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Estonia can be proud of its clean air. It is our calling card and an important part of a good living environment.