The project Clean Air Right in European Cities (CARE) aims to advance teaching, research, and dissemination in EU studies, focusing on the intersection of science, public health, and law. With increasing. legal actions against air pollution in EU cities and its adverse health effects, CARE addresses the evolving role of the judicial system in holding municipalities accountable for air quality in EU cities. The project will monitor social and legal developments in citizens’ rights to clean air, building on recent EU and national case-law and the new EU Air Quality Directive (2024).
CARE has three main objectives in developing a socio-legal project, including law, environmental sociology and field study of civic movements advocating for the right to clean air in EU cities: first, to strengthen academic teaching on public participation in science based decisions, conflict prevention, and public interest litigation; second, to engage diverse stakeholders, including municipalities and civil movements, in addressing public health and environmental policies; and third, to foster dialogue between municipalities, academics, and civil movements to improve citizen participation in science-based decisions. Ultimately, CARE supports sustainable economic growth, reduces healthcare costs, and helps tackle environmental inequalities, particularly in underserved areas.
CARE aligns with the EU’s commitment to a more inclusive, sustainable, and green future.