Here you will find publications on legal activities and air quality issues. In addition, we provide links and publications of other institutions dealing with this topic.
Background paper “Clean Air litigation”
In the past DUH has repeatedly sued the implementation of air quality measures. Nevertheless the air pollution with NO2 and fine particles in cities are one of the central challenges. In the last years, DUH supported by the international environmental lawyers ClientEarth has therefore filed lawsuits against several German Federal States who need to do more in the area of air quality planning. DUH also applied for compulsory enforcement measures to be taken where binding rulings were not implemented. In other countries across the European Union there are comparable efforts to fight for your Right to Clean Air.
You will find more information about the legal background, the air pollution and possible measures as well as legal actions in different European countries in this Background paper.
Written Judgement of Federal Administrative Court
On 27 February 2018, the Federal Administrative Court (BVerwG) in Leipzig issued a decision in principle. The complaint concerns the revisions of the legal cases in Düsseldorf and Stuttgart, which now found a final clarification in front of the highest German court for administrative issues. The judges confirmed the legal opinion of DUH that diesel traffic bans are possible already today, while respecting the principle of commensurability. The English translations of the two judgments are now available for download here.
The Clean Air Handbook
Clean air is essential to good health and a basic human need. EU law has recognised this need and given legal protection to it through directives and court judgements. This practical guide to EU air quality law is designed to help non-lawyers exercise their right for clean air. References to specific cases and legislative provisions are included, so its also useful to lawyers and experts.
Form letter for reducing the air pollution
Affected citizens or environmental organisations and citizens' initiatives have the right to require the implementation of effective measures in polluted areas. We developed a helpful form letter (only available in German) you can use as a basis for your own letter to the competent authority.
Brochure "Can you breathe?"
More information about harmful emissions and limit values you will obtain with our brochure.
Brochure "Und sie wirkt doch!"
Within this flyer (only available in German) you will find more data and facts about particulate matter, soot, nitrogen dioxide and the effectiveness of Low Emission Zones (LEZ).
