Unfortunately, the authorities do not take any measures in the majority of the reported cases (57%). Even if an investigation is started, it rarely leads to results. Only 3 persons reported that the waste burning stopped as a result of the intervention by an authority. Most people think that ignorance is the main cause of waste burning (56%), 30% believes that it is caused by a mix of poverty and lack of information, and only 5% thinks it is only because of poverty. „The government has a huge responsibility, because a proper public awareness campaign is a very cost-effective way to significantly decrease air pollution from household waste burning” – said Péter Lenkei, Head of the Environmental Advisory Office of Clean Air Action Group. „Procrastination in this case raises special concerns since the damage to Hungary’s economy from air pollution alone is equal to 19% of our GDP according to WHO.” NGOs can play a very important role in raising awareness. Clean Air Action Group took part in several procedures concerning waste burning, and could stop illegal activities together with the authorities in a large part of these cases. If the authorities are properly informed, the procedures can be faster and more efficient. Clean Air Action Group gathered this data between 7th and 20th April 2016 under K-Monitor’s „Adatozz okosan!” project.
EmoticonEmoticon