According to the EEA’s latest briefing, Europe’s air quality is on the rise, yet there’s still a way to go to meet air quality standards across the continent. In 2022, only 2% of monitoring stations recorded PM2.5 levels above the EU limit, marking a positive step forward! However, 96% of urban residents are still exposed to PM2.5 levels above WHO recommendations, posing a significant health risk.
The main sources of PM2.5 include solid fuels used in domestic heating, industrial activities, and road transport, with central and eastern Europe experiencing the highest pollution levels. Notably, Iceland stands out as the only country with PM2.5 levels below WHO guidelines, while Croatia, Italy, and Poland exceeded EU limits in some areas.
Under the European Green Deal’s zero pollution plan, the goal is to reduce premature deaths due to PM2.5 by 55% by 2030 (compared to 2005) and to achieve zero significant health impacts by 2050. With updated air quality directives aiming to align EU standards closer to WHO guidelines, the path to a healthier Europe is taking shape.
Stay tuned as the EEA releases further insights on air pollution impacts later this year, including effects on health and ecosystems.
🔗 For full details, read the EEA’s report here: https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/newsroom/news/europes-air-quality-keeps-improving