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Location of stations for which 2010 air quality data for components O3, PM10, NO2, SO2, C6H6, PM2.5, Pb, CO have been reported. Observed concentration maps for which 2010 air quality data for components O3, PM10, NO2, SO2, C6H6, PM2.5, CO, BaP, Pb, Cd, As and Ni have been reported.
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Advanced tool for exploring ground level ozone data
Energy-related emissions account for only 2% of NH 3 emissions but 96% of NO x and 94% of SO 2 emissions in the EEA-32 in 2009. They fell by 17%, 13% and 21% respectively between 2005 and 2009 in EEA-32 countries. Since 1990, these energy related emissions declined by 40% and 78% for NO x and SO 2 respectively but increased by 88% for NH 3 in the EU-27 and declined by 37% (NO x ) and 74% (SO 2 ) and increased by 92% (NH 3 ) in EEA-32 member countries. However as noted earlier the percentage of energy related NH 3 emissions are insignificant compare do the non-energy related NH 3 emissions. Most of the total reduction in pollutants contributing to acid deposition since 1990 is accounted for by lower SO 2 emissions from the energy-producing sector and lower NO x emissions from the transport sector. The EU-27 is broadly on track to meet its overall targets set under the NEC Directive (NECD) [1] , however further reductions are needed to improve remaining local and transboundary air pollution issues, and for ensuring that individual countries meet emissions ceiling targets under the NECD and the UNECE Gothenburg Protocol. [1] See Pollutant Specific Factsheet NOx
Emissions of SO 2 and NOx (also NH 3 where applicable) in 1000 tonnes.
Energy-related emissions accounted for 87% of all Carbon Monoxide (CO) emissions, 43% of all Non-Methane Volatile Organic Compounds (NMVOC) emissions, 96% of all Nitrogen Oxide (NO x ) emissions and 4.7% of all Methane (CH 4 ) emissions from the EEA-32 in 2009. Since 1990(2005), these emissions have declined by 58(13)%, 63(13)%, 37(13)% and 22(+8)% in EEA member countries. The largest reduction in emissions occurred in the road transport sector, largely as a result of the continued introduction of catalytic converters in new vehicles during this period and more stringent regulations on emissions.
The European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR) is a web-based register established by Regulation (EC) No 166/2006 which implements the UNECE PRTR Protocol, signed in May 2003 in Kiev.
Energy-related emissions of primary particulate matter, PM 10 and PM 2.5 , account for 68% and 81% of total PM 10 and PM 2.5 emissions respectively in the EEA-32 in 2009. These energy related emissions fell by 7% and 10% respectively between 2005 and 2009 and 31% and 35% between 1990 and 2009. The most important reductions were achieved in the energy supply sectors (Energy Industries and Fugitive emissions) as a result of fuel switching from coal and oil to natural gas.
‘Energy combustion’ includes all energy-related emissions minus fugitives the graph shows the emissions of PM10 and PM2.5 (particulate matter with a diameter of 10 μm or less, emitted directly into the atmosphere)
The graph includes the combined emissions of primary PM10 particles (particulate matter with a diameter of 10 μm or less, emitted directly into the atmosphere).
Emissions of NH3 have been omitted from the graph. Total emissions of NH3 have significantly increased but only contribute a very small amount to energy related emissions.
The figue shows the contribution of different sectors (energy and non-energy) to total emissions of SO2, NOx and NH3
The figure shows the emissions of asulphur dioxide SO2, nitrogen oxides NOx and ammonia NH3. Energy combustion’ includes all energy-related emissions.
The figure shows the emissions methane CH4; carbon monoxide CO; non-methane volatile organic compounds NMVOCs; and nitrogen oxides NOx.
Overview of exceedances of EC ozone threshold values for April–September 2011
Ground level ozone causes health problems, decreases crop yields and damages the environment. Ozone levels exceeding certain targets in Europe were less frequent in summer 2011 than in any year since monitoring started in 1997. However, the long-term objective was exceeded in all EU Member States and it is likely many of them will not meet the target value, applicable as of 2010.
Twelve Member States exceeded one or more of the emission limits set by the EU National Emission Ceilings (NEC) Directive, according to recent official data for 2010 reported to the European Environment Agency (EEA). In some instances the limits were exceeded by significant amounts.
AirBase is the air quality information system maintained by the EEA through the European topic centre on Air and Climate Change. It contains air quality data delivered annually under 97/101/EC Council Decision establishing a reciprocal exchange of information and data from networks and individual stations measuring ambient air pollution within the Member States (EoI Decision).
The Directive on the limitation of emissions of certain pollutants into the air from large combustion plants (LCP Directive, 2001/80/EC) applies to combustion plants with a rated thermal input equal to or greater than 50 MW, irrespective of the type of fuel used (solid, liquid or gaseous).
Emissions of the acidifying pollutants (nitrogen oxides (NO X ), sulphur oxides (SO X ) and ammonia (NH 3 ) have decreased significantly in most of the individual EEA member countries between 1990 and 2009. Emissions of SO X have decreased by 76%, NO X by 41% and NH 3 emissions by 26% since 1990. The EU-27 is on track to meet its overall target to reduce emissions of SO X and NH 3 as specified by the EU’s National Emissions Ceiling Directive (NECD). However a number of individual Member States, and the EU as a whole, anticipates missing their NECD 2010 emission ceilings for NO X . Of the three non-EU countries having emission ceilings for 2010 under the UNECE/CLRTAP Gothenburg protocol (Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland), both Liechtenstein and Norway reported NO X emissions in 2009 that were substantially higher than their respective 2010 ceilings.
Emissions of the main ground-level ozone precursor pollutants have decreased across the EEA-32 region between 1990 and 2009; nitrogen oxides (NO X ) by 41%, non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) by 51%, carbon monoxide (CO) by 61%, and methane (CH 4 ) by 27%. This decrease has been achieved mainly as a result of the introduction of catalytic converters for vehicles. These changes have significantly reduced emissions of NO X and CO from the road transport sector, the main source of ozone precursor emissions. The EU-27 is still some way from meeting its 2010 target to reduce emissions of NO X , one of the two ozone precursors (NO X and NMVOC) for which emission limits exist under the EU’s National Emissions Ceiling Directive (NECD). Whilst total NMVOC emissions in the EU-27 were below the NECD limit in 2009, a number of individual Member States anticipate missing their ceilings for one or either of these two pollutants. Of the three non-EU countries having emission ceilings for 2010 set under the UNECE/CLRTAP Gothenburg protocol (Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland), all three countries reported NMVOC emissions in 2009 that were lower than their respective 2010 ceilings. However both Liechtenstein and Norway reported NO X emissions in 2009 that were substantially higher than their respective 2010 ceilings.
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