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Environmental information systems
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The indicator shows the number of annual premature deaths attributable to exposure to fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) and the related zero-pollution action plan objective for 2030. Premature deaths are derived from a health risk assessment approach based on World Health Organization Europe recommendations measuring the general impact of air pollution across a given population.
In Denmark, the number of premature deaths caused by particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 μm or less (PM2.5) has been decreasing since 2005, reducing by around 60% in 2020–2022, and is above the EU reduction target of 55% in 2030. The yearly fluctuations in premature deaths can be explained by variations in meteorological conditions.
The shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy, coupled with emission limits for various sectors (transport, agriculture and energy production), has been the main driver of the reduction in PM2.5 emissions and related premature deaths. Wood-burning stoves contribute about 50% of Denmark’s PM2.5 emissions, making them the largest source. National initiatives to reduce emissions include the obligatory replacement of older wood-burning stoves and the emission limits for straw-fired burners.
The latest extrapolation shows that Denmark will fulfil the 2030 reduction commitments set out in the National Emission Reduction Commitments Directive for all pollutants (PM2.5, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ammonia and non-methane volatile organic compounds).
References and footnotes
- ↵Nordstrøm, C., Ellermann, T., Brandt, J., Christensen, J., Ketzel, M. et al., Luftkvalitet 2023 – Novana: Status for den nationale luftkvalitetsovervågning i Danmark, Aarhus University, Aarhus, 2024, accessed 1 July 2024, https://dce.au.dk/fileadmin/dce.au.dk/Udgivelser/Videnskabelige_rapporter_600-699/SR627.pdf.
- ↵Ministry of Environment, Nationalt program for bekæmpelse af luftforurening, Copenhagen, 2023, accessed 1 July 2025, https://www.ft.dk/samling/20222/almdel/mof/bilag/249/2683914.pdf.
- ↵Jensen, S. S., Christensen, J. H., Frohn, L. M., Ketzel, M., Nielsen, O.-K. et al., Nationalt program for reduktion af luftforurening (NAPCP) – Udvikling i luftkvalitet og kvælstofafsætning frem til 2030, Aarhus University, Aarhus, 2023, accessed 1 July 2025, https://dce2.au.dk/pub/SR538.pdf.