Health impacts of air pollution

Greece experiences air pollution levels that are linked to health impacts, primarily in urban areas like Athens and Thessaloniki. Significant improvements in pollutants’ emissions and air quality are evident. Exposure to particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 μm or less (PM_2.5) is seen as a significant cause of premature death and disease. The peak that appears in 2017 could be a result of the methodology used, along with a selective inclusion of PM_2.5 observations in the previous years. From 2009 to 2018, during the economic recession in Greece, wood fireplaces were extensively used for domestic heating, especially in big cities, though relevant legislation and action plans addressing air pollution from suspended particles were in place.

Transport is a major source of pollution in Greece, but there are also contributions from industrial emissions and resuspension, desert dust and forest fires. However, domestic heating contributes the most to PM_2.5 emissions, with 46.6%.

To address these and in order to attain the target of the zero pollution action plan, Greece is promoting electrification, green public transport, and cleaner and renewable sources of energy. Through expanding electric bus fleets, improving metro systems, offering incentives for electric vehicles (EVs) and the establishment of RESs, Greece aims to reduce emissions, though challenges like the high cost of EVs and limited infrastructure remain.