Emissions of ozone precursors — NOx NMVOCs and methane (Indicator)

The National Emission Reduction Commitments (NEC) Directive  (EU, 2016) establishes national commitments to reduce emissions of five harmful pollutants (nitrogen oxides(NOx), non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs), ammonia(NH₃), sulphur dioxide(SO₂) and fine particulate matter (PM_2.5)) for improved human health and the environmental status. This directive supports the European Green Deal's goal of a toxic-free environment and is crucial for achieving the 2030 targets to reduce air pollution's impact by 2030. Targets include a 55% decrease in premature deaths caused by air pollution and a 25% reduction in areas where air pollution endangers biodiversity within the EU, compared to 2005 levels.

Anthropogenic emissions of NMVOCs and NO_X contribute to poor air quality in Europe, with adverse effects on ecosystems, human health and vegetation. Chemical reactions in the atmosphere between precursors such as NO_X, NMVOCs and methane (although methane is not regulated by the NEC Directive), form ozone. 

Emissions of these three ozone precursors have declined over time. Between 2005 and 2022, NO_X emissions fell by 50% and NMVOC emissions by 33%. This period also saw a 20% fall in methane emissions due to decreases from the agriculture, energy, industry, transport and waste sectors.

Despite these decreases, ground-level ozone concentrations remain above the target value for protecting vegetation and human health. High ozone concentrations impact vegetation, agricultural land (Exposure of Europe’s ecosystems to ozone) and human health in the EU (EEA, 2023).

Please consult the relevant indicators and signals below for a more comprehensive overview on the topic.