Air pollution

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Air pollution harms human health and the environment. In Europe, emissions of many air pollutants have decreased substantially over the past decades, resulting in improved air quality across the region. However, air pollutant concentrations are still too high, and air quality problems persist. A significant proportion of Europe’s population live in areas, especially cities, where exceedances of air quality standards occur. More

Key facts and messages: Emissions of NOX, SOX, NH3 and NMVOC have decreased significantly in most countries between 1990 and 2012. However, air pollution still causes significant harm to health and the environment in Europe. more; Scientific understanding of the interaction between air pollution and climate change has improved over the last two decades. In particular, there has been a greater realisation that some air pollutants also act as short-term drivers of global... more; Although air pollutants and greenhouse gases often come from the same sources, international agreements generally treat them separately. One way that European policy seeks to connect climate and air quality policies is through the inclusion... more; The majority of countries are making progress towards meeting their 2020 targets under the 2012 revised Gothenburg Protocol. As a result, air quality in Europe is slowly improving. more; Continued improvements in air pollution levels are expected under current legislation, but beyond 2030 only slow progress is expected. Additional measures are needed if Europe is to achieve the long-term objective of air pollution levels that... more; Despite considerable improvements in past decades, air pollution is still responsible for more than 400 000 premature deaths in Europe each year. It also continues to damage vegetation and ecosystems. more

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Air pollution: agriculture and transport emissions continue to pose problems in meeting agreed limits

News 09 Jul 2018

Emissions from agriculture and transport continue to pose problems for European Union Member States in meeting EU and United Nations air pollution limits, according to updated data published by the European Environment Agency (EEA) today. While emissions of most air pollutants remain on a downward trend, ammonia emissions continued to rise in 2016.

Environmental pressures from industry’s heavy metal pollution decreasing

News 24 May 2018

Environmental pressures caused by heavy metal emissions from Europe's large industrial facilities decreased from 2010 to 2016, according to new data from the European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR), released by the European Environment Agency (EEA). A small fraction of facilities was responsible for more than half of the environmental pressures linked to heavy metal pollution in 2016.

Vote for best ‘I LIVE GREEN’ videos

News 01 May 2018

The video competition ‘I LIVE GREEN’, organised by the European Environment Agency (EEA) and its partner network, has reached the final stage. The Public Choice Award will be decided through an open online vote where you can have your say about the best video.

Europe’s transport sector: Aviation and shipping face big challenges in reducing environmental impacts

News 31 Jan 2018

A massive shift in innovation, consumer behaviour and the take up of more ambitious green technologies to power aircraft and sea-faring cargo ships will be crucial to reducing their long-term carbon footprint. A European Environment Agency (EEA) report says incremental measures such as improving fuel efficiency to cut emissions will not be enough for the aviation and shipping sectors to meet European greenhouse gas emissions and sustainability targets.

Air pollution: agriculture and transport emissions continue to pose problems in meeting agreed limits Emissions from agriculture and transport continue to pose problems for European Union Member States in meeting EU and United Nations air pollution limits, according to updated data published by the European Environment Agency (EEA) today. While emissions of most air pollutants remain on a downward trend, ammonia emissions continued to rise in 2016.

$Environmental pressures caused by heavy metal emissions from Europe's large industrial facilities decreased from 2010 to 2016, according to new data from the European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR), released by the European Environment Agency (EEA). A small fraction of facilities was responsible for more than half of the environmental pressures linked to heavy metal pollution in 2016.$ Environmental pressures from industry’s heavy metal pollution decreasing Environmental pressures caused by heavy metal emissions from Europe's large industrial facilities decreased from 2010 to 2016, according to new data from the European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR), released by the European Environment Agency (EEA). A small fraction of facilities was responsible for more than half of the environmental pressures linked to heavy metal pollution in 2016.

Vote for best ‘I LIVE GREEN’ videos The video competition ‘I LIVE GREEN’, organised by the European Environment Agency (EEA) and its partner network, has reached the final stage. The Public Choice Award will be decided through an open online vote where you can have your say about the best video.

Europe’s transport sector: Aviation and shipping face big challenges in reducing environmental impacts A massive shift in innovation, consumer behaviour and the take up of more ambitious green technologies to power aircraft and sea-faring cargo ships will be crucial to reducing their long-term carbon footprint. A European Environment Agency (EEA) report says incremental measures such as improving fuel efficiency to cut emissions will not be enough for the aviation and shipping sectors to meet European greenhouse gas emissions and sustainability targets.

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Environmental change: knowledge is key to mitigating impacts on people and nature

Article 15 Jun 2018

Environmental policy making is not an easy task. On the one hand, Europeans want to enjoy the benefits a well-functioning economy provides. On the other, there are significant environmental and health costs attached to our lifestyle choices. A systemic understanding of how nature, economy and human health are connected is essential for identifying the best policy options available. The European Environment Agency aims to support policy making by providing exactly this kind of knowledge.

Europe’s environment: the power of data and knowledge

Article 15 Mar 2018

Europe collects increasingly more data, enhancing our understanding of the environment. Earth observation data obtained through the European Union’s Copernicus programme presents new challenges and opportunities to improve our environmental knowledge. Combining up-to-date Copernicus data with our existing knowledge base, the European Environment Agency (EEA) aims to empower policy makers and citizens across Europe in taking measures to address local, national and global challenges.

Cleaner air benefits human health and climate change

Article 15 Dec 2017

Thanks to legislation, technology and moves away from heavily polluting fossil fuels in many countries, Europe’s air quality has been improving in recent decades. However, many people continue to be negatively affected by air pollution, especially in cities. Given its complexity, tackling air pollution requires taking coordinated action at many levels. To get citizens involved, providing them timely information in an accessible way is essential. Our recently launched Air Quality Index does just that. Improvements in air quality would not only benefit our health, but could also help tackle climate change.

Effective policies are based on a robust knowledge base and solid science

Article 15 Mar 2017

At all governance levels, public policy making entails making decisions between different options and approaches. Some decisions, such as to invest in fossil fuels or renewables, might involve selecting one option over the other. Others might address the ‘how’ question – we will invest in renewables but which ones are the best for the society? Each policy decision results in outcomes, some of which might be unforeseen, unexpected or even detrimental to those whose lives it is supposed to improve. In the long term, the overall harm can be much larger than gains in the short term. To achieve the positive and lasting results on the ground, policy makers need to be able to make informed decisions, after assessing the benefits and costs of each available option.

Environmental change: knowledge is key to mitigating impacts on people and nature Environmental policy making is not an easy task. On the one hand, Europeans want to enjoy the benefits a well-functioning economy provides. On the other, there are significant environmental and health costs attached to our lifestyle choices. A systemic understanding of how nature, economy and human health are connected is essential for identifying the best policy options available. The European Environment Agency aims to support policy making by providing exactly this kind of knowledge.

Europe’s environment: the power of data and knowledge Europe collects increasingly more data, enhancing our understanding of the environment. Earth observation data obtained through the European Union’s Copernicus programme presents new challenges and opportunities to improve our environmental knowledge. Combining up-to-date Copernicus data with our existing knowledge base, the European Environment Agency (EEA) aims to empower policy makers and citizens across Europe in taking measures to address local, national and global challenges.

Cleaner air benefits human health and climate change Thanks to legislation, technology and moves away from heavily polluting fossil fuels in many countries, Europe’s air quality has been improving in recent decades. However, many people continue to be negatively affected by air pollution, especially in cities. Given its complexity, tackling air pollution requires taking coordinated action at many levels. To get citizens involved, providing them timely information in an accessible way is essential. Our recently launched Air Quality Index does just that. Improvements in air quality would not only benefit our health, but could also help tackle climate change.

Effective policies are based on a robust knowledge base and solid science At all governance levels, public policy making entails making decisions between different options and approaches. Some decisions, such as to invest in fossil fuels or renewables, might involve selecting one option over the other. Others might address the ‘how’ question – we will invest in renewables but which ones are the best for the society? Each policy decision results in outcomes, some of which might be unforeseen, unexpected or even detrimental to those whose lives it is supposed to improve. In the long term, the overall harm can be much larger than gains in the short term. To achieve the positive and lasting results on the ground, policy makers need to be able to make informed decisions, after assessing the benefits and costs of each available option.

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Improving Europe's air quality measures — reported by countries

Publication 12 Jul 2018

Under the European Union’s (EU) Air Quality Directive, Member States have to implement and report on the measures they put in place in areas where air quality limit and target values are exceeded. This briefing provides an overview of the different types of abatement measures reported. It focuses mainly on measures designed to reduce people’s exposure to the two air pollutants that most commonly exceed air quality standards: particulate matter (PM10) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). In general, the road transport sector is the largest contributor to total nitrogen dioxide emissions in the EU, while fuel combustion in the commercial, institutional and households sector is the largest contributor to total primary particulate matter emissions, particularly in some eastern European countries. Most reported measures address the road transport sector.

NEC Directive reporting status 2018

Publication 12 Jul 2018

Air pollution is a key environmental and social issue, the management and mitigation of which pose multiple challenges. It is the single largest environmental risk to human health in Europe, causing respiratory problems and shortening lifespans. Air pollution also affects ecosystems through, for example, the eutrophication of sensitive areas and the effect of ozone on vegetation. In addition, air pollution has negative impacts on the built environment and several atmospheric pollutants contribute to climate change (EEA, 2017).

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016

Publication 09 Jul 2018

This document is the annual European Union (EU) emission inventory report under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP Convention) (UNECE, 1979). The report and its accompanying data constitute the official submission by the European Commission on behalf of the EU as a Party to the Executive Secretary of UNECE. The European Environment Agency (EEA) compiled the report in cooperation with the EU Member States and the European Commission.

Environmental pressures of heavy metal releases from Europe's industry

Publication 24 May 2018

The European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR) ensures public access to information on pollutant releases to the environment from Europe’s largest facilities. Updated E-PRTR data have recently been published by the EEA, including information on pollutant releases to the environment from some 33 000 facilities in Europe for the period 2007-2016. This briefing, based on updated E-PRTR data for 2016, presents information on heavy metal releases to air and water. It applies an eco-toxicity approach (USEtox model) to illustrate spatially the combined environmental pressures on Europe’s environment caused by releases of the selected pollutants.

Improving Europe's air quality measures — reported by countries Under the European Union’s (EU) Air Quality Directive, Member States have to implement and report on the measures they put in place in areas where air quality limit and target values are exceeded. This briefing provides an overview of the different types of abatement measures reported. It focuses mainly on measures designed to reduce people’s exposure to the two air pollutants that most commonly exceed air quality standards: particulate matter (PM10) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). In general, the road transport sector is the largest contributor to total nitrogen dioxide emissions in the EU, while fuel combustion in the commercial, institutional and households sector is the largest contributor to total primary particulate matter emissions, particularly in some eastern European countries. Most reported measures address the road transport sector.

NEC Directive reporting status 2018 Air pollution is a key environmental and social issue, the management and mitigation of which pose multiple challenges. It is the single largest environmental risk to human health in Europe, causing respiratory problems and shortening lifespans. Air pollution also affects ecosystems through, for example, the eutrophication of sensitive areas and the effect of ozone on vegetation. In addition, air pollution has negative impacts on the built environment and several atmospheric pollutants contribute to climate change (EEA, 2017).

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 This document is the annual European Union (EU) emission inventory report under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP Convention) (UNECE, 1979). The report and its accompanying data constitute the official submission by the European Commission on behalf of the EU as a Party to the Executive Secretary of UNECE. The European Environment Agency (EEA) compiled the report in cooperation with the EU Member States and the European Commission.

Environmental pressures of heavy metal releases from Europe's industry The European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR) ensures public access to information on pollutant releases to the environment from Europe’s largest facilities. Updated E-PRTR data have recently been published by the EEA, including information on pollutant releases to the environment from some 33 000 facilities in Europe for the period 2007-2016. This briefing, based on updated E-PRTR data for 2016, presents information on heavy metal releases to air and water. It applies an eco-toxicity approach (USEtox model) to illustrate spatially the combined environmental pressures on Europe’s environment caused by releases of the selected pollutants.

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EEA Air quality animation

Video 29 Nov 2017

Air – it’s all around us. It’s what we breathe, and it’s vital to our health and well-being. Economic activities, such as transport, industry and agriculture, release air pollutants, harmful to the environment and human health. SHOW MORE

Shaping the future of energy in Europe - Clean, smart and renewable

Video 29 Nov 2017

Our quality of life depends, among other things, on a reliable supply of energy at an affordable price. We still burn fossil fuels to obtain most of the energy we use and combustion of fossil fuels affects us all in one way or another. It releases air pollutants into the atmosphere and harms our health. It also releases greenhouse gases and contributes to climate change. We are at a critical decision point in time: the negative impacts of our current energy choices on the one hand, and the opportunities that clean energy sources offer on the other. Signals 2017 looks into Europe’s transition towards clean, smart and renewable energy.

EEA Air quality animation Air – it’s all around us. It’s what we breathe, and it’s vital to our health and well-being. Economic activities, such as transport, industry and agriculture, release air pollutants, harmful to the environment and human health. SHOW MORE

Shaping the future of energy in Europe - Clean, smart and renewable Our quality of life depends, among other things, on a reliable supply of energy at an affordable price. We still burn fossil fuels to obtain most of the energy we use and combustion of fossil fuels affects us all in one way or another. It releases air pollutants into the atmosphere and harms our health. It also releases greenhouse gases and contributes to climate change. We are at a critical decision point in time: the negative impacts of our current energy choices on the one hand, and the opportunities that clean energy sources offer on the other. Signals 2017 looks into Europe’s transition towards clean, smart and renewable energy.

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The European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR), Member States reporting under Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 166/2006

Data 07 Aug 2018

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.

Up-to-date air quality data

GIS Map Application 01 Aug 2018

Latest measurements from Europe's air quality monitoring network

Air pollutant emissions data viewer (Gothenburg Protocol, LRTAP Convention) 1990-2016

Dashboard (Tableau) 12 Jul 2018

The air pollutant emissions data viewer (LRTAP Convention) provides access to the data contained in the EU emission inventory report 1990-2016 under the UNECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP)

National Emission Ceilings Directive emissions data viewer 1990-2016

Dashboard (Tableau) 12 Jul 2018

This data viewer provides access to the latest air pollutant emission inventory and projections data reported to EEA by EU Member States under the National Emission Ceilings (NEC) Directive.

National Emission Ceilings (NEC) Directive emission inventory data

Data 12 Jul 2018

Data on emissions of air pollutants (ammonia (NH3), non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and sulphur dioxide (SO2)) reported annually by Member States to the European Commission (with copies to EEA) under Directive 2016/2284 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants.

EU Member State progress in meeting 2010 NEC Directive emission ceilings and 2020/2030 reduction commitments

Figure 14 Jun 2018

'Black check mark' indicates that the emission ceiling or reduction commitment has been, or is anticipated to be, attained. The NEC Directive does not include a 2010 ceiling for PM2.5. ‘Red cross’ indicates that the ceiling or reduction commitment has not been, or is not anticipated to be, attained.

Environmental pressures of heavy metal releases to water, 2016

GIS Map Application 24 May 2018

This map illustrates the overall pressures to water from the aggregated releases of the eight heavy metals. Values (in kilograms) of the individual releases are first multiplied by a respective ‘eco-toxicity factor’, sourced from the USEtox model. Results are then aggregated, first by facility and then illustrated spatially using a standard heat map tool.

Industrial pollution in Europe

Indicator Assessment 22 Feb 2018

Europe aims to have a strong, growing and low-carbon industry with closed material cycles. Currently, industry remains a significant source of pollutant releases to Europe’s environment. Releases of pollutants to air and water by European industry have generally decreased during the last decade. Environmental regulation and improved pollutant abatement technology, among other factors, have led to decreasing pollutant releases to air and water in Europe. Soil contamination in Europe is, among other things, linked to industrial activity. Waste transfers from industrial facilities in the EU have remained relatively stable in the last decade.

Exceedances of air quality objectives due to traffic

Indicator Assessment 07 Dec 2017

The annual EU limit value for nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) — one of the main air quality pollutants of concern, which is typically associated with vehicle emissions — was widely exceeded across Europe in 2015. Some 89 % o f these exceedances occurred at roadside monitoring locations. The EU limit values for the two categories of particulate matter ( PM 10 and PM 2.5 ) were exceeded at fewer locations and at around the same amount of traffic and background stations, in comparison with last year. This indicates the importance of other emission sources for these pollutants , such as commercial and institutional buildings, household heating, etc.

Annual mean NO2 concentrations observed at background stations, 2015

Figure 07 Dec 2017

The figure shows the annual mean concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) observed at background stations in 2015.

Annual mean PM2.5 concentrations observed at background stations, 2015

Figure 07 Dec 2017

The figure shows the annual mean concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5) observed at background stations in 2015.

Air quality standards under the Air Quality Directive, and WHO air quality guidelines

Figure 30 Nov 2017

Table

EU urban population exposed to harmful levels of air pollutants in 2012 -2014

Infographic 23 Nov 2016

Vehicle emissions and efficiency

Infographic 29 Jun 2016

Fossil fuel powered road transport represents the most significant source of transport related air pollution. Each vehicle releases pollutants from a number of sources.

The European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR), Member States reporting under Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 166/2006 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.

Up-to-date air quality data Latest measurements from Europe's air quality monitoring network

Air pollutant emissions data viewer (Gothenburg Protocol, LRTAP Convention) 1990-2016 The air pollutant emissions data viewer (LRTAP Convention) provides access to the data contained in the EU emission inventory report 1990-2016 under the UNECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP)

National Emission Ceilings Directive emissions data viewer 1990-2016 This data viewer provides access to the latest air pollutant emission inventory and projections data reported to EEA by EU Member States under the National Emission Ceilings (NEC) Directive.

National Emission Ceilings (NEC) Directive emission inventory data Data on emissions of air pollutants (ammonia (NH3), non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and sulphur dioxide (SO2)) reported annually by Member States to the European Commission (with copies to EEA) under Directive 2016/2284 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants.

EU Member State progress in meeting 2010 NEC Directive emission ceilings and 2020/2030 reduction commitments 'Black check mark' indicates that the emission ceiling or reduction commitment has been, or is anticipated to be, attained. The NEC Directive does not include a 2010 ceiling for PM2.5. ‘Red cross’ indicates that the ceiling or reduction commitment has not been, or is not anticipated to be, attained.

Environmental pressures of heavy metal releases to water, 2016 This map illustrates the overall pressures to water from the aggregated releases of the eight heavy metals. Values (in kilograms) of the individual releases are first multiplied by a respective ‘eco-toxicity factor’, sourced from the USEtox model. Results are then aggregated, first by facility and then illustrated spatially using a standard heat map tool.

Industrial pollution in Europe Europe aims to have a strong, growing and low-carbon industry with closed material cycles. Currently, industry remains a significant source of pollutant releases to Europe’s environment. Releases of pollutants to air and water by European industry have generally decreased during the last decade. Environmental regulation and improved pollutant abatement technology, among other factors, have led to decreasing pollutant releases to air and water in Europe. Soil contamination in Europe is, among other things, linked to industrial activity. Waste transfers from industrial facilities in the EU have remained relatively stable in the last decade.

Exceedances of air quality objectives due to traffic The annual EU limit value for nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) — one of the main air quality pollutants of concern, which is typically associated with vehicle emissions — was widely exceeded across Europe in 2015. Some 89 % o f these exceedances occurred at roadside monitoring locations. The EU limit values for the two categories of particulate matter ( PM 10 and PM 2.5 ) were exceeded at fewer locations and at around the same amount of traffic and background stations, in comparison with last year. This indicates the importance of other emission sources for these pollutants , such as commercial and institutional buildings, household heating, etc.

Annual mean NO2 concentrations observed at background stations, 2015 The figure shows the annual mean concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) observed at background stations in 2015.

Annual mean PM2.5 concentrations observed at background stations, 2015 The figure shows the annual mean concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5) observed at background stations in 2015.

Air quality standards under the Air Quality Directive, and WHO air quality guidelines Table

EU urban population exposed to harmful levels of air pollutants in 2012 -2014

Vehicle emissions and efficiency Fossil fuel powered road transport represents the most significant source of transport related air pollution. Each vehicle releases pollutants from a number of sources.

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The European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR), Member States reporting under Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 166/2006

Data 07 Aug 2018

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.