Europe’s air quality keeps improving but pollution levels are still unsafe in many areas
Europe's air quality keeps improving but pollution levels are still unsafe in many areas European Environment Agency
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Air Quality in Europe: Progress and Challenges
Air quality has improved considerably in Europe over the past decades, but polluted air is still the biggest environmental health hazard in Europe and globally. According to the European Environment Agency’s (EEA) analysis on air quality data for 2022 and 2023, published today, Europe’s air quality continues improving but, in many areas, especially in cities, pollution remains above recommended safe levels.
The Status of Air Quality in Europe
The EEA briefing ‘Europe’s air quality status 2024’ presents data on levels of key air pollutants in Europe in 2022 and 2023 and compares these concentrations to the EU air quality standards and World Health Organization (WHO) health-based guideline levels. The 2022 data are final and validated by reporting countries while the 2023 analysis is based on provisional data.
Europe’s air quality is improving but EU standards are still not met across Europe, the EEA analysis shows. In 2022, only 2% of European monitoring stations registered fine particulate concentrations above the EU annual limit value. However, almost all Europeans (96%) who live in cities are exposed to concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that are above the WHO guideline level).
The Impact of Fine Particulate Matter
Fine particulate matter is the air pollutant that causes the greatest negative health impacts across Europe. These particles come mainly from solid fuels used for domestic heating, industrial activities, and road transport.
The EEA briefing also shows that there are significant differences between countries and regions, with areas in central and eastern Europe showing higher levels of pollution. In 2022, only Iceland had fine particulate concentrations that were lower than the WHO guideline level. Concentrations higher than the EU limit value were measured in three EU Member States: Croatia, Italy, and Poland.
Working Towards Cleaner Air
The European Green Deal’s zero pollution action plan sets a 2030 target of reducing premature deaths caused by fine particulate matter by at least 55%, compared with 2005 levels, and a long-term goal of no significant health impacts by 2050. Earlier this year, the EU institutions reached an agreement on a proposal to update the ambient air quality directives with the aim to align the EU air quality standards closer to the WHO’s guideline levels and help deliver on the objectives of the zero pollution action plan.
The EEA briefing is the first analysis in the EEA’s ‘Air quality in Europe 2024’ package. Later this year, the EEA will publish briefings on air pollutant emissions and on the impacts of air pollution on ecosystems and human health. This includes estimates on deaths and ill health that can be attributed to poor air quality.
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses the issue of air pollution and its impact on health, which is directly related to SDG 3. It also highlights the high pollution levels in cities, indicating the need for sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11). The article mentions the sources of air pollutants, including industrial activities and road transport, which relates to responsible consumption and production (SDG 12). Finally, the article mentions the European Green Deal’s zero pollution action plan and the aim to reduce premature deaths caused by air pollution, which aligns with SDG 13 on climate action.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- SDG 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
Based on the article’s content, the targets mentioned above are relevant to address the issues of air pollution and its impact on health, as well as the need for sustainable cities and communities.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air
- Comparison of air pollutant levels to EU air quality standards and World Health Organization (WHO) health-based guideline levels
- Reduction in premature deaths caused by fine particulate matter
- Alignment of EU air quality standards with WHO’s guideline levels
The article mentions the concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air, which is a key indicator of air pollution. It also compares these concentrations to EU air quality standards and WHO health-based guideline levels, indicating progress towards achieving the targets. Additionally, the article mentions the reduction of premature deaths caused by fine particulate matter as a specific target, which can be measured to assess progress. Finally, the alignment of EU air quality standards with WHO’s guideline levels can serve as an indicator of progress towards the targets.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | – Reduction in premature deaths caused by fine particulate matter – Comparison of air pollutant levels to health-based guideline levels |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | – Alignment of EU air quality standards with WHO’s guideline levels – Comparison of air pollutant levels to EU air quality standards |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | SDG 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. | – Comparison of air pollutant levels to health-based guideline levels – Reduction in release of pollutants to air, water, and soil |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | – Alignment of EU air quality standards with WHO’s guideline levels – Reduction in release of pollutants to air, water, and soil |
Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: eea.europa.eu
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