Air pollution remains a severe issue in the European Union, with an estimated 239,000 deaths annually attributed to fine particulate matter (PM2.5). This alarming statistic highlights the significant health risks posed by poor air quality, which also includes 70,000 deaths from ozone exposure and 48,000 from nitrogen dioxide. Despite a trend towards improving air quality, the concentrations of these pollutants are still significantly above the World Health Organization's (WHO) guideline values.
The European Environment Agency (EEA) underscores the need for intensified efforts to address air pollution, warning of its detrimental effects on both human health and ecosystems. While some progress has been observed, with a 5% reduction in deaths from PM2.5 compared to the previous year, and a 45% decrease since 2005, the numbers remain unacceptably high. Countries like Italy, Poland, and Germany are particularly affected, with PM2.5 known to cause cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
To tackle this pressing issue, the EU aims to reduce particulate matter deaths by 55% by 2030. Germany has already achieved a 53% reduction from 2005 to 2022. New EU air quality guidelines, set to come into effect in 2024, aim to further align with WHO standards, demanding stricter adherence to pollution limits. Environmental groups, like the German Environmental Aid, advocate for advancing these targets by two years to 2028, urging political parties to prioritize air quality over financial interests in upcoming elections. Addressing air pollution is crucial to safeguarding public health and ensuring sustainable ecosystems in the future.
