Europe’s air quality is steadily improving as emissions of sulphur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) drop by approximately three to five percent annually since 2015, according to the Assessment Report on European Air Quality 2025 by the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS). While industrial and transport sectors lead these reductions, persistent pollution episodes linked to heatwaves and wildfires remain a threat to progress.
Why are European emission levels falling?
The decline in air pollutants is primarily driven by a structural shift in how the continent generates power and transports goods. According to CAMS, industrial emissions of SOx have fallen by 59 percent, while NOx emissions from the same sector have dropped by 39 percent. These improvements align with the EU’s Ambient Air Quality Directive, which seeks to align the EU’s air quality standards more closely with recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Energy production is also seeing a cleaner transformation. In the second quarter of 2025, more than half of the EU’s net electricity was generated from renewable sources for the first time ever. Last year, Sweden generated 99 per cent of its electricity from low-carbon sources. Road transport, while historically the slowest sector to decarbonize, is finally following suit. CAMS data indicates a 5 per cent drop in CO2 emissions from transport between 2019 and 2024, largely due to the rapid adoption of electric vehicles.
Transport is the only sector still producing more emissions than it did in 1990, accounting for around a third of EU pollution.
How do extreme weather events impact local air quality?
Rising global temperatures are creating new hurdles for air quality management. CAMS Director Laurence Rouil noted that while Europe continues to make steady progress, “persistent pollution episodes” threaten to halt progress. Intense sunlight and stagnant atmospheric conditions during summer heatwaves accelerate the formation of ground-level ozone—a harmful pollutant that can cause damage to lung tissue and plants.
The link between climate change and air quality was particularly evident during the summer of 2025. Wildfires that burned between 11 and 19 August last summer heavily impacted Portugal and Spain, and led to widespread exceedances of daily PM2.5 limit values across parts of the Iberian Peninsula, according to report author Paul Hamer. These events demonstrate how closely these hazardous events are connected to air quality.
What are the primary health risks of current pollutants?
Nitrogen oxides (NOx) remain a significant health concern. According to CAMS, exposure to these gases inflames the airways and reduces lung function, with even short-term exposure capable of triggering asthma attacks and coughing. Beyond its immediate impact on human health, NOx is also categorised as a potent greenhouse gas, helping to drive up global temperatures.
While industry and transport have seen substantial reductions—including a 40 per cent reduction for NOx and 34 per cent for PM2.5 in road transport—the lingering presence of these pollutants requires sustained policy intervention. The challenge for the future lies in balancing the rapid energy transition with the need to mitigate the atmospheric chemical reactions triggered by extreme heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is European air quality getting better?
Yes. According to the CAMS report, emissions of major pollutants like SOx and NOx have been falling by approximately three to five per cent annually since 2015.
Why is transport still a major pollution source?
Transport is the only sector still producing more emissions than it did in 1990. However, the rise of electric vehicles has led to a 5 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions from the sector since 2019.
How do wildfires affect air quality?
Wildfires release high levels of particulate matter. Data from August 2025 showed that wildfires in Portugal and Spain led to widespread exceedances of daily PM2.5 limit values across parts of the Iberian Peninsula.
What is the difference between stratospheric and ground-level ozone?
Stratospheric ozone acts as a shield to protect Earth’s surface from the sun’s harmful radiation, but ground-level ozone—formed by chemical reactions between sunlight and pollutants—is a harmful pollutant that can cause damage to lung tissue and plants.
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