What does “good air“ mean? How can we improve it? How are ecosystems being protected against air pollutants and what has it got to do with climate? The German Environment Agency provides information about these and other topics related to our most vital lifeline – air. Our website provides information on how air quality has changed and which pollutants are harmful to our health. We identify polluters and the appropriate measures to take.
Measured concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in 2019 exceeded the annual mean limit of 40 µg/m³ of air at nearly 20 percent of measuring stations located near road traffic, compared to 42 percent in 2018. Nitrogen dioxide pollution overall continues to decline throughout Germany.
The standard requires a significant cut in pollutant emissions.
Adjust taxes, reduce noise, promote rail and climate-friendly fuels.
Diesel passenger cars with Euro 3 to 6a/b/c emission standards continue to have elevated levels of nitrogen oxide emissions in real-world driving conditions. Their emissions greatly exceed the limit values set in the laboratory measuring cycle. Diesel passenger cars with Euro 6d-TEMP, however, comply with the limits specified by the EU, also in real world conditions.
Up-to-date measurements of particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and ozone pollution available from 400 measuring stations
German Environment Agency publishes “Gesunde Luft“ magazine on air pollution
NO2 thresholds still exceeded in many cities, only one case of particulate exceedance, high level of ozone pollution
One tonne of CO2 emissions causes damage worth 180 euros.
20 August 2018 deadline for operators to submit information about existing plants (pursuant to 42. BImSchV)
Energy sector emissions lower, transport sector higher
Statistics for 2014 indicate roughly 6,000 premature deaths due to cardiovascular diseases which are linked to background concentrations of NO2
