Air

Nearly 4 million tons more greenhouse gases emissions than in 2015 – transport sector tops 1990 levels

The air in Germany’s cities continued to have excessive levels of nitrogen dioxide pollution in 2016. This is according to an evaluation of preliminary measurements made by the federal states and the German Environment Agency. The threshold value of 40 micrograms per cubic metre on a yearly average was exceeded at about 57 per cent of all the measuring stations located near major thoroughfares.

The new low-emission zone made effective in the town of Aachen (Level 3, Baden-Württemberg) in February brings the total number of low-emission zones in Germany to 52.

Higher ozone levels for the first time in years; much lower particulate levels than 2014

Wood-fired heating systems emit more particulate matter locally than road traffic

Poor air quality can have serious impacts on our health and the environment. How is Europe’s air quality? What are the main sources of air pollutants? How do they affect our health and the environment? What does Europe do to improve air quality?

This Federal Environment Agency web page offers regularly updated information about air and other topics related to this most important elixir of life. Find out here how air quality has developed and which pollutants are harmful to health. We identify sources of pollution and point out measures to combat it.

Efforts to reduce air pollution must continue on a wide scale to protect man and the environment. This became clear at the "Reine Luft" [Clean Air] conference which was hosted by the UBA in September 2013.

Air pollution caused by nitrogen dioxide and particulates continued to be too high in Germany in 2012.