Air pollution is a global problem that affects everyone, regardless of whether we use private transport or work in industry. The damage it causes to human health is considerable and well documented. A report by Ecologists in Action On air quality in Spain, he explained that almost 44 million people in 2016 (close to 94% of the population) breathed air with pollution levels higher than those recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
This study revealed that in 2016 alone, there were more than 24.000 premature deaths related to air pollution in Spain. However, despite these alarming figures, air pollution is not perceived as an imminent danger by the majority of the population.
Polluted air in almost the entire territory
The report of Ecologists in Action revealed that, of the 700 measuring stations spread throughout the country, it was reflected that 44 million people breathed air in poor conditionThis means that 90% of Spain is exposed to pollution levels that violate European regulations. Whether due to traffic, industry or natural processes, the emission of greenhouse gases and other harmful particles continues to increase.
Furthermore, 255.000 square kilometers of vegetation were exposed to harmful levels of pollution, which represents almost half of the Spanish territory. This has a direct impact on agricultural crops and ecosystems, which are not adequately protected by current regulations.
Road traffic It remains the main source of pollution in urban areas. Suspended particulate matter, nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide are just some of the main pollutants emitted by vehicles, affecting both human health and the environment.
The effects of pollution are especially alarming in areas such as Madrid and Barcelona, where the legal limits set by the European Union are exceeded. In 2022, according to recent data, more than 90% of the population in these cities was exposed to pollution levels above WHO recommendations, and no substantial improvement has been observed in the following years.
Suspended particles and nitrogen oxides
The suspended particles (PM10 and PM2.5) are one of the most dangerous pollutants. These particles are so small that they can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause serious respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis. Increased particulate matter has also been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Spain's main critical points for PM10 and PM2.5 are located in large cities such as Madrid, Barcelona and Seville, where traffic is particularly intense. During the summer of 2022, heat waves also contributed to increased tropospheric ozone levels in the most intense heat waves since 1961, further exacerbating the effects of pollution on public health.
Furthermore, the nitrogen oxides (NOx), derived from combustion in vehicles and industrial processes, are also a significant problem. These pollutants not only affect air quality, but also contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, a gas that causes harmful effects on lung function and complicates existing respiratory diseases.
El Court of Justice of the European Union The US has already issued convictions against Spain for exceeding NO2 limits in cities such as Madrid and Barcelona. Although a reduction in these levels has been observed since 2020, especially due to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, the current levels still exceed the limits proposed by EU regulations for 2030.
Effects on public health
The World Health Organization says that the Air pollution is the greatest environmental threat to human health. Particles emitted from vehicle exhaust pipes, factories and other sources contribute to problems ranging from heart failure until tumors appear in the lungs.
According to a study presented at the Congress of the European Society of Cardiology, people with heart failure have a higher risk of death on days with peak pollution levels. This risk is not only limited to the days when pollution levels are highest, but also to the days following these peaks.
Furthermore, the European Environment Agency It is estimated that more than 25.000 people die prematurely each year in Spain due to diseases aggravated by poor air quality, and this figure could increase due to the intensification of the effects of climate change.
Climate change and pollution
El climate change exacerbates Spain's air pollution problems. Prolonged drought and heat waves, which have become more frequent, contribute to the intensification of episodes of ozone and particulate matter pollution.
In addition, the data shows that although many have been closed, thermal power plants In Spain, dependence on fossil fuels such as diesel remains high. Motorised transport is one of the main contributors to air pollution in Spanish cities, highlighting the urgency of adopting stricter measures to promote sustainable forms of transport.
The year 2022 was the hottest on record in Spain since 1961. Extreme temperatures and a lack of rainfall led to a significant increase in pollution episodes, especially in urban areas. These phenomena worsen air quality and put great pressure on health systems, as the most vulnerable people, such as children and the elderly, suffer the consequences of breathing polluted air more intensely.
Measures to reduce air pollution
To mitigate and eventually eliminate the effects of pollution on the population, it is necessary to implement a series of measures at national, local and international levels:
- Reducing transport emissions: This involves the adoption of electric vehicles and the promotion of clean public transport, as well as encouraging non-motorized alternatives such as cycling and walking.
- Establishment of Low Emission Zones (LEZ): Spanish cities must comply with the law and implement low-emission zones, where the most polluting vehicles have circulation restrictions.
- Promote sustainable mobility: Reduce motorized traffic by providing bicycle-friendly infrastructure and improving access to urban transport.
- Adopt renewable energy: Increasing investment in clean energy sources, such as solar and wind, is essential to reducing industrial emissions and moving towards decarbonisation of the energy sector.
- Reforestation and creation of green areas: Vegetation helps reduce pollution by acting as a natural filter. It is vital to implement policies to restore ecosystems and expand green spaces in cities.
- Education and public information: It is essential that the population is well informed about the risks of air pollution and the responsible behaviour they can adopt to help improve air quality.
It is clear that both motor traffic and industrial activities are the main sources of pollution in Spanish cities. However, the change towards a more sustainable society that is less dependent on fossil fuels is not only an environmental necessity, but a moral obligation to protect our health and that of future generations.
The intensification of climate change combined with high levels of air pollution in Spain requires national and local authorities to take more ambitious action to combat this problem. The lives of millions of people depend on it.