Air pollution poses a serious risk to public health and has been recognized as one of the major environmental problems worldwide. In the case of Europe, the European Union has warned Spain and eight other member states that they must reduce their pollution levels or face legal consequences. The situation is critical, as air pollution causes the premature deaths of more than 400.000 people across the EU every year.
Spain, together with Germany, Czech Republic, France, Italy, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and the United Kingdom, continues to exceed the established pollution limits, especially with regard to fine PM10 particles and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Faced with this reality, the EU has urged these countries to implement immediate and effective measures to curb this situation.
What is the current situation in Spain?
Air quality in Spain has gradually improved in recent years, but it is still far from meeting the new pollution limits that the European Union has proposed for 2030. The reality is that, although some corrective actions have been implemented, they have not been strong enough to meet long-term standards.
One of the main pollutants that affects Spanish cities is nitrogen dioxide (NO2), mainly generated by road traffic, especially diesel vehicles. Although NO2 levels have decreased in recent years, the situation remains worrying, especially in large urban centres such as Madrid and Barcelona.
EU actions: judicial pressure or real solutions?
EU pressure is not new. For more than a decade, the bloc has been legislating strictly on air quality, imposing lower limits on emissions. Countries that fail to comply with these limits can face financial penalties through legal proceedings.
The European Commissioner for the Environment has received various proposals for improvement, but none of them have been sufficiently robust to meet the air quality targets set. For this reason, the European body has warned that no new deadlines will be set for adapting to current regulations. This message underlines the need to act immediately.
Anti-pollution protocols in Spain
It is in this framework of pressure that in recent years several spanish cities have implemented anti-pollution protocols. Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville, among other cities, have led the way in adopting Low Emission Zones (ZBE), areas limited to vehicles that meet certain emissions standards.
- Madrid Central. One of the most notable initiatives. Now known as Centro DistrictThis area limits the circulation of vehicles, encouraging more sustainable means of transport and pedestrian mobility.
- Barcelona. Since 2016, Barcelona has also had its own ZBE, prohibiting the entry of highly polluting vehicles into several areas of the city centre.
- Valencia. Although initially implemented to combat Saharan dust, this city has also adopted the ZBE in 2022 to curb urban pollution.
- Sevilla. The Andalusian capital has adopted similar measures to avoid high levels of pollution, especially during pollution peaks.
These measures have had a significant impact, but their long-term effectiveness remains to be seen. LEZ They are essential to improve air quality in densely populated areas, but their implementation must be accompanied by broader efforts that include the promotion of public transport and renewable energy.
The National Program for the Control of Atmospheric Pollution (PNCCA)
In response to the air quality crisis, the Spanish government has developed a National Plan to meet the mandatory targets of EU Directive 2016/2284. This plan is implemented in two phases, 2019-2023 and 2023-2030, and covers both short- and medium-term measures.
One of the main goals of the PNCCA is the reduction of PM2.5 and PM10 particles, as well as the decrease of non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOC), which are highly harmful to human health. By 2030, a 95% reduction in sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions, 82% for nitrogen oxides (NOx), and 58% for PM2,5 particles is expected.
El PNCCA It also includes measures to improve the management of transport and industry, key sectors in terms of air pollution. In particular, it seeks to promote the use of renewable energy, electric mobility, and the adoption of alternative fuels in the urban and industrial sectors.
The threat of climate change
El climate change is exacerbating air pollution levels in Spain, especially with regard to the tropospheric ozone (O3)This type of pollution is a significant problem during the summer months, when high temperatures act as a catalyst in the formation of ozone.
Ecologists in Action It is estimated that, in 2022, 99% of the Spanish population was exposed to unhealthy levels of ozone. This pollutant, which has no direct source, is formed from the combination of other gases such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds in the presence of solar radiation.
Actions at the individual level: What can we do?
It is not just governments that have a responsibility to reduce air pollution. As individuals, there are many actions we can take to help improve the quality of the air we breathe:
- Use public transportation or bicycle. Reducing car use is one of the most effective ways to reduce nitrogen dioxide emissions in cities.
- Less energy consumption. Adopting responsible consumption habits, such as unplugging appliances when we do not need them, contributes to reducing energy demand and, therefore, to reducing the burning of fossil fuels.
- Air purifiers. At home, using air filtering and purification systems can help reduce the negative effects of pollution in our homes.
- Tree plantation. Trees and green areas are essential for absorbing CO2 and generating oxygen. Participating in reforestation initiatives or simply caring for the plants in our immediate surroundings can make a difference.
It is a fact that air pollution remains one of the greatest environmental and health challenges of our time. However, with joint efforts between governments, businesses and citizens, it is possible to reduce the impact and move towards a more sustainable and healthy future.