{"id":2020810,"date":"2026-07-01T05:00:46","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T02:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2020810"},"modified":"2026-07-01T05:00:46","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T02:00:46","slug":"air-quality-is-improving-across-europe-as-report-finds-steady-decrease-in-major-pollutants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2020810","title":{"rendered":"Air quality is improving across Europe as report finds \u2018steady decrease\u2019 in major pollutants"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/79\/00\/1200x675_cmsv2_206aad40-b3ca-51b8-81db-c686ffa43ac0-9817900.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2906331-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2906331\" data-cid=\"9820411\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2906331-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/04\/11\/189x106_cmsv2_ecbdeb31-f811-582a-befc-2a3ac7952de6-9820411.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Soccer fans gather for a watch party for the World Cup soccer match between Mexico and Ecuador, at the base of the Angel of Independence monument in Mexico City, Tuesday.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Mexico<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Three die in Mexico City World Cup street celebrations\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2906346-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2906346\" data-cid=\"9820451\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2906346-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/04\/51\/189x106_cmsv2_3d29b1ce-10e3-5aec-8678-4ea4f8e161f5-9820451.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Village People lead singer Victor Willis dies aged 75\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Culture news<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Village People lead singer Victor Willis dies aged 75\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2906326-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2906326\" data-cid=\"9820358\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2906326-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/03\/58\/189x106_cmsv2_3ab6db2c-6d2a-5d25-9922-ab3662b4525c-9820358.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"AP PHOTO\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe Today<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU set for China trade \u2018conflict\u2019 without autumn deal, EPP boss says\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2906317-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2906317\" data-cid=\"9820301\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2906317-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/03\/01\/189x106_cmsv2_714287a8-764b-50b9-973d-d2a36e688431-9820301.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A fan reacts before the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Mexico and Ecuador in Mexico City, Tuesday, June 30, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    No Comment<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Mexico fans celebrate World Cup win over Ecuador\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2906331-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2906331\" data-cid=\"9820411\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2906331-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/04\/11\/189x106_cmsv2_ecbdeb31-f811-582a-befc-2a3ac7952de6-9820411.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Soccer fans gather for a watch party for the World Cup soccer match between Mexico and Ecuador, at the base of the Angel of Independence monument in Mexico City, Tuesday.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Mexico<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Three die in Mexico City World Cup street celebrations\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2906346-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2906346\" data-cid=\"9820451\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2906346-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/04\/51\/189x106_cmsv2_3d29b1ce-10e3-5aec-8678-4ea4f8e161f5-9820451.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Village People lead singer Victor Willis dies aged 75\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Culture news<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Village People lead singer Victor Willis dies aged 75\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2906326-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2906326\" data-cid=\"9820358\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2906326-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/03\/58\/189x106_cmsv2_3ab6db2c-6d2a-5d25-9922-ab3662b4525c-9820358.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"AP PHOTO\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe Today<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU set for China trade \u2018conflict\u2019 without autumn deal, EPP boss says\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2906317-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2906317\" data-cid=\"9820301\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2906317-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/03\/01\/189x106_cmsv2_714287a8-764b-50b9-973d-d2a36e688431-9820301.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A fan reacts before the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Mexico and Ecuador in Mexico City, Tuesday, June 30, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    No Comment<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Mexico fans celebrate World Cup win over Ecuador\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Earth<\/p>\n<p>                          Earth News<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Air quality is improving across Europe as report finds \u2018steady decrease\u2019 in major pollutants <\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/79\/00\/1536x864_cmsv2_206aad40-b3ca-51b8-81db-c686ffa43ac0-9817900.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"A man looks his phone while walking on a bridge with the smoke of a waste incinerator in background on the outskirts of Paris, Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021. \"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              A man looks his phone while walking on a bridge with the smoke of a waste incinerator in background on the outskirts of Paris, Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021.<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspLiam Gilliver\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1782882046\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-07-01 07:00:46 +02:00\">01\/07\/2026 &#8211; 7:00 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div 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width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"vk\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>VK<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"vk\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"bluesky\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Bluesky<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"bluesky\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        Decades of environmental policy seem to be paying off, as Europe sees its air quality continuing to improve.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content c-article-content--earth js-article-content\">\n<p>Europe\u2019s air quality is getting better, despite \u201cpersistent pollution episodes\u201d threatening to halt progress.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The EU\u2019s Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) says in its latest report that while some parts of the continent are still experiencing issues with local air pollution the overall outlook \u201cremains encouraging\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>The Assessment Report on European Air Quality 2025 details air quality trends and information on the main pollutants regulated by the Ambient Air Quality Directive, which aims to align the EU\u2019s air quality standards more closely with recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO).<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.634\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/79\/00\/808x511_cmsv2_699e653b-b7fb-5b43-9c69-0d40c4bee457-9817900.jpg\" alt=\"Trend in EU27 emissions since 2015 for main air pollutants (2015=1)\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">Trend in EU27 emissions since 2015 for main air pollutants (2015=1)<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">CAMS REG v8.1<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>What\u2019s driving Europe\u2019s cleaner air?<\/h2>\n<p>Since 2015, emissions of sulphur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) have fallen by approximately three to five per cent per year across the EU, with the most significant reductions in industry and road transport.<\/p>\n<p>Transport is the only sector still producing more emissions than it did in 1990, lagging behind industry, electricity generation, and buildings, as it generates around <strong>a third<\/strong> of EU pollution. But it is falling. Europe\u2019s transport sector emitted 1.05 billion tonnes of CO2 in 2024 &#8211; down from 1.1 billion tonnes in 2019, meaning a 5 per cent drop. The uptake of electric vehicles is largely responsible for this, having risen steeply over the last few years, replacing petrol and diesel powered alternatives.<\/p>\n<p>The transition from fossil fuels to clean energy sources is also contributing to improvements in air pollution. More than half of net electricity generated in the EU came from renewable sources in the second quarter of 2025 for the first time ever. Last year, Sweden generated a staggering 99 per cent of its electricity from low-carbon sources, the highest of any EU country.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Iran war sparks renewables boom as Europeans rush to buy solar, heat pumps and EVs<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Spain\u2019s renewables revolution is paying off: Electricity bills are lower despite energy crisis<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Which gases are the worst sources of air pollution?<\/h2>\n<p>Sulphur oxide is a highly toxic gas released by burning fossil fuels. It can severely irritate the respiratory system and contributes to fine particle pollution \u2013 which can drive acid rain formation.<\/p>\n<p>Nitrogen oxide has a similar impact on human health, threatening to inflame the airways and reduce lung function. Even short-term exposure can trigger asthma attacks and coughing. <\/p>\n<p>NOx is also categorised as a potent greenhouse gas, meaning it traps heat in the atmosphere, helping to drive up global temperatures.<\/p>\n<p>According to CAMS, industrial emissions of SOx have fallen by 59 per cent, while NOx emissions from industry have dropped by 39 per cent. Road transport emissions have also fallen substantially, with reductions of 40 per cent for NOx and 34 per cent for PM2.5.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEurope continues to make steady progress in improving air quality thanks to sustained efforts to reduce emissions from transport, industry, residential heating, and other key sectors,\u201d says CAMS Director Laurence Rouil.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.8325\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/79\/00\/808x673_cmsv2_205c5e79-b357-5026-820f-8fe4d469fd76-9817900.jpg\" alt=\"Number of days with PM2.5 concentrations above 50 \u03bcg.m-3 for 2025.\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">Number of days with PM2.5 concentrations above 50 \u03bcg.m-3 for 2025.<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">CAMS<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Can extreme weather impact air quality?<\/h2>\n<p>As parts of Europe remain gripped by a deadly heatwave, experts warn that high temperatures, intense sunlight and \u201cstagnant atmospheric conditions\u201d create favourable conditions for ozone formation during the summer period.<\/p>\n<p>While ozone in the stratosphere acts as a shield to protect Earth\u2019s surface from the sun\u2019s harmful radiation, near the surface where we live and breathe, ozone is a harmful pollutant that can cause damage to lung tissue and plants. <\/p>\n<p>Ozone forms when sunlight initiates chemical reactions in the air involving pollutants, particularly nitrogen oxides.<\/p>\n<p>The report found that elevated concentrations of ozone were recorded during Europe\u2019s series of heatwaves that scorched the continent in June and August last year.<\/p>\n<p>Prolonged dry conditions can also contribute to severe wildfire activity, which can have a huge impact on air quality.<\/p>\n<p>Record wildfires that burned between 11 and 19 August last summer \u201cheavily impacted Portugal and Spain, and led to widespread exceedances of daily PM2.5 limit values across parts of the Iberian Peninsula\u201d, the report warns.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe wildfires in August 2025 showed how closely these hazardous events are connected to air quality,\u201d says the report\u2019s author Paul Hamer.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn addition to elevating the levels of particulate matter at the surface level, the fire plumes also contributed to the increase in surface ozone levels in northern Portugal and Spain, because of the release of a significant amount of ozone precursors which react in sunlight as the smoke travels.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__container\">\n<article id=\"abe-2905194-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2905194\" data-cid=\"9814985\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2905194-label-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/49\/85\/480x270_cmsv2_a8aba59b-9e01-5548-8b45-f5cbbb0c9a10-9814985.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"President Donald Trump speaks with reporters after arriving at the Capitol for lunch with Republican senators, in Washington, Wednesday, June 24, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Climate<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump declared war on renewables \u2013 but Americans aren\u2019t listening<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2904923-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2904923\" data-cid=\"9813617\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2904923-label-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/36\/17\/480x270_cmsv2_af489101-e6b9-57a0-b1cf-d6fb2030f916-9813617.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A worker drinks water on a construction site during high temperatures in Boulogne Billancourt, outside Paris, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Earth News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Europe\u2019s heatwave \u2018virtually impossible\u2019 50 years ago &#8211; analysis<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2900867-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2900867\" data-cid=\"9804724\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2900867-label-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/79\/32\/41\/480x270_cmsv2_b33813b3-3de1-584a-9517-d210f9cdc236-9793241.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"99 People enjoy a day at the beach on Tel Aviv\u2019s Mediterranean coast in Israel on 15 June 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Earth News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;Flesh-rotting&#8217; bacteria could spread on Europe&#8217;s beaches as seas warm<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  global warming<br 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class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2906151-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2906151\" data-cid=\"9819413\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2906151-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/94\/13\/320x180_cmsv2_5a7e627d-470a-556b-ad2f-cecab25c35b6-9819413.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE - Bleached coral is visible at the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, off the coast of Galveston, Texas, in the Gulf of Mexico, Sept. 16, 2023.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    \u2018Uncharted territory\u2019: Global sea surface temperatures hit record high<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2892237-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2892237\" data-cid=\"9751764\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2892237-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/17\/64\/320x180_cmsv2_50840f7a-ffae-5abe-bcad-04c563e7c78c-9751764.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A woman protects her face from the sun with a fan while walking along a street during a hot summer day, in Pamplona, northern Spain, Thursday, July, 25, 2019. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Spain\u2019s pioneering climate shelters praised by WHO: What are they?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2906090-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2906090\" data-cid=\"9819002\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2906090-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/90\/02\/320x180_cmsv2_2fa4eab8-fea6-524a-bb22-da2d1101f18c-9819002.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"File: A store employee fills the store shelf with summer air conditioning products, in Marseille, southern France, July 3, 2015.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Germany and France energy bills soared by \u20ac700 million during heatwave<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2905722-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2905722\" data-cid=\"9817211\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2905722-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/70\/05\/320x180_cmsv2_fa2b026d-9c46-524c-954d-88f26febbe6a-9817005.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"File photo\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Greece using satellites and AI to detect wildfires earlier than ever<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2905792-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2905792\" data-cid=\"9817429\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2905792-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/74\/29\/320x180_cmsv2_007f8ad3-a66a-5a06-a229-a99816e6ad8e-9817429.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A prolonged heat wave with high temperatures exceeding caused significant damage to the tram infrastructure in Leipzigv Germany on Saturday, June 27, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    \u2018Insufficiently prepared\u2019: Germany\u2019s hospitals struggle amid heatwave<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-2\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most read<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__list\">\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2905599-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2905599\" data-cid=\"9816571\" 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u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2905194-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2905194\" data-cid=\"9814985\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2905194-label-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/49\/85\/480x270_cmsv2_a8aba59b-9e01-5548-8b45-f5cbbb0c9a10-9814985.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"President Donald Trump speaks with reporters after arriving at the Capitol for lunch with Republican senators, in Washington, Wednesday, June 24, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Climate<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump declared war on renewables \u2013 but Americans aren\u2019t listening<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2904923-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2904923\" data-cid=\"9813617\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2904923-label-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/36\/17\/480x270_cmsv2_af489101-e6b9-57a0-b1cf-d6fb2030f916-9813617.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A worker drinks water on a construction site during high temperatures in Boulogne Billancourt, outside Paris, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Earth News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Europe\u2019s heatwave \u2018virtually impossible\u2019 50 years ago &#8211; analysis<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2900867-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2900867\" data-cid=\"9804724\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2900867-label-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/79\/32\/41\/480x270_cmsv2_b33813b3-3de1-584a-9517-d210f9cdc236-9793241.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"99 People enjoy a day at the beach on Tel Aviv\u2019s Mediterranean coast in Israel on 15 June 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Earth News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;Flesh-rotting&#8217; bacteria could spread on Europe&#8217;s beaches as seas warm<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2906151-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2906151\" data-cid=\"9819413\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2906151-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/94\/13\/320x180_cmsv2_5a7e627d-470a-556b-ad2f-cecab25c35b6-9819413.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE - Bleached coral is visible at the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, off the coast of Galveston, Texas, in the Gulf of Mexico, Sept. 16, 2023.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    \u2018Uncharted territory\u2019: Global sea surface temperatures hit record high<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2892237-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2892237\" data-cid=\"9751764\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2892237-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/17\/64\/320x180_cmsv2_50840f7a-ffae-5abe-bcad-04c563e7c78c-9751764.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A woman protects her face from the sun with a fan while walking along a street during a hot summer day, in Pamplona, northern Spain, Thursday, July, 25, 2019. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Spain\u2019s pioneering climate shelters praised by WHO: What are they?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2906090-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2906090\" data-cid=\"9819002\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2906090-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/90\/02\/320x180_cmsv2_2fa4eab8-fea6-524a-bb22-da2d1101f18c-9819002.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"File: A store employee fills the store shelf with summer air conditioning products, in Marseille, southern France, July 3, 2015.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Germany and France energy bills soared by \u20ac700 million during heatwave<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2905722-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2905722\" data-cid=\"9817211\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2905722-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/70\/05\/320x180_cmsv2_fa2b026d-9c46-524c-954d-88f26febbe6a-9817005.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"File photo\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Greece using satellites and AI to detect wildfires earlier than ever<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2905792-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2905792\" data-cid=\"9817429\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2905792-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/74\/29\/320x180_cmsv2_007f8ad3-a66a-5a06-a229-a99816e6ad8e-9817429.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A prolonged heat wave with high temperatures exceeding caused significant damage to the tram infrastructure in Leipzigv Germany on Saturday, June 27, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    \u2018Insufficiently prepared\u2019: Germany\u2019s hospitals struggle amid heatwave<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2905599-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2905599\" data-cid=\"9816571\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Another heat record broken in Germany<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2905792-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2905792\" data-cid=\"9817429\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    \u2018Insufficiently prepared\u2019: Germany\u2019s hospitals struggle amid heatwave<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2905592-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2905592\" data-cid=\"9816514\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Swiss glaciers melting rapidly in June as Europe faces extreme heat<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2905743-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2905743\" data-cid=\"9817183\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Spanish heatwave set to continue with 40C forecast<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2905698-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2905698\" data-cid=\"9816981\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Portugal set for 43C in early July heatwave<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">Europe\u2019s air quality is getting better, despite \u201cpersistent pollution episodes\u201d threatening to halt progress.The EU\u2019s Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) says in its latest report that while some parts of the continent are still experiencing issues with local air pollution\u00a0the overall outlook \u201cremains encouraging\u201d.The Assessment Report on European Air Quality 2025 details air quality trends and information on the main pollutants regulated by the Ambient Air Quality Directive, which aims to align the EU\u2019s air quality standards more closely with recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO).What\u2019s driving Europe\u2019s cleaner air?Since 2015, emissions of sulphur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) have fallen by approximately three to five per cent per year across the EU, with the most significant reductions in industry and road transport.Transport is the only sector still producing more emissions than it did in 1990, lagging behind industry, electricity generation, and buildings, as it generates around a third of EU pollution. But it is falling. Europe\u2019s transport sector emitted 1.05 billion tonnes of CO2 in 2024 &#8211; down from 1.1 billion tonnes in 2019, meaning a 5 per cent drop. The uptake of electric vehicles is largely responsible for this, having risen steeply over the last few years, replacing petrol and diesel powered alternatives.The transition from fossil fuels to clean energy sources is also contributing to improvements in air pollution. More than half of net electricity generated in the EU came from renewable sources in the second quarter of 2025 for the first time ever. Last year, Sweden generated a staggering 99 per cent of its electricity from low-carbon sources, the highest of any EU country.Which gases are the worst sources of air pollution?Sulphur oxide is a highly toxic gas released by burning fossil fuels. It can severely irritate the respiratory system and contributes to fine particle pollution \u2013 which can drive acid rain formation.Nitrogen oxide has a similar impact on human health, threatening to inflame the airways and reduce lung function. Even short-term exposure can trigger asthma attacks and coughing.\u00a0NOx is also categorised as a potent greenhouse gas, meaning it traps heat in the atmosphere, helping to drive up global temperatures.According to CAMS, industrial emissions of SOx have fallen by 59 per cent, while NOx emissions from industry have dropped by 39 per cent. Road transport emissions have also fallen substantially, with reductions of 40 per cent for NOx and 34 per cent for PM2.5.\u201cEurope continues to make steady progress in improving air quality thanks to sustained efforts to reduce emissions from transport, industry, residential heating, and other key sectors,\u201d says CAMS Director Laurence Rouil.Can extreme weather impact air quality?As parts of Europe remain gripped by a deadly heatwave, experts warn that high temperatures, intense sunlight and \u201cstagnant atmospheric conditions\u201d create favourable conditions for ozone formation during the summer period.While ozone in the stratosphere acts as a shield to protect Earth\u2019s surface from the sun\u2019s harmful radiation, near the surface where we live and breathe, ozone is a harmful pollutant that can cause damage to lung tissue and plants.\u00a0Ozone forms when sunlight initiates chemical reactions in the air involving pollutants, particularly nitrogen oxides.The report found that elevated concentrations of ozone were recorded during Europe\u2019s series of heatwaves that scorched the continent in June and August last year.Prolonged dry conditions can also contribute to severe wildfire activity, which can have a huge impact on air quality.Record wildfires that burned between 11 and 19 August last summer \u201cheavily impacted Portugal and Spain, and led to widespread exceedances of daily PM2.5 limit values across parts of the Iberian Peninsula\u201d, the report warns.\u201cThe wildfires in August 2025 showed how closely these hazardous events are connected to air quality,\u201d says the report\u2019s author Paul Hamer.\u201cIn addition to elevating the levels of particulate matter at the surface level, the fire plumes also contributed to the increase in surface ozone levels in northern Portugal and Spain, because of the release of a significant amount of ozone precursors which react in sunlight as the smoke travels.\u201d<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2026\/07\/01\/air-quality-is-improving-across-europe-as-report-finds-steady-decrease-in-major-pollutants&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/79\/00\/1200x675_cmsv2_206aad40-b3ca-51b8-81db-c686ffa43ac0-9817900.jpg&#8221;] Mexico Three die in Mexico City World Cup street celebrations Culture news Village People lead singer Victor Willis dies aged 75 Europe Today EU set for China trade \u2018conflict\u2019 without autumn deal, EPP boss says No Comment Mexico fans celebrate World Cup win over Ecuador Mexico Three die in Mexico City World [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-2020810","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2020810","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2020810"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2020810\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2020810"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2020810"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2020810"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}