The Challenge

Reduce air pollution levels

Environment

Health

Reduce air pollution levels

Air pollution from man-made causes such as combustion processes, motor vehicle traffic or heating and industrial plants, as well as natural sources such as pollen or soil particles, affect both the environment and public health. According to estimates by the European Environmental Agency, approximately 66,000 people in Germany and 248,000 people across the EU die prematurely each year as a result of exposure to particulate matter. Particulate matter can penetrate deep into the lung periphery and promote the development of chronic respiratory diseases and other health problems.

Compliance with air quality limits laid down in EU law is also enshrined in German law; monitoring implementation is the responsibility of the German states. However, in order to ensure high air quality, not only should the limit values be complied with, but measures should be taken to further reduce pollution levels. The starting point for this is comprehensive information on air quality, which, in combination with other data, forms the basis for well-founded decisions and measures.

Approaches

Comprehensive measurement of air quality, if necessary supported by additionally installed sensors
Reduction of motor vehicle traffic
Modernization of heating systems

Opportunities

Fact-based decisions on climate protection and emission reduction measures become possible
Sensors are already installed in some areas; additional sensors can be installed to enable area-wide monitoring
Protection of public health
Daten zur Luftqualität liefern zusätzlich wichtige Informationen für Frühwarnsysteme, z.B. für Waldbrände
Air quality data also provide important information for early warning systems, e.g. for forest fires.

Solution(s)

Data

Data and Facts about this topic

Which SDGS are addressed?

In order to create globally sustainable structures, the member states of the United Nations have set themselves 17 goals by 2030, which are set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.