The Air Got Much Cleaner Across Europe – and That Makes People Live Longer

According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), the quality of air across Europe has significantly improved, meaning that fewer deaths are related to air pollution.

“The EEA’s data prove that investing in better air quality is an investment for better health and productivity for all Europeans,” says Hans Bruyninckx, EEA Executive Director. “Policies and actions that are consistent with Europe’s zero pollution ambition, lead to longer and healthier lives and more resilient societies.”

The data analyzed is taken from more than 4,000 monitoring stations in 2018. When compared with data from 2009, this improved air quality means 60,000 fewer premature deaths caused by fine particulate matter pollution. Thanks to environmental and climate policies, the deaths linked to air pollution are on a downward trajectory. With its Green Deal, the European Union wishes to reduce all kinds of pollution to zero.