Air quality in Europe improved further in 2025 as emissions from transport, industry, and domestic fuel use reduced, says a new study conducted by the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS). Although there has been a steady improvement in air quality over the years, episodes of pollution associated with heat waves, wildfires, and weather have occurred in several parts of the continent.

According to the study, emissions of major air pollutants have steadily reduced over the past decade. Emissions of sulphur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) have been reduced by 3% to 5% annually since 2015. The emissions of industrial SOx have been reduced by 59%, while emissions of industrial NOx have been reduced by 39%.

This reduction is mainly attributed to increased environmental standards, better industrial processes, and advancements in motor vehicle technology. In addition, road transport emissions have also reduced, as carbon dioxide emissions from the sector have reduced by about 5% from 2019 to 2024. However, transport is still one of the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases in Europe.

The report finds that lower emissions have failed to put an end to the occurrence of pollution episodes. Meteorological conditions remain a major determinant of air quality. Heat waves, stagnation, winter temperature inversions, and fire smoke continue to trap pollutants near the surface of the Earth, resulting in an increase in pollution episodes.

In August 2025, the occurrence of wildfires in Portugal and Spain led to an increase in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in certain regions of the Iberian Peninsula. Wildfires in Portugal and Spain were found to have been responsible for increasing ground-level ozone through the reaction of pollutants exposed to intense sun rays in the summer season.

According to CAMS Director Laurence Rouil, the assessment makes use of satellite observations, atmospheric modeling, and observations to monitor changes in air quality in Europe. The director says that the assessment aids in the identification of long-term trends while also enhancing knowledge about pollution episodes linked to weather and climatic phenomena.

Results from the report indicate that emission reductions are working effectively and yielding positive results regarding air quality.

In addition, independent studies conducted by the European Environment Agency show that although there has been a decrease in air pollution in most parts of Europe, some urban centers still experience levels of pollutants higher than the WHO guidelines, especially when it comes to fine particulates.

The latest report shows that it is important to reduce emissions to improve air quality, but it is equally vital to manage the impacts of severe weather and fires.