Worldwide, millions of people die prematurely each year due to unhealthy air. The studies show that fine particulate matter and nitrogen oxides remain particularly harmful to the heart, lungs, and brain. Negative health effects are detectable even at concentrations below current standards. This keeps the urgency of taking further measures high.
In some parts of the world, trends are encouraging. Investments in cleaner energy and stricter emission standards have led to declining levels. At the same time, emissions remain high in other countries, mainly due to intensive use of fossil fuels, heavy industry, and increasing mobility.
In the Netherlands, the most recent measurements paint a remarkably different picture. Research shows that air quality now meets the maximum limits set by the European Union for 2030. This puts the Netherlands ahead of the agreed targets and makes it one of the first countries to reach this level.
An important explanation for the improved situation is the decrease in nitrogen oxides. Especially in traffic, the introduction of cleaner cars, including electric vehicles, has made a noticeable contribution. The modernization of the vehicle fleet has caused emissions to decline faster than expected in recent years.
Additionally, agriculture plays a role in the slight improvement. Measures to reduce ammonia emissions, such as adjustments in barn systems and less use of polluting fertilizers, have had an effect, according to the agency through statistics.
The energy sector also contributes to the positive figures. The phasing out of coal-fired power plants in the Netherlands and the growth of sustainable energy have reduced the emission of pollutants. These structural changes clearly demonstrate that policy decisions and long-term investments are beginning to pay off.
Still, the studies emphasize that health risks have not disappeared. Even when standards are met, exposure can still be harmful, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and people with lung or heart diseases. The situation in the Netherlands does show, however, that targeted measures and technological innovation can actually improve air quality.