Number of German cities with poor air quality more than halved in 2019

(EurActiv, 10 Jun 2020) Air quality in Germany is getting better. Last year, only 25 instead of 57 cities exceeded the limit values for nitrogen dioxide. However, experts are warning this is based on short-term effects and suggest now is the time to rethink transport. EURACTIV Germany reports.

The air in German cities is getting better and better – completely independently of the restrictions imposed to combat the coronavirus. This is the conclusion of official figures for 2019 published by the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) on Tuesday (9 June).

According to the data, 25 cities still exceed the limit for nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The year before, it was more than double – 57 cities. The cities with the worst air quality were Munich, Darmstadt and Stuttgart.

There are no reliable figures available yet for this year, but first measurements during the coronavirus restrictions showed a decrease of NO2-emissions of up to 40%. In many large cities, traffic had decreased by 30% to 50%.

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EurActiv, 10 Jun 2020: Number of German cities with poor air quality more than halved in 2019