Air pollution in Baden-Württemberg continued to decline

Air pollution in Baden-Württemberg continued to decline

Air quality in Baden-Württemberg continued to improve in 2023, as can be seen from a current press release from the Ministry of Transport. Both the fine dust and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations are at all measurement stations in the country below the legally prescribed limit values. This is already the second year in a row in which the air quality limit values ​​have been observed across the board.

It is particularly gratifying that the NO2 concentrations have continued to drop at the road-related measuring points. Transport Minister Winfried Hermann was pleased with this development and emphasized that the increase in pollutant concentrations failed to fail after the Corona measures have been abolished. This is also due to the fact that commuter traffic is still not at the pre-corona level.

Minister Hermann appealed to both employers and employees to continue to use the home office, provided this is possible and sensible. This not only contributes to clean air and health protection, but also relieve the traffic routes.

The numbers of the measurement stations show the positive development: The NO2 annual means at the Stuttgart measuring station on the Neckartor was more than halved, from 82 µg/m³ in 2016 to 32 µg/m³ in 2023. Similar reductions were also determined at other measurement stations in the country.

Despite these successes, Minister Hermann warned against leaving. Even if the current limit values ​​are observed, health damage from air pollutants can occur, according to the World Health Organization. In order to further improve the air quality, the range of buses and trains as well as the infrastructure for foot and cycling must be consistently expanded. In addition, the switch to clean electric cars is crucial.

This positive development in Baden-Württemberg not only affects people's health, but also on the environment and the climate. By further improving the air quality, the country makes an important contribution to environmental protection and quality of life of the population.