Saharan dust caused particulate matter levels in Europe to skyrocket this week. In Switzerland, the speed limit on motorways was tightened. In France, the activation of the environmental zones was mostly too late. In some areas, they were dispensed with altogether despite the pollution.
Berlin's urban area is to be closed to internal combustion vehicles. But after the draft law already stated 2030 as the implementation date, this deadline has now disappeared from the law. Implementation has thus been put on the back burner. But to when?
In Norway, more electric cars were sold last year than combustion cars. The country is far ahead in an international comparison. The success lies in the privileges. But the charging infrastructure is not up to scratch.
Motorbikes are clearly too loud - that's what measurements in Stuttgart showed. Politicians and citizens are calling for an end to this. Noise protection zones like the one in Tyrol could be a solution.
Berlin citizens have submitted a draft law that would virtually ban car traffic within Berlin's S-Bahn ring. According to the bill, not even electric cars would be allowed to enter. The initiative is likely to face a lot of opposition.
The Netherlands is tightening up the rules on environmental zones enormously from 2025. No vans or trucks with combustion engines will be allowed in at least 14 environmental zones. Only purely electric vehicles will be allowed.
Despite attractive offers such as free public transport, the country is struggling with increased nitrogen oxide pollution from old diesel vehicles. Driving bans are imminent.
The air in Germany is getting cleaner. This is also the case in Darmstadt. Despite the improvement in nitrogen oxide levels, however, the city is sticking to its driving bans for older diesel and petrol vehicles.
A law passed by the German government is supposed to provide a better infrastructure with fast-charging stations and thus make the switch to e-cars more attractive. Despite the planned investment of billions, critics are not convinced.
Environmental zones and driving bans are the result of air pollution in many countries on planet Earth. But scientists also use indicators like nitrogen dioxide for other purposes - for example, to explore space and find evidence of extraterrestrial life.
