Berlin: Air values in the critical range

Bad news comes from the capital's air quality measurement network. The air quality index (LQI) - that is, the value that classifies pollutant concentrations into different risk levels - is currently well above the desired threshold in Berlin. On average, the LQI has been between 80 and 100 in recent weeks. With even higher peak values yesterday, which show a worrying trend. An LQI value of 141 would namely be reached in Mathildenstraße in Berlin-Oberschöneweide. Although this is not below the highest level, where the LQI is 500, it is still far from the values to be complied with - which are considered to be safe for health and the environment.  

This is because, especially for sensitive and at-risk groups of people, the concentration of fine dust in the air as well as pollution in general has a particularly harmful effect on the lungs and respiratory tract. An interaction that is confirmed by gloomy statistics. After all, a recent study showed that at least 238,000 people will die prematurely in 2020 from symptoms attributable to the health consequences of air and environmental pollution. A critical situation that, according to experts, will not improve in the near future, as the current energy crisis has led to the return of wood-burning and other alternative heating methods. This corresponds to an increase in the production of pollutants.

However, as far as air pollution is concerned, Berlin and Germany are of course not an isolated case. In the rest of the European Union and on other continents, cities and citizens are also struggling with bad air. It is true that air quality in the EU has improved. But this is not a sufficient reduction in values to consistently achieve the ambitious goals of the Zero Pollution Action Plan. There is still much to be done to protect people and the environment from poor air quality.  

Among other things, the European Commission wants to lower the limit values for pollutants based on the recommendations of the World Health Organisation by 2030. To stay on track, the emission reduction strategy from the "Fit-for-55" action plan, as well as the zero-pollutant action plan agreed in 2021 as part of the so-called Green Deal, should help. According to this plan, the share of ecosystems affected by pollution is to be reduced by 25 percent compared to 2005. As well as by more than 55 percent, particulate matter levels are to be reduced by 2030 compared to 2005.  

However, further measures that can have a more noticeable impact are highly necessary. If the EU wants to live up to its ambitious efforts, the Euro7 emissions standard planned for the year, for example, is only the tip of the iceberg of what is actually needed. More intensive action against harmful emissions should be taken at national and international levels. But as the results of the last World Climate Conference show, Germany and many other countries are still far from agreeing on measures that deviate from the lowest common denominator.