Bronte Wells
Several European countries are major contributors to the climate crisis, with their greenhouse gas emissions and insufficient climate policies. In 2021, Germany, France, and Italy had the highest overall GHG emissions in Europe, while Germany also had the highest CO2 emissions, contributing to over a quarter of the EU's total. Turkey ranks as the most polluted European country, with high carbon dioxide pollution, PM2.5 concentrations, and waste discards. Poland, Hungary, and Romania have also been criticized for their poor climate policies and high air pollution levels. Eastern European and Balkan countries suffer the highest rates of air contamination and pollution-related deaths. While some countries, like India, are investing in renewable energy, others, like the UK, France, and Switzerland, are among the least polluted in Europe.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most Polluted Country in Europe | Turkey |
| Carbon Dioxide Pollution in Turkey | 4.33 Tonnes Per Capita Per Year |
| PM2.5 Concentrations in Turkey | 41 µg/m3 |
| Deaths Attributable to Air Pollution in Turkey | 44 Per 100,000 Capita Per Year |
| Forest Area in Turkey | 15.2% |
| Protected Terrestrial or Marine Area in Turkey | 0.2% |
| Waste Discarded Per Capita in Turkey | 424.625 kg |
| Second Most Polluted Country in Europe | Poland |
| Carbon Dioxide Emissions in Poland | 7.63 Tonnes Per Capita Per Year |
| Country with Highest CO2 Emissions in Europe | Germany |
| Country with Lowest Average Rate of Air Pollution in Europe | Switzerland |
| Country with Lowest Rate of Air Pollution-Related Deaths in Europe | Sweden |
| Country with Worst National and International Climate Policy in the EU | Hungary |
| Countries with Highest Average Annual Levels of City Air Pollution | Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Poland, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina |
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What You'll Learn
Germany, France, and Italy have the highest GHG emissions
While Turkey is the most polluted country in Europe, Germany, France, and Italy were the top three European countries with the highest overall GHG emissions in 2021. Their emissions ranged from ~375,000 to 740,000 ktonnes CO2 eq. However, it is important to note that countries with larger populations tend to have higher resource and energy consumption and, consequently, higher GHG emissions.
Germany has taken several initiatives to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. The German government has implemented the Climate Action Programme 2020, 2030, and 2023. Additionally, with the Federal Climate Change Act, they have set binding total annual emission budgets to ensure a reduction of at least 65% by 2030 and greenhouse gas neutrality by 2045. Germany's emissions have been declining since 1990, and in 2024, they were below the total annual emission budget.
France ranked among European nations with the lowest average rate of air pollution, with nearly 13 micrograms of pollutants per cubic meter. It was also within the top 10 European countries with the lowest rate of air pollution-related deaths.
Italy, along with Germany and France, is among the top three European countries with the highest GHG emissions. However, specific data and initiatives regarding Italy's emissions were not readily available in the sources provided.
It is worth noting that global GHG emissions have been steadily increasing since the beginning of the 21st century, mainly due to emerging economies such as China, India, and other developing countries. As a result, the atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases have substantially increased, negatively impacting the natural greenhouse effect and life on Earth.
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Turkey has the worst air pollution
Turkey's poor air quality can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the country has a low percentage of forest area, with only 15.2% of its land covered in vegetation. This is significant because vegetation can help compensate for pollution. Additionally, Turkey has a low percentage of protected terrestrial or marine areas, with only 0.2% of its land being safeguarded. This means that even the existing natural resources are vulnerable to human activities and may not be effectively contributing to the reduction of air pollution.
Furthermore, Turkey's high carbon dioxide emissions contribute to its poor air quality. With 4.33 tonnes of carbon dioxide per capita per year, Turkey surpasses Poland, which has emissions of 7.63 tonnes per capita per year but a lower overall pollution score. While Luxembourg has the highest CO2 emissions per capita in Europe at 14.51 tonnes, its overall pollution score may be lower due to other factors such as vegetation or renewable energy sources.
It is worth noting that other European countries also struggle with air pollution. Eastern European and Balkan countries, such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Albania, and Ukraine, have some of the highest mortality rates attributed to air pollution. Additionally, countries like Germany, France, and Italy have high overall GHG emissions, contributing to climate change. However, these countries have larger populations, which can explain their higher resource and energy consumption.
To conclude, Turkey's air pollution is the worst in Europe due to a combination of high carbon dioxide emissions, low vegetation coverage, and insufficient protected natural areas. These factors contribute to a high concentration of PM2.5 and a significant number of deaths attributable to air pollution. Addressing these issues and implementing effective climate policies will be crucial for Turkey to improve its air quality and reduce its environmental impact.
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Hungary has the worst climate policy
Hungary has been deemed the EU country with the worst national and international climate policy. Climate and energy policy experts assessed Hungary's climate policy a very low grade on a 1-10 scale. The country's climate policy has been criticised for its counter-productive and harmful policies, which restrict the deployment of renewable energy. For instance, Hungary has banned the expansion of wind power and increased fossil fuel subsidies and extraction. In addition, a newly adopted decree allows the clearcutting of forests in protected areas for firewood, which is detrimental to the environment.
Hungary's climate change strategy lacks clear, actionable measures to achieve its climate goals. The strategy is based on a top-down approach and does not consider real data in sectors such as building energy efficiency due to ineffective monitoring tools. There is a lack of clear policies in critical sectors such as buildings, transport, agriculture, and waste, where GHG reduction is most needed. Instead, the focus remains heavily on the energy sector.
Hungary's energy efficiency policy also lacks crucial details, especially regarding the building sector. At the same time, energy use in industry is expected to rise as the government continues to subsidise new energy-intensive industries. The country's renewable energy target for 2030 is 10% lower than what is required to meet the EU's collective target, indicating a disconnect between Hungary's goals and the necessary actions to combat climate change effectively.
Furthermore, local governments in Hungary, particularly in Budapest, are facing challenges in maintaining public transport services due to a loss of funding from the national government. The reduction in public transport options may lead to an increased reliance on private vehicles, potentially resulting in higher emissions and further environmental concerns.
While Hungary has made some efforts to promote renewable energy sources, specifically solar power, the implementation of these policies falls short of achieving meaningful progress. Experts call for greater ambition in Hungary's climate policy and express concern over a hostile environment for environmental NGOs and independent researchers. Viktor Orbán, Hungary's populist leader, has a history of opposing EU climate policies, and his government has been criticised for its inconsistent approach to addressing climate change.
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Bosnia and Herzegovina has the worst air quality
The country's reliance on coal and wood for heating and electricity generation makes its cities some of the most polluted in the world during winter. The burning of wood and low-quality coal in outdated stoves, coupled with poor building insulation, coal-fired power plants, and ageing industrial plants, significantly contribute to air pollution. The country's geography also plays a role in trapping polluted air in the valley, creating smog.
The air pollution in Bosnia and Herzegovina has severe health implications. An estimated 3,300 people die prematurely each year due to exposure to air pollution, according to the World Bank. This accounts for 9% of all deaths in the country. Moreover, thousands more suffer from respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Older individuals and children are particularly vulnerable to the health risks associated with air pollution.
The authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina have been criticised for their inadequate response to the air pollution crisis. Despite the alarming health and environmental consequences, the government has done little to address the problem or warn citizens about the risks. In 2020, Human Rights Watch brought attention to the issue, highlighting the need for urgent action to protect the health and well-being of the country's residents.
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Sweden is the cleanest country
Sweden is widely regarded as the cleanest country in Europe, with the lowest levels of air pollution and the lowest number of pollution-related deaths. According to GreenMatch, Sweden has the lowest level of air pollution in Europe, with just 6 μg/m3 of PM2.5, compared to Turkey, which has 41 μg/m3. Sweden also has the lowest rate of pollution-related deaths, with just 0.4 deaths per 100,000 people attributable to air pollution each year. This is in stark contrast to countries like Latvia, which has the highest death rate at 91 per 100,000.
Sweden has a strong reputation as an environmental pioneer and has a long tradition of environmental awareness and innovation. It was the first country in the world to pass an environmental protection act in 1967 and has hosted several UN conferences on the global environment, including the first one in 1972, which led to the creation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Sweden has also been ranked highly on the Environmental Performance Index (EPI), which is a comprehensive ranking of 180 countries based on various indicators of environmental performance. In 2024, Sweden scored 70.5 on the EPI, placing it among the top performers globally.
Sweden has made significant strides towards sustainability and has ambitious goals for the future. It aims to achieve 100% renewable energy and go fossil-free by 2045. Currently, around 60% of Sweden's national energy supply comes from renewables, and the country has thorough legislation in place to further reduce emissions. Sweden has successfully grown its economy while reducing carbon emissions and limiting pollution, demonstrating that environmental protection and economic development can go hand in hand.
Sweden excels in several key areas of environmental performance. It has exceptionally clean air and water, and it performs well in ecosystem vitality, with sustainably managed forests and low levels of agricultural pollution. The country also has a high share of renewable energy sources, particularly wind and biomass. Sweden's green model involves integrating business and sustainability, and it has emphasised that green growth can drive transition and adaptation to environmental changes.
Sweden's environmental achievements have gained recognition from experts such as Professor Johan Rockström, who believes that the country could be a model for others to follow in combining sustainability with human well-being. Sweden's success in sustainability and environmental protection has made it a focus for leading environmental research, with Stockholm hosting renowned institutions like the Stockholm Environment Institute and the Stockholm Resilience Centre.
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Frequently asked questions
Turkey is the most polluted country in Europe with an overall score of 6.1/10. Carbon dioxide pollution is 4.33 tonnes per capita per year, and the concentrations of PM2.5 are 41 µg/m3.
Germany has the highest CO2 emissions in Europe due to its heavy dependence on coal, contributing to over 1/4 of the entire European Union's CO2 emissions.
Hungary has the worst national and international climate policy in Europe, followed by Poland and Romania.
