Meghan Hodges
When it comes to pollution in Europe, there are several factors to consider, including carbon dioxide emissions, air pollution, and waste generation. While Germany has the highest CO2 emissions in Europe due to its heavy dependence on coal, Luxembourg has the highest CO2 emissions per capita. In terms of overall pollution, Turkey is the most polluted European country, with high levels of air pollution and a low percentage of forest area. Sweden, on the other hand, is the cleanest European country, with the lowest air pollution levels and a low death rate attributable to air pollution. It's important to note that while some countries in Europe are taking steps towards reducing their emissions and addressing the climate crisis, there is still a long way to go to achieve the goals set by the Paris Climate Agreement and limit global warming.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country with the highest CO2 emissions in Europe | Germany |
| Germany's CO2 emissions in 2023 | 572 million metric tons of carbon dioxide |
| Countries with the highest overall GHG emissions in Europe in 2021 | Germany, France, and Italy |
| Country with the highest per capita CO2 emissions in the EU in 2021 | Luxembourg |
| Country with the highest per capita CO2 emissions in Europe in 2018 | Luxembourg |
| Country with the lowest per capita CO2 emissions in Europe in 2018 | Latvia |
| Country with the highest air pollution in Europe | Turkey |
| Country with the lowest air pollution in Europe | Sweden |
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What You'll Learn
- Germany, France, and Italy had the highest GHG emissions in 2021
- Luxembourg, Ireland, and the Czech Republic had the highest per capita emissions in 2021
- Turkey is the most polluted country in Europe
- Sweden is the least polluted country in Europe
- China, the USA, and the EU are significant contributors to pollution
Germany, France, and Italy had the highest GHG emissions in 2021
Germany, France, and Italy were the top three European countries with the highest overall GHG emissions in 2021. Germany's emissions were 760 Mt CO2 eq in 2021, a 39.2% decrease compared to 1990. France and Italy also experienced reductions in emissions, with decreases of 23.1% and 19.9% respectively. However, these three countries, along with Poland and Spain, accounted for two-thirds of EU emissions in 2021.
Germany has set ambitious targets for reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. By 2030, the country aims to cut emissions by at least 65% compared to 1990 levels and targets net-negative emissions by 2045. Germany's climate goals are influenced by the European Union's emission reduction policies, including the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS I) and the Effort Sharing Regulation.
France and Italy are also taking steps to address their emissions. France has implemented policies to reduce emissions, such as the energy transition law and the multi-year energy plan. Italy has focused on renewable energy sources, with a goal of meeting 55% of its energy needs through renewables by 2030.
While these countries have the highest overall GHG emissions in Europe, other countries, such as Luxembourg, Ireland, and the Czech Republic, have higher per capita emissions. These countries exceeded 10 tonnes CO2 eq per capita in 2021, contributing significantly to the climate crisis.
Overall, Europe is making progress towards reducing GHG emissions, with a 29% decline between 1990 and 2021. However, more ambitious actions and policies are needed to achieve the goals set out in the Paris Agreement and limit global temperature rise.
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Luxembourg, Ireland, and the Czech Republic had the highest per capita emissions in 2021
While Germany, France, and Italy were the European countries with the highest overall GHG emissions in 2021, when it comes to emissions per capita, Luxembourg, Ireland, and the Czech Republic top the list. These three countries exceeded 10 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per capita in 2021, with Luxembourg having the highest per capita emissions in all of Europe at 14.51 tonnes.
It's important to note that these figures reflect "production-based" emissions, which means they account for emissions from the burning of fossil fuels and cement production within a country's borders but do not include emissions from traded goods (consumption-based emissions). Population size also plays a significant role in overall emissions, with larger populations resulting in higher resource and energy consumption and, consequently, higher GHG emissions.
Luxembourg, despite its small population, has consistently high per capita emissions. Ireland's emissions are also far from the levels required to limit global warming to 1.5°C, and while current emission trends show reductions in all three countries, the reductions need to be faster and more significant.
To address the climate crisis effectively, countries must focus on ambitious and stringent climate policies. This includes increasing renewable energy deployment, reducing energy use, and transitioning to greener solutions, such as those promoted by the EU's Inforegio programme for North-West Europe.
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Turkey is the most polluted country in Europe
A report by GreenMatch, which analysed pollution levels in Europe, found that Turkey had the highest air pollution levels, with a concentration of 41 μg/m3. In comparison, Sweden, the cleanest European country, had a value of 6 μg/m3. Additionally, Turkey's carbon dioxide pollution is 4.33 tonnes per capita per year, contributing to the overall pollution problem.
Several factors contribute to Turkey's high air pollution levels. Road transport and vehicle density are significant issues, with the number of vehicles on Turkish roads increasing from 4 million in 1990 to 25 million in 2020. Cities like Istanbul, with a population of 16 million, have dangerously high levels of NO2, affecting even the respiratory systems of healthy individuals. The problem is exacerbated by the lack of restrictions on particles less than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5), which cause lung diseases.
Coal-fired power plants are another major source of pollution in Turkey. These power plants emit pollutants that put everyone at risk of cardiovascular diseases, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. Greenpeace Mediterranean has identified the Afşin-Elbistan and Soma power stations as having the highest health risks in Europe. Additionally, the burning of low-quality lignite coal in cities and old power stations contributes to the pollution.
Turkey's poor performance in addressing pollution is also evident in its lack of compliance with EU standards for ambient air quality and national emissions ceilings. The country's official limit for PM10 is much higher than the limits set by the WHO and the EU. Furthermore, Turkey does not have any restrictions on PM2.5 pollutants, which pose a greater health risk than PM10.
While Germany, France, and Italy were the European countries with the highest overall GHG emissions in 2021, Turkey's pollution problem is particularly severe when considering the impact on public health and the lack of adherence to international standards.
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Sweden is the least polluted country in Europe
Sweden, officially the Kingdom of Sweden, is a Nordic country in Northern Europe with a population of 10.4 million people. It is the largest of the Nordic countries and the third-largest country in the European Union. Sweden has been concerned about air pollution since 1970 and has taken several measures to address it. As a result, Sweden has the lowest air pollution levels in Europe, with only 6 μg/m3 of PM2.5 concentrations and 3.83 tonnes per capita of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
Sweden's clean air can be attributed to its ambitious environmental targets and the Swedish National Environmental Quality Objectives, which aim for unpolluted air and water sources. The country's low population density of 25.5 inhabitants per square kilometre also contributes to its low pollution levels. Additionally, Sweden has a high percentage of forest cover, with 68.9% of the country consisting of forest areas and 15% protected terrestrial or marine areas.
In comparison to other European countries, Sweden performs exceptionally well in terms of pollution control. Turkey, for example, has much higher carbon dioxide pollution, with 4.33 tonnes per capita per year, and PM2.5 concentrations of 41 μg/m3. Turkey also has a high number of deaths attributable to air pollution, with 44 deaths per 100,000 capita per year. Similarly, Poland, which ranks second after Turkey in overall pollution, has higher carbon dioxide emissions, with 7.63 tonnes per capita per year.
Finland and France share second place for the least polluted countries in Europe, with a score of 3.5/10. Finland has higher carbon dioxide emissions than Sweden, with 8.28 tonnes per capita per year, and slightly higher PM2.5 concentrations of 7 μg/m3. However, Finland has a higher percentage of forest cover, with 73.1% of the country consisting of forest areas. France, on the other hand, has 31% forest area and 33.2% protected terrestrial and marine areas. It is also a leader in renewable energy solutions, with a focus on solar panel installations and air source heat pumps.
Overall, Sweden's success in maintaining low pollution levels can be attributed to its early recognition of air pollution as a critical issue, its ambitious environmental targets, and its commitment to protecting natural resources. The country's low population density and high forest cover also play a significant role in its achievement as the least polluted country in Europe.
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China, the USA, and the EU are significant contributors to pollution
China's industrial production is heavily reliant on coal, which is a major contributor to CO2 emissions. The country is the world's second-largest manufacturer, and rapid urbanization has intensified its CO2 emissions. Cement and steel production, essential for infrastructure, also produce significant amounts of CO2. China recognizes the need to reduce its dependence on coal and plans to generate more electricity using nuclear, renewable energy sources, and natural gas.
The US, the second-largest emitter of CO2, has taken some steps to address its emissions. The $1 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2021, includes funding for improving energy infrastructure, installing electric vehicle charging stations, updating power lines, and producing clean energy. However, under President Donald Trump, who returned to office in 2025, there has been a pause and review of this funding.
Within the EU, Germany, France, and Italy were the countries with the highest overall GHG emissions in 2021. Germany's heavy dependence on coal makes it the European country with the highest CO2 emissions, contributing over a quarter of the entire European Union's total. Luxembourg, Ireland, and the Czech Republic had the highest per capita emissions in the EU in 2021, heavily contributing to the climate crisis.
While China, the USA, and the EU are significant polluters, it is important to note that other countries, such as India, Russia, and Japan, are also major contributors to CO2 emissions.
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Frequently asked questions
Germany is the European country with the highest CO2 emissions, contributing to over 1/4 of the entire European Union's CO2 emissions.
There are different ways of ranking the most polluting countries, depending on the calculation method used: CO2 emissions, per capita, ecological footprint, etc.
The most common methods of calculating pollution are measuring CO2 emissions, per capita emissions, ecological footprint, and PPM (parts per million).
The countries with the highest CO2 emissions are China, the USA, and India.
