Helena Joyce
Europe's most significant contributor to climate change is Germany, with France and Italy close behind. 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 CO2 emissions. However, when it comes to the most polluted country in Europe, Turkey takes the lead, with the highest levels of carbon dioxide pollution per capita and PM2.5 concentrations. Poland is the second most polluted country in Europe, with even higher carbon dioxide emissions per capita than Turkey. While some European countries are making strides towards renewable energy, others, like Hungary, Poland, and Romania, have been criticised for their counter-productive climate policies and lack of progress in transitioning to renewable energy sources.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country with the highest CO2 emissions in Europe | Germany |
| Germany's contribution to the European Union's CO2 emissions | over 1/4th |
| Germany's dependence on coal | High |
| Country with the highest per capita CO2 emissions in the EU in 2021 | Luxembourg |
| Country with the second-highest per capita CO2 emissions in the EU in 2021 | Ireland |
| Country with the third-highest per capita CO2 emissions in the EU in 2021 | N/A |
| Worst-performing European countries according to CCPI | Hungary and Poland |
| Most polluted country in Europe | Turkey |
| Cleanest country in Europe | Sweden |
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What You'll Learn
Germany is the highest CO2 emitter in Europe
Germany is the highest emitter of CO2 in Europe, contributing to over a quarter of the entire European Union's CO2 emissions. The country's heavy dependence on coal is a significant factor in its high emissions. Germany's greenhouse gas emissions have been a concern, with the country targeting a reduction in emissions and a transition to lower-carbon energy sources.
Germany's national climate law, passed in 2019 and amended in 2021 and 2024, sets annual emission budgets for sectors such as industry and transport. The law aligns with wider European greenhouse gas emission reduction plans. Germany aims to achieve net-negative emissions in land use and forestry by 2030, with more ambitious targets for 2040 and 2045.
The building sector has achieved the third-largest emission reductions since 1990, with a 44% decrease in the heavy industry sector. However, the transport sector has faced challenges in reducing emissions, remaining largely unchanged until the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Germany's energy transition targets aim for climate neutrality by 2050, in line with the European Union's policies.
While Germany leads Europe in CO2 emissions, it is important to note that Asia, dominated by China, is the largest emitting region globally, followed by North America, led by the USA. These regions, along with the EU, account for more than half of global emissions.
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Turkey is the most polluted European country
Turkey is the most polluted country in Europe, with an overall score of 6.1/10. The carbon dioxide pollution in Turkey is 4.33 tonnes per capita per year, and the concentrations of PM2.5 are 41 µg/m3. In comparison, the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline for PM2.5 is 10 µg/m3. There are 44 deaths attributable to air pollution per 100,000 capita per year in Turkey, and over 30,000 people die each year from air pollution-related illnesses. This accounts for over 8% of the country's deaths, and air pollution is particularly harmful to children's health.
The main factor affecting air pollution levels in Turkey is vehicle density. The number of vehicles on Turkey's roads has increased from 4 million in 1990 to 25 million in 2020. The increase in vehicles has resulted in higher emissions, with the first Turkish national electric car planned to start production in 2022. Additionally, the burning of low-quality lignite coal in cities and the country's oldest coal-fired power stations is a significant contributor to air pollution. The coal-fired power plants in Afşin-Elbistan and Soma have been identified as having the highest health risks in a European country.
Several Turkish cities are among the most polluted in Europe. A report that analysed 7,812 cities found that Iğdır was the most polluted city in Europe, with a PM2.5 level of 47.2 µg/m3. Osmaniye and Hendek were also ranked among the top five most polluted cities in Europe. Furthermore, a study by the Guardian newspaper revealed that eight out of ten of the most polluted cities in Europe were located in Turkey, including Batman, Hakkari, Gaziantep, and Siirt.
The high levels of air pollution in Turkey are due to a combination of factors, including vehicle emissions, coal-fired power plants, and a lack of regulations on particulate matter. The issue of air pollution poses significant risks to the health and well-being of the country's population, particularly in densely populated cities like Istanbul.
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Poland has the second-highest pollution score
Poland's poor air quality can be attributed to its dependence on coal to power its homes and economy. The country is the second-largest coal-mining nation in Europe, after Germany. In January 2020, the Polish city of Wroclaw reported the second-worst air quality globally, only after Lahore in Pakistan. Krakow, another Polish city, ranked fourth. The EU is helping to fund the replacement of more than half a million coal-fired domestic boilers in Poland. The new boilers will significantly reduce the smog-creating particles emitted by the old, inefficient boilers currently in use.
Poland has the highest number of premature deaths linked to air pollution in the EU. According to a 2018 report from the World Health Organization (WHO), 36 of Europe's most polluted cities are in Poland. The impact of air pollution on health is substantial, particularly for the elderly and children. Almost 1 in 9 premature deaths linked to PM2.5 particles in the EU occur in Poland. Poor air quality contributes to almost a quarter of bronchitis cases among children, with around 200,000 cases recorded annually.
To address these issues, Poland has implemented initiatives to improve air quality. The World Bank is lending €250 million to finance Poland's "Clean Air" programme, which aims to reduce the number of premature deaths attributed to poor air quality by providing subsidies for households to install cleaner heating systems and improve insulation. Despite these efforts, Poland still faces challenges in reducing its pollution levels and protecting the health and well-being of its citizens.
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Sweden is the cleanest European country
Sweden has been consistently ranked as the cleanest country in Europe, with a variety of factors contributing to this title. According to GreenMatch, Sweden has the lowest carbon dioxide emissions per capita among European countries, with 3.83 tonnes per capita per year, and the lowest concentrations of PM2.5, with 6 µg/m3. The number of deaths attributable to air pollution is also remarkably low in Sweden, with only 0.4 deaths per 100,000 capita per year.
Sweden has a strong tradition of environmental awareness and innovation. Notably, it was the first country to introduce an environmental tax reform in 1991. This demonstrates the country's proactive approach to addressing environmental issues and its commitment to reducing pollution. Sweden has also been praised for its high share of renewable energy sources, particularly wind and biomass. This focus on renewable energy plays a crucial role in reducing the country's carbon footprint and contributes to its clean and sustainable reputation.
In addition to its leadership in renewable energy, Sweden excels in other environmental areas. According to the Environmental Performance Index (EPI), Sweden performs exceptionally well in Environmental Health. It achieves strong scores in Sanitation, Drinking Water, Air Quality, and Heavy Metals management. Sweden's EPI score of 70.5 places it among the top performers globally, further reinforcing its status as one of the cleanest countries in Europe and the world.
The country also stands out in ecosystem vitality, demonstrating a commitment to sustainably managed forests and maintaining low levels of agricultural pollution. Sweden's efforts in these areas are significant, as vegetation and forests play a crucial role in compensating for pollution and improving air quality. Sweden's performance in these environmental categories showcases its holistic approach to sustainability and its dedication to protecting the natural environment.
While Sweden currently holds the title of the cleanest country in Europe, other European nations are also making notable progress. Estonia, for example, has been recognised as the world's cleanest and most environmentally friendly country in the 2024 EPI Results. Estonia has ambitious and effective environmental policies, with a focus on renewable energy, sustainable forestry, and eco-friendly initiatives. Similarly, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, Norway, Austria, and Switzerland are consistently ranked among the cleanest countries in Europe and the world, showcasing a collective effort within the continent to prioritise environmental sustainability.
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France, Germany and Italy had the highest GHG emissions in 2021
In 2021, France, Germany, and Italy were the top three European countries with the highest overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These emissions ranged from ~375,000 to 740,000 ktonnes CO2 eq. However, it's important to note that these countries also have large populations, which contributes to higher resource and energy consumption, and thus higher GHG emissions.
Germany was the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases in Europe in 2021, emitting 760 Mt CO2 eq. The country has pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2045, and while it has made progress with laws to facilitate the transition to renewable energy sources, it is still struggling to meet its goals.
France, the third-biggest polluter in Europe, emitted half as much greenhouse gas as Germany in 2021, largely due to its extensive fleet of nuclear power plants generating low-carbon electricity. France has set a net-zero target for 2050 and aims to have half of its energy come from nuclear power by 2035, with 40% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. However, the country faces challenges in reducing emissions from agriculture and transport.
Italy, the third country on the list, has also pledged to reach net-zero emissions by mid-century. While specific data on Italy's 2021 emissions is scarce, it is known that the country, along with Germany and France, contributes significantly to the decline in EU emissions.
While these three countries are taking steps to reduce their emissions, it is clear that more needs to be done to combat climate change effectively. As of 2024, global GHG emissions continue to rise, with China, the United States, India, Russia, and Brazil being the top emitters.
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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 total CO2 emissions.
China is the world's largest emitter, emitting nearly 10 billion tonnes of CO2 each year, more than a quarter of global emissions.
France and Italy were the European countries with the second-highest overall GHG emissions in 2021.
