The Netherlands has achieved EU's 2030 goal for lowering emissions

Partly due to cleaner cars, the Netherlands’ emissions of air pollutants fell last year to below the ceiling set by the European Union for 2030. On Tuesday, Statistics Netherlands released figures showing that emissions of nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter have declined even further.

By 2030, nitrogen oxide emissions must be 61 percent lower than in 2005. For fine particulate matter, the target is a 45 percent reduction, and for ammonia, a 21 percent decrease. European legislation sets maximum emissions for all air pollutants. The Netherlands also met these targets in 2020.

Since 2005, Statistics Netherlands has observed that nitrogen oxide emissions have decreased almost every year. These emissions mainly come from the use of fossil fuels, such as vehicle exhaust. Statistics Netherlands attributes the decline in part to the positive effects of cleaner cars and trucks.

Transport was also the largest source of fine particulate matter in 2005. Today, households are the relatively biggest emitters, mainly due to wood burning in stoves. However, household emissions have decreased since 2005.

Statistics Netherlands emphasized that air pollutants can be harmful to both people and nature. “Nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter can penetrate deep into the smallest parts of the respiratory system, causing breathing problems and asthma attacks,” the agency said. Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter can also lead to cardiovascular diseases.