Between 1990 and 2014, emissions of acidifying gases in the European Union (EU) went down significantly.
The biggest fall was reported for sulphur oxide emissions (SOx), which decreased by almost 90%. The majority of SOx emissions were reduced in the area of energy production and distribution. EU emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) went down by 55%, mainly in the road transport sector.
In the same time period, emissions of ammonia (NH3) decreased by roughly a quarter (-24%), partly due to better manure management. However, in 2014 ammonia accounted for the largest share of all acidifying gases in Europe.
The dataset from the European Environmental Agency can be found here.
Sulphur dioxide (SOx) nitrogen oxides (NOx) and ammonia (NH3) are considered the largest air pollutants contributing to the acidification of the environment. They have an impact on the degradation of soil, water and forests, and contribute to the formation of fine particles in the air. These, in turn, cause respiratory diseases.
Sulphur dioxide is emitted mostly in the areas of energy production and manufacturing, nitrogen oxides in transport, and ammonia in agriculture.
This news item marks the World Environment Day, celebrated on 5 June.
For more information:
Eurostat website section on environmental statistics
Eurostat Statistics Explained article on air pollution statistics.