Atmospheric pollution remains a structural problem with significant repercussions on public health, the economy, and ecosystems. Factors such as climate change, intensive use of fossil fuels, and the slow implementation of effective emission reduction measures in cities are key to this situation.
The most recent estimates indicate 330,000 premature deaths in Europe and up to 24,000 in Spain in 2023 attributable to pollution. Of these, 13,300 are linked to fine particulate matter PM2.5, 4,100 to nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) related to traffic, and 6,600 to tropospheric ozone, intensified by high temperatures.
The economic cost of air pollution in Spain is estimated at 32 billion euros annually, equivalent to 2.4% of GDP, including premature mortality, hospital admissions, and damage to sectors such as agriculture and ecosystems.
Motorized traffic, especially diesel vehicles, is the main source of urban pollution, followed by domestic heating, industry, and maritime/air transport. The massive use of fossil fuels is the structural origin of both pollution and climate change.
Rising temperatures and heatwaves favor the formation of tropospheric ozone. In 2025, Spain recorded one of its warmest years, intensifying ozone episodes, with high levels in urban areas like the Community of Madrid.
Under the new European standards, to be met by 2030, 66.3% of the Spanish population (32.6 million) were exposed to pollution levels exceeding future limits in 2025. With current limits, the figure drops to 18.6% (9.1 million), although these are considered obsolete.
The report also highlights that 84,000 km² of Spanish territory showed levels detrimental to vegetation in 2025. Applying long-term protection objectives for ozone, the affected area rises to 85% of the territory.
Although slight improvements in particulate matter and NO₂ have been recorded in some cities like Madrid or Barcelona, ozone has worsened significantly. Several metropolitan areas, including Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, Málaga, Murcia, Bilbao, or Zaragoza, exceed the new European limits.
Ecologists in Action criticizes the quality and accessibility of official information, warning of failures in the state information system and delays in key policies like the National Ozone Plan. They propose reducing motorized traffic, promoting electric public transport and active mobility, and accelerating the energy transition.
