Barcelona’s air quality saw remarkable improvement in 2023, recording the lowest levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) since monitoring began 25 years ago. This significant reduction is primarily attributed to the city’s implementation of Low Emission Zones (Zonas de Bajas Emisiones or ZBE in Catalan).
The ZBE, introduced in 2020, has been instrumental in curbing traffic-related air pollution. Last year marked the first time that eco-labelled vehicles outnumbered those with the yellow B label, indicating a substantial decrease in polluting cars. Deputy Mayor Laia Bonet credited these improvements to “policies and positive decisions,” emphasising the crucial role of ZBE in achieving cleaner air.
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Complementary measures
Additional measures have bolstered this progress, including the decarbonisation of public transport, pedestrianising streets, promoting bicycle use, and reducing car speeds. These initiatives collectively contribute to better air quality and a healthier environment for residents.
Comparisons to pandemic levels
Pollution levels in Barcelona now mirror those seen during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, a period marked by significantly reduced activity. Despite the city’s return to full activity, NO2 levels, along with particulate matter PM10 and PM2.5, remain below the European Union’s legal limits for the first time since records began.
Health implications
Health Councillor Marta Villanueva highlighted the direct health benefits of improved air quality. She noted that chronic exposure to air pollution correlates with severe health conditions. Over the past three years, pollution-related deaths have decreased by 600, and new cases of childhood asthma and lung cancer have dropped by 15% and 5%, respectively. The health impacts attributable to pollution from 2020 to 2023 are 32% lower compared to 2018-2019 estimates.
Remaining challenges
Despite these achievements, pollution levels still exceed the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) limits and the European targets set for 2030. Negative health impacts remain significant, with around 8% of deaths, 36% of childhood asthma cases, and 12% of new lung cancer cases linked to pollution each year.
Barcelona’s low emission zones
The ZBE, established in 2020, targets older, more polluting vehicles, including petrol cars registered before 2000, diesel cars before 2006, vans before October 1, 1994, and motorcycles and mopeds before 2003. Covering 95 square kilometres, it encompasses much of the metropolitan area, including towns like Sant Adrià de Besòs, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Esplugues de Llobregat, and Cornellà de Llobregat, though some areas, like the city’s main ring roads, are excluded.
Legal developments
The ZBE has faced legal challenges not only in Barcelona but also in other municipalities within the metropolitan area. However, recent legislation passed last week aims to provide comprehensive protection for these zones, ensuring the continuation of efforts to improve air quality.
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