Italy: particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration 2006-2015

Overall, the particulate matter (PM 2.5) concentration in Italian cities decreased over time. However, the decline was not steady. As a matter of fact, between 2011 and 2014, the concentration of PM 2.5 constantly decreased, before increasing in 2015, yet without reaching the level of 2006.

Emissions by sector

The European Union developed some directives and regulations aimed at introducing health-based air quality standards. These directives apply to several pollutants including PM10. In 2018, Brescia, Lodi and Monza were the cities with the highest number of days when the density of ozone and particulate matter (PM 10) exceeded the established EU threshold. The three cities are all located in the Lombardy region.The energy industry is the sector mainly responsible for emissions, followed by transport.

Attitudes towards environmental pollution“

The Italian population considers air pollution together with waste management, global warming, water pollution and emissions the most important environmental issues that the country is currently facing. Italians blame mainly industrial and transport emissions for environmental pollution. A survey conducted in Italy in 2018 revealed that 40 percent of respondents were strongly in favor of a carbon tax on CO2 emitting industries . Also, 44 percent of interviewees were pro this kind of policy even though they declared that it seemed difficult to implement.