====== Explanation of Key Trends - Fine Particulate Matter (PM₂.₅) ======

===== Obligations =====
Germany has made a commitment to reduce particulate matter emissions. The revised Gothenburg Protocol and the revised NEC Directive both define emission reduction targets relative to a 2005 base year, mandating 26% (2020) and 43% (2030) reductions respectively.

While Germany's compliance with these obligations is not discussed here, further information on this subject can be found in [[general:projections:start|Chapter 9 - Projections]] and [[general:adjustments:start|Chapter 11 - Adjustments and Emission Ceiling Exceedance]].

===== Main drivers =====
T**otal PM₂.₅ emissions** dropped by 55.3% between 1995 and 2019. The Main Drivers for PM₂.₅ emissions are **Fuel Combustion (NFR 1.A)** with 72.5% of total 1995 emissions and a 63% reduction between 1995-2019 and as a sum the **Industrial Processes (NFR 2)** with about 21% of total 1995 emissions and a 41% reduction between 1995-2018.

Within both National totals and NFR 1.A, **Transport (NFR 1.A.3)** is responsible for the biggest part of PM₂.₅ emissions. Here, about 77% of 2019 PM₂.₅ emissions are induced by **Road Transport (NFR 1.A.3.b)**, caused by two third directly by fuel consumption **(NFR 1.A.3.b.i - v)** and the other third by road abrasion and tyre and brake wear **(NFR 1.A.3.b.vi - vii)**.

__PM₂.₅ Emissions 1990-2019__

^  Total Emissions (kt)                                                                                                  ||||||||||||^  Trend: latest compared to                                                           ||
^  1995                  ^  2000  ^  2005  ^  2010  ^  2011  ^  2012  ^  2013  ^  2014  ^  2015  ^  2016  ^  2017  ^  2018  ^  2019  ^  1995                                            ^  last years                        ^
|                    169 |    138 |    120 |    120 |    115 |    114 |    112 |    104 |    103 |     97 |     96 |     95 |     92 |  {{:general:trends:down_green.png|down}} -55.3%  |  {{:general:trends:down_green.png|down}}  |

[{{:general:trends:iir_pm25_trend.png?nolink&600|**PM₂.₅ trend by sector**}}]