====== 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 =====
**Total PM₂.₅ emissions** dropped by 59.9% between 1995 and 2020. The Main Drivers for PM₂.₅ emissions are **Fuel Combustion (NFR 1.A)** with 72% of total 1995 emissions and a 65% reduction between 1995-2020 and as a sum the **Industrial Processes (NFR 2)** with about 21% of total 1995 emissions and a 51% reduction between 1995-2020.

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 transport 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 1990-2020__

^  Total Emissions (kt)                                                                                                          |||||||||||||^  Trend: latest compared to                                                                  ||
^  1995                  ^  2000  ^  2005  ^  2010  ^  2011  ^  2012  ^  2013  ^  2014  ^  2015  ^  2016  ^  2017  ^  2018  ^  2019  ^  2020  ^  1995                                            ^  last years                               ^
|                    202 |    166 |    135 |    119 |    114 |    113 |    111 |    103 |    102 |     97 |     95 |     94 |     90 |     81 |  {{:general:trends:down_green.png|down}} -59.9%  |  {{:general:trends:down_green.png|down}}  |

[{{:general:trends:iir_pm25_trend.png?direct&600|**PM₂.₅ trend by sector**}}]
[{{:general:trends:iir_pm25_trend_from_2005.png?direct&600|**PM₂.₅ trend by sector, from 2005**}}]