====== 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 =====
Between 1995 and 2023, **Total PM2.5 emissions declined by 60.8%**.
The Main Drivers for PM2.5 emissions are **Fuel Combustion (NFR 1.A)** with 73% of total 1995 emissions and a 69% reduction between 1995 and 2023 and, as a sum, the **Industrial Processes (NFR 2)** with about 21% of total 1995 emissions and a 48% reduction between 1995 and 2023.
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)**.
__Table: PM2.5 emissions 1990-2023, in kilotonnes [kt]__
^ ||||||||||||||||^ Trend: latest compared to ||
^ 1995 ^ 2000 ^ 2005 ^ 2010 ^ 2011 ^ 2012 ^ 2013 ^ 2014 ^ 2015 ^ 2016 ^ 2017 ^ 2018 ^ 2019 ^ 2020 ^ 2021 ^ 2022 ^ 2023 ^ 1995 ^ previous year ^
| 197 | 162 | 131 | 116 | 111 | 109 | 108 | 100 | 99 | 93 | 92 | 92 | 87 | 79 | 81 | 82 | 77 | -60.8% | -5.9% |
{{ :general:trends:iir_pm25_2025trend.png?direct&700 | trend of PM2.5 emisisons, by sector}}
{{ :general:trends:iir_pm25_2025trend_from_2005.png?direct&700 | trend of PM2.5 emisisons, by sector, from 2005}}