====== 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% (by 2020) and 43% (by 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 2024, **Total PM2.5 emissions declined by 62.0%**.
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 2024 and, as a sum, the **Industrial Processes (NFR 2)** with about 21% of total 1995 emissions and a 52% reduction between 1995 and 2024.
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 88% of 2024 PM2.5 transport emissions are induced by **Road Transport (NFR 1.A.3.b)**. About one quarter (25%) of these emissions are directly caused by **fuel combustion (NFRs 1.A.3.b.i-iv)** whereas 75% stem from **tyre and brake wear (1.A.3.b.vi) and road abrasion (vii)**.
__Table: PM2.5 Emissions 1990-2024, in kilotonnes [kt]__
^ Trend: latest year compared to... |||||||||||||||||
^ 1995 ^ 2000 ^ 2005 ^ 2010 ^ 2015 ^ 2016 ^ 2017 ^ 2018 ^ 2019 ^ 2020 ^ 2021 ^ 2022 ^ 2023 ^ 2024 | ^ ...BY (1995) ^ ...previous year ^
| 196 | 161 | 132 | 118 | 100 | 95 | 94 | 94 | 89 | 80 | 82 | 84 | 78 | 74 | | -62.0% | -4.4% |
{{ :general:trends:iir_pm25_trend_from_1995.png?direct&700 | trend of PM2.5 emisisons, by sector}}
{{ :general:trends:iir_pm25_trend_from_2005.png?direct&700 | trend of PM2.5 emisisons, by sector, from 2005}}