Traffic & Mobility
Petrol and diesel engines of cars, ships, trains and other vehicles emit pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Friction from tires and brake wear also create primary – i.e. direct – particulate matter emissions. In addition, the nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and VOCs released by road vehicles also undergo photochemical reactions to form ozone (O3).
In Europe, more than 40% of NOx and almost 40% of primary PM2.5 emissions are linked to road transport. In the United States, 35.8% of CO and 32.8% of NOx stem from road transport.
Industry & Heating
The combustion of fossil fuels such as coal and oil in industrial processes in power plants, refineries, and factories release a variety of pollutants, the majority of which are identical to those emitted by traffic and mobility. On top of this, chemical processes and volatile industry byproducts also cause VOC emissions.
In Europe, around 60% of sulfur oxides come from energy production and distribution. In the US, stationary fuel combustion sources like electric utilities and industrial boilers are responsible for 73.2% of sulfur dioxide pollution.
Agriculture
A wide range of nitrogen compounds (NO, NO2, N2), including ammonia (NH3), can be attributed to fertilizer production, farm machinery, and livestock waste management in agriculture. In addition, methane (CH4) is released by the digestive processes of livestock.
In Europe, agricultural activities cause approximately 90% of ammonia emissions and 80% of methane emissions. In the US, livestock and manure management are responsible for 46% of methane emissions.