NO2 levels in Barcelona drop by up to 14% in first half of 2025

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels fell between 2% and 14% at monitoring stations in Barcelona during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

In the Eixample district, an area historically known for poorer air quality, levels dropped from 33 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) last year to 30 µg/m³ in the first half of 2025.

All stations continue to register values below the current EU limit of 40 µg/m³, but most remain above the stricter EU targets set for 2030, which stand at 20 µg/m³.

In presenting the data, Barcelona first deputy mayor Laia Bonet pointed to the city council's "green commitment" as a key factor, while acknowledging that the rainfall this year "has helped."

Positive trend

Bonet noted that the figures follow the "positive trend" observed in recent years, as levels of PM10 and PM2.5 particles have remained "stable," while NO2 concentrations have decreased at most of the seven air quality stations in the city.

Eixample (30 µg/m³) Gràcia-Sant Gervasi (28) Ciutadella (24) and Poblenou (22) remain above the 20 µg/m³ limit set by Brussels for 2030.

Vall d’Hebron (20), Sants (18), and Palau Reial (16) are below the EU threshold, but all seven measuring stations in the city exceed the World Health Organization's guideline level of 10 µg/m³.

Bonet stated that the figures are "the result of policies being implemented in the city," saying "the low-emission zone is working." Vehicles with an Eco label account for 22.4% of all cars in the city; today, up from 19.5% one year ago.

She highlighted plans to expand Barcelona's green spaces by 40 hectares – equivalent to two and a half Ciutadella Parks, also recalling initiatives such as the construction of 12 km of bike lanes, 30 new Bicing stations, and the tender for 39 new trains for the metro network.

Councilor for health Marta Villanueva stated that the measures to improve air quality "are bearing fruit."

She noted that between 2020 and 2024, compared to 2018-2019, mortality attributable to air pollution "has dropped by 32%," equivalent to 600 fewer deaths annually.