Spain records its highest ozone levels since 2010, affecting millions
A new report shows that ozone concentrations across Spain have reached their highest levels since 2010, exposing millions of people to air quality that exceeds upcoming EU standards.
A study released on 19 October by Ecologistas en Acción, based on readings from almost 500 stations nationwide, indicates that Spain has experienced its worst ground-level ozone pollution since at least 2010. Madrid registered the highest citywide averages, with double the permitted exceedance days under current limits, and Catalonia saw 12 of its 14 zones surpass the future EU threshold. Approximately 16.9 million people were exposed to ozone levels above the 2030 EU target, while 8.6 million exceeded one outlet EU objective.
The report attributes the rise to four intense summer heatwaves and July-August wildfires that boosted the chemical reactions forming ozone. Although some regions like the Balearic and Canary Islands reported lower levels, central and northern areas faced sharp increases, with 288 exceedances of the public information threshold recorded nationwide. The organization urges emission cuts and clearer public alerts, and calls for Spain to adopt its pending ozone action plan.
Why it matters
High ozone can aggravate respiratory problems, putting millions of Spaniards at health risk during hot weather.
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