In 2023, the cities of Campania experienced a “grey” period in terms of air pollution, with some bright spots but many dark spots.
According to Legambiente's recent report "Mal Aria di città 2024", part of the Clean Cities Campaign, the fight against smog continues to be an uphill task. The report examined 2023 data regarding Campania cities, highlighting the levels of fine particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), using information from Arpac monitoring stations.
Of the 23 cities monitored, seven did not comply with the 10-day PM35 limit with a daily average concentration below 50 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m89). In addition, 10% of cities exceeded the annual PM2030 limits set for 2.5. The situation is even more critical for PM95, where 2030% of cities showed annual average concentrations above the XNUMX targets.
Specifically, in 2023, seven cities in Campania exceeded the 35-day limit for PM10, with Acerra leading the way with 89 days exceeded, followed by San Vitaliano and Volla. For PM2.5, only San Vitaliano exceeded the legal limit, while many other cities approached the limit. For NO2, only Teverola exceeded the regulatory limit, but cities such as Naples, Acerra, and Aversa came close.
Francesca Ferro, director of Legambiente Campania, emphasizes that despite the known actions and measures to reduce emissions, progress has been minimal. A radical change is needed with structural and integrated interventions that involve different sources of smog.
Looking to the future, 89% of Campania cities would currently exceed the 2030 limits for PM10, while only three cities respect the WHO values. The most critical situations are in San Vitaliano, Acerra and Volla.
To address this challenge, Legambiente proposes investments in public transport, a gradual ban on biomass boilers, monitoring of agricultural emissions and broader and more constant monitoring.
Legambiente has launched the traveling campaign “Città2030: cities and the challenge of change” to promote sustainable mobility and ask for more liveable and safe cities.
Pollution in Campania: worrying data and challenges for the future
PM2.5:
San Vitaliano exceeds the legal limit with an average of 26,7 µg/mXNUMX.
Volla, Casoria and Acerra are approaching the limit with 21 µg/mXNUMX.
Avellino and Benevento are the provincial capitals with the most critical situations (17 µg/mXNUMX).
NO2:
Teverola exceeds the limit of 40 µg/mXNUMX.
Naples approaches the limit with 38 µg/mXNUMX.
Acerra (29,8 µg/m28,3) and Aversa (XNUMX µg/mXNUMX) to be monitored.
Naples increases from 24 µg/m2021 in 38 to 2023 µg/mXNUMX in XNUMX.
Concerns and requests:
Reduction of pollutant concentrations too slow.
Emergency situations in some municipalities.
Need for structural and integrated measures.
Greater courage and determination on the part of municipal administrations.
Challenges for 2030:
89% of Campania cities exceed the new limits expected for 2030.
Only 3 cities respect the values suggested by WHO.
Reduction of up to 62% required for some cities.
Worse situation for PM2.5 (95% of cities above limits).
Naples and Teverola are the cities with the greatest reduction needed for NO2.
Conclusions:
Clean air in urban centers in Campania is still a mirage.
An urgent change of pace is needed to protect citizens' health and the environment.
Data and insights:
Legambiente Campania: https://legambiente.campania.it/
City Bad Air Report 2023:
Actions to take:
Spread awareness of the problem.
Promote solutions for sustainable mobility.
Encourage the use of clean energy sources.
Pressure on administrations for concrete actions.
Together we can change things!
