Germany performs well in terms of air quality in a global comparison, especially in comparison to heavily polluted countries in Asia or Africa. Nevertheless, despite progress, particulates and nitrogen dioxide levels are still above the stricter WHO guidelines. Improvements since 2000 can be attributed to the energy transition, emissions standards and environmental regulations, but further measures - such as the expansion of public transport, cycling and low-emission vehicles - are necessary. The air in Germany is therefore cleaner than in many countries, but it is not yet WHO-compliant.

Air quality worldwide - and where Germany stands

The quality of the air we breathe has a huge impact on our health. Respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems and millions of preventable deaths every year are directly linked to air pollution. But what is the situation worldwide - and how does Germany compare?

Global differences

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 99% of the world's population live in regions where air pollution exceeds WHO limits(WHO, 2023). Countries in Asia and Africa are particularly affected.

• Asia: In cities in India and Pakistan, particulate matter levels (PM₂,₅) are often more than ten times higher than the WHO guidelines.
• Africa: In addition to industry, Saharan dust also contributes to high levels of pollution.
• North America & Oceania: Strict environmental regulations lead to comparatively clean air here.
• Europe: Better overall, but conurbations with high traffic volumes are often well above the WHO recommendations.

A recent report shows: Only seven countries worldwide actually comply with the WHO guidelines for particulates - including Australia, New Zealand and some small European countries(IQAir / The Guardian, 2025).

How does Germany compare?

Germany is in a solid position in a global comparison - but there can be no talk of clean air.

• particulates (PM₂,₅): According to the Federal Environment Agency (UBA), Germany was completely within the EU limits for the first time in 2022. However, almost the entire population is still exposed to levels that exceed the stricter WHO guidelines(UBA, 2022).
• Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂): Major cities such as Munich, Stuttgart and Berlin were problem areas for a long time. In 2024, however, all EU limits were met for the first time(UBA, 2024).
• Trend: Values have been improving continuously since 2000 thanks to the energy transition, emissions standards and stricter environmental regulations. Nevertheless, the air is still not WHO-compliant.

What remains to be done?

Even if Germany is making progress, there is still a lot of work ahead of us:

• Greater promotion of public transport, cycling and walking.
• Accelerated traffic turnaround towards low-emission vehicles.
• Further reduction of industrial and energy emissions.

Why is the air-Q useful?

• Early warning: real-time monitoring of sensitive PM₂.₅ values helps immediately when changes occur.
  
  
• Regional findings: Distinction between urban and rural areas improves environmental measures.
  
  
• Integration: Smart alerts support citizens and cities with air quality management.
  
  

With intelligent measuring devices such as the air-Q, air quality becomes visible - and we act in good time.

Conclusion

In a global comparison, Germany is doing well - significantly better than India or Egypt, for example. But we don't breathe "clean air" by WHO standards either. Almost every German lives in an environment that exceeds the recommendations. The message is clear: anyone talking about air pollution should not just look to Asia, but also start on their own doorstep.‍