People living in Europe’s most deprived regions are significantly more likely to die from the effects of air pollution, according to a new study that highlights deep inequalities in environmental health across the continent.
The research, led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) and published in Nature Medicine, analysed nearly 89 million deaths across 31 European countries over a 16-year period. It found that socioeconomic conditions, alongside the pace of transition to renewable energy, play a crucial role in determining how dangerous air pollution is for different populations.
While air pollution is widely known to harm health, the study shows its impacts are not evenly felt. Regions with higher levels of poverty and lower life expectancy face far greater risks, even when pollution levels are similar to wealthier areas.
Researchers examined 653 regions across Europe, combining mortality data with detailed measurements of pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and ozone. They also analysed economic indicators and energy data from Eurostat to understand how local conditions influence vulnerability.
The findings reveal a stark divide. Wealthier regions – mainly in Northern and Western Europe – tend to have lower death rates linked to air pollution. In contrast, more disadvantaged areas in Southern and Eastern Europe can face mortality risks that are up to twice as high.
Lead author Zhaoyue Chen said: ‘The difference is not just about pollution levels themselves: It is not just that poorer regions are more polluted. Wealthier regions usually have better-equipped healthcare systems, more comprehensive public health programs and greater social awareness of the effects of air pollution, as well as a higher capacity to implement environmental policies.’
The study also found that progress has been uneven over time. Between 2003 and 2019, richer regions saw clear reductions in health risks linked to key pollutants. But in poorer areas, improvements were limited and, in some cases, the risks actually increased.
The research highlights another key factor: the shift to renewable energy. It was seen that regions that invested more heavily in clean energy saw not only lower pollution levels but also reduced vulnerability among their populations. Overall, increased use of renewables was linked to a 15% drop in fine particulate pollution, a 54% reduction in coarse particles and a 20% fall in nitrogen dioxide.
These improvements translated into fewer deaths, with pollution-related mortality falling by up to 52% for some pollutants.
Researchers say the benefits go beyond cleaner air. The transition to renewable energy is often accompanied by wider changes such as improved public transport, greener urban design and stricter environmental regulations, all of which can improve public health.
However, adoption of renewable energy varies widely across Europe. Northern countries have made faster progress, while some Southern and Eastern nations, including Italy and Poland, remain more reliant on fossil fuels.
Senior author Joan Ballester Claramunt said:’These differences reflect broader investment patterns. Western European countries have generally committed more resources to clean energy and environmental protection, while others are still in earlier stages of transition.’
Although the study focuses on Europe, the researchers warn the implications are global. In many rapidly developing countries, urban growth and industrialisation are outpacing investment in clean energy, potentially exposing millions more people to heightened risks.
The full research can be accessed here.
Photo: Marcin Jozwiak
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