In the Lyon Metropolis, air quality has improved since 2019

In its 2023 territorial portrait published on Tuesday, Atmo Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, the pollution monitoring body in the region, welcomed the strong improvement in air quality in the metropolis of Lyon. Between 2019 and 2023, across all municipalities in the Lyon metropolitan area, annual average concentrations fell by 23% for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and 11% for fine particles (PM2.5) while increases were observed in other large cities. For ozone, the number of days of exposure to the target value for the protection of human health decreased by nine days (-36%). Greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 5% between 2017 and 2021. In France, the metropolis of Lyon is one of the territories most impacted by the increase in temperatures linked to climate change.

Steady reduction in emissions

Atmo welcomed the aid program for replacing inefficient heating appliances put in place by the public authorities which “allowed the replacement of more than 3,000 devices out of an estimated fleet of 36,000 devices wood heating too polluting (responsible for half of fine particle emissions, Editor’s note) and to participate in the reduction by half of fine particle emissions compared to 2005”.

“Road traffic is also a significant contributor to pollution since it emits 48% of the territory’s NOx (nitrogen oxide) emissions. The traffic reduction policy through the development of transport and active modes as well as a renewal of the car fleet through the establishment of a Ambitious EPZ also contributes to this strong improvement in air quality.adds Atmo. Overall, throughout the region, the trend of improvement in air quality recorded over the last 15 years continues thanks to the regular reduction in emissions each year, concludes the organization.