At the end of January, Germany faced the highest air pollution warning level, designated as “Purple Alert,” according to meteorologist Dominik Jung (wetter.net). Now, German media, including Berliner Zeitung, are warning of “the worst fine dust alarm in years!At the end of January, Germany faced the highest air pollution warning level, designated as “Purple Alert”, according to meteorologist Dominik Jung (wetter.net). Now, German media, including Berliner Zeitung, are warning of “the worst fine dust alarm in years!”
Germany is experiencing a widespread deterioration in air quality, primarily due to high concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM). In January, this issue extended beyond Germany, affecting much of Central Europe. The Frankfurter Rundschau recently reported that “Germany is sinking into a dangerous smog cloud, with fine particulate levels exceeding legal limits and posing a serious health threat to millions”.
According to Germany’s Federal Environment Agency (Bundesumweltamt), PM levels are currently “far above the legal threshold of 50 micrograms per cubic meter” in many areas, especially in urban centers. “No improvement is in sight. The air quality is now classified as ‘very poor'”, meteorologist Andreas Machalica (wetter.com) stated.
Photo: Berliner Zeitung
Causes of the Current Air Pollution Crisis
Weather conditions are playing a crucial role in the accumulation of pollutants. “It’s a disaster for air quality”, warns meteorologist Dominik Jung.
A meteorological phenomenon known as temperature inversion is preventing air circulation. This occurs when a layer of warm air traps cooler air beneath it. It’s effectively sealing in pollutants like fine dust at ground level, explains Christian Herold, a meteorologist at the German Weather Service (DWD). Thus, a “toxic cloud” over Germany, similar to events in late December 2024 and January 2025. Jung vividly describes the situation: “The high-pressure system acts like a lid, keeping all pollutants trapped at low altitudes. Without wind, they cannot disperse – and that’s catastrophic.”
Photos: Ioana Baciu & Nabeel Syed from Unsplash
Human activities further exacerbate pollution levels. The increased energy demand in winter leads to more heating with wood and other solid fuels. “In recent years, we were lucky with milder winters and frequent wind and rain, which helped disperse pollutants. Now, we are facing a typical Central European winter”, said Ute Dauert, head of air quality assessment at the Federal Environment Agency, in an interview with Berliner Zeitung.
Additionally, road traffic contributes significantly to air pollution, particularly through vehicle emissions and tire and brake wear. With weak winds, these particles remain suspended in the air, drastically reducing air quality.
Health Effects and Recommendations
The Frankfurter Rundschau warns of an ongoing “fine dust alarm in Germany” and advises residents to “keep windows closed until the weekend”. Experts emphasize that fine particulate matter is not just an environmental issue but a serious health risk: “In 2020, an estimated 238,000 premature deaths across Europe were linked to air pollution levels exceeding WHO recommendations”. Meteorologist Dominik Jung highlights the severe health implications: “Lung cancer, heart attacks, strokes, respiratory diseases – all are exacerbated by prolonged exposure to fine particulate matter. Children are particularly vulnerable”.
Germany’s Federal Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt) also warns that sensitive individuals may experience significant health issues due to the current pollution levels. To minimize risks, people should avoid strenuous outdoor activities, as heavy exertion leads to higher inhalation of pollutants. Light activities, such as a gentle walk, expose individuals to significantly less polluted air than intense physical exercise.
Photo: Rene Berna from Unsplash
What Comes Next?
After the weekend, weather conditions are expected to improve, with stronger winds and rainfall helping to clear the air.
The current situation highlights our vulnerability to the effects of air pollution. The combination of weather conditions and human-made pollutant sources poses an acute risk to public health. Long-term solutions, along with both public and individual awareness, are essential for sustainably improving air quality.
Photo: GCS
Natural Solutions for a Sustainable Future
The fight against air pollution and climate extremes requires comprehensive and innovative solutions. Integrating natural systems into urban infrastructure presents a promising strategy. Modular, plant-based air purification systems can filter pollutants while also regulating urban temperatures. These “green lungs” of the city play a critical role in reducing pollution and improving local microclimates.
Such technologies demonstrate that sustainable solutions can be both environmentally beneficial and economically viable. They underscore the importance of leveraging nature as an ally in addressing 21st-century challenges. The future of urban spaces lies in harmonizing technology with natural processes—a synergy that benefits both people and the planet.
Source: GCS
“Our moss filter systems have also consistently shown significantly higher values for PM10 and PM2.5 in some cases”, commented our Co-Founder Peter Sänger on a post by the German Environment Agency on Wednesday. “Our moss was able to directly filter part of these particles, helping to locally mitigate emission peaks. And our moss continues to do this even in winter.
Fine dust is harmful to health and has been proven to cause illness — so everyone benefits when levels remain as low as possible in the long term. However, there is still a lot of work to be done. Days like these, with air pollution alerts and deep red maps, remind us that air pollution remains a pressing issue”, he added.
Source: GCS