Ioannina has one of the worst air pollution rankings in Europe, placing 754th out of 761 cities in a new assessment by the European Environment Agency (EEA). Athens and Thessaloniki also rank near the bottom, highlighting the scale of Greece’s urban air quality challenge.
The assessment covers exposure to three major air pollutants during 2024 and 2025: fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ground-level ozone (O3). It compares 761 European cities using estimates of population exposure and the associated risk of premature death.
Fourteen Greek Cities Rank in Europe’s Most Polluted Group
Ioannina ranks lowest among the Greek cities included in the assessment, followed by Athens in 745th place, Thessaloniki in 729th, and Larissa in 726th. Trikala ranks 697th, while Volos stands at 654th.
The EEA assessment includes 14 Greek cities in the 30% of European cities with the highest estimated mortality risk linked to air pollution. Six Greek cities fall within the highest-risk 10%, while 10 rank within the highest-risk 20%.
The list also includes Serres, Heraklion, Patras, Xanthi, Kavala, Katerini, Kalamata, and Chania. Chania ranks highest among the 14 Greek cities, at 540th place.
The EEA combines estimated population exposure to several pollutants with health-risk calculations to assess the longer-term impact of air pollution.
How Air Pollution Affects Health
Fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Long-term exposure is associated with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and an increased risk of premature death.
Nitrogen dioxide mainly comes from combustion processes, including road traffic. It can irritate the airways and worsen existing respiratory conditions. Ground-level ozone forms when other pollutants react in sunlight and can damage the respiratory system.
The sources of pollution vary between cities. Traffic and other urban activities contribute to emissions in large metropolitan areas. Domestic heating, particularly wood burning during colder months, can also increase particulate pollution. Industrial activity and pollution carried from other areas may contribute as well.
Why the Ranking Matters
The EEA’s city ranking focuses on the long-term health risks of air pollution rather than conditions at a particular moment. It uses population-weighted pollution estimates and health-risk calculations, offering a broader picture than readings from a single monitoring station.
The results underline the need for sustained efforts to reduce emissions and improve urban air quality. Measures can include cleaner transport, more efficient heating, tighter control of industrial emissions, and continuous monitoring of air pollutants.
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