Exposure of Europe's ecosystems to ozone

Ground-level ozone adversely affects human health, vegetation and ecosystems across Europe. This leads to premature deaths, decreased crop yields and forest growth, and loss of biodiversity. In 2023, 12.5% of Europe’s agricultural lands were exposed to ozone levels above the threshold value set for the protection of vegetation in the EU’s Ambient Air Quality Directives. In addition, the long-term objective was not met in 90.8% of agricultural lands.