THE‘Italy is breathing a little better again, but it is not yet time to take a deep breath without worries. The new report “Mal’Aria di città 2026”, edited by Legambientetakes a photograph of the air quality in our capitals and tells us that 2025 was a lucky year, one of the best in recent times. However, it also warns us that we are walking too slowly towards a truly clean future and that the new and stricter European regulations on the horizon risk finding us unprepared.
Legambiente: air quality improves, but unexpected blacks
The data in the report immediately catches the eye it is the general improvement: in 2025, the cities that have exceeded the legal limit for fine particles have dropped to 13. To understand the scope of the change, just look back: there were 25 in 2024 and 29 in 2022. However, the ranking of the most polluted cities reserves some surprises. The 2025 “black jersey” belongs to Palermowhich recorded 89 days of exceeding the limits. Milan follows closely with 66 days, Naples with 64 and Ragusa with 61. It is a sobering figure, since it demonstrates how smog is no longer an exclusive problem of the foggy Po Valleybut also hits hard the large metropolises of the South and centers historically considered “cleaner”.
Understanding the enemy: what are PM10 and PM2.5 and NO2
To understand what we are really talking about, it is essential to understand what we are breathing. In fact, all the technical acronyms that seem absolutely distant from everyday reality, instead have a direct impact on our health. PM10 and PM2.5 or atmospheric particulates are the much-felt fine particles. Essentially they are composed of particles that can be inhaled and land in the upper respiratory tract. Pm2.5, specifically, is particularly insidious, because it manages to penetrate deeply into the lungs until it reaches the blood. No2 or nitrogen dioxide is one of the main causes of urban smog: it is an irritating gas that comes from car engines and home boilers.
Despite a positive year, many of our cities are struggling to free themselves from fine dust. (Getty Images)
The challenge of 2030 and the risk of being left behind
Despite the improvement recorded for 2025, the near future still appears complicated. The European Union, in fact, to better protect public health has established new, much stricter limits that will come into force in 2030. Unfortunately, however, if they were already valid today, most of our cities would fail the exam: 53% of the capitals would be outlawed for PM10 and even 73% for PM2.5. The report essentially highlights a speed problem: the pace at which we are reducing pollution is too slow. As many as 33 Italian cities run the real risk of not meeting the 2030 objectives. Among the most distant from European goals we find centers such as Cremona, Lodi, Turin and Naples.
The causes of the smog and the alarm for the Po Valley
But what is the real reason why we can’t clean the air? The causes are many and do not only concern car traffic. Building heating, industrial emissions and, increasingly, agricultural activities contribute heavily to the problem. The Padano Basin deserves a particular focus. In this area, the “valley” geographical conformation prevents air exchange, favoring the stagnation of pollutants. The report highlights a worrying trend: pollution is moving from large cities to medium-small towns and rural areas. In these areas, the impact of intensive farming is becoming a primary source of fine dust, a factor often underestimated compared to car exhaust pipes.
Policies and funds: the appeal not to stop
In this situation between light and shadow, the reduction in funds allocated to improving air quality certainly does not help and worries expertsexpected to start in 2026. Right now that the first positive results are starting to be seen, it would be necessary to invest more in sustainable mobility, energy requalification of homes, to consume less heating, and in the modernization of agricultural techniques. Italymoreover, is currently under the magnifying glass of the European Commissionwith several infringement procedures already open for failure to comply with pollution limits. ActHowever, it is not just a question of avoiding high fines, but a necessity to guarantee citizens the fundamental right to breathe healthy air.
