Air pollution - Drivers and pressures (Latvia)

In general, the fall in emissions during the 1990s was due to a decrease in total fuel consumption caused by the transformation of the national economy, increased energy efficiency and a switch from solid fuels and liquid fuels to natural gas and biomass fuels. In recent years, emission levels have remained relatively stable.

The energy sector is the main source of sulphur dioxide emissions in Latvia.

Domestic heating and the use of solvents and other products represent significant sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

The largest proportion of nitrogen oxide emissions originates from the transport sector (particularly road transport) and the number of registered motor vehicles per 1 000 inhabitants continues to increase (Figure 7).

Almost all NH₃ emissions originate from agricultural activity.

Overall, air pollution decreased between 1990 and 2005 − SO₂ by 96 %, VOCs by 34 %, and NH₃ by 70 % (Figure 8). During this period, the relative influence of the transport sector on nitrogen oxide emissions grew, while the influence of energy production fell by almost 50 %[1].

Figure 7: Number of registered motor vehicles per 1 000 inhabitants

Source: Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre

General trend in air pollutant emissions

Figure 8: SO₂, NOx, NMVOC, NH₃ emissions, 1990–2008 (1 000 tonnes)

Source: Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre

Figure 9: Emissions of particulate matter,  2000–2008 (1 000 tonnes)
Source: Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre

State of the Environment, National Report 2008 [in Latvian]

Sustainable Development Indicators in Latvia 2006 [in Latvian]