DIW Study: Low Emission Zones Improve Air, Health, and Cognitive Performance

The German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) has pointed out the positive effects on physical and mental health through the introduction of environmental zones as a result of a study and called on policymakers to better consider these aspects in environmental measures. Despite significant improvements in air quality in recent decades, air pollutants still lead to approximately seven million premature deaths per year worldwide, the scientists note.

Numerous studies have shown, according to the DIW, that air pollution causes health problems among the population, particularly in the area of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Recent studies suggest that the human brain also suffers from pollutant exposure, which manifests itself in a decline in cognitive performance and productivity, as well as behavioral problems in children.

“Environmental zones not only ensure better air and thus better physical health for residents. They also have a positive impact on education and mental health,” explains Laura Schmitz, study director at DIW.

According to DIW, these new findings bring to the forefront the question of the extent to which environmental measures can not only serve environmental protection and physical health but also promote other areas of life such as educational opportunities and quality of life, the scientists outline. Although air quality has significantly improved in recent decades thanks to technological advances in vehicle and industrial production, in many urban areas, the air quality standards set by the European Union (EU) and recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) are still not being met.

Environmental zones frequently faced criticism

To reduce these burdens and comply with EU limits, many cities introduced area-specific driving restrictions such as environmental zones, where only vehicles meeting certain emission standards are allowed. In Germany, too, environmental zones were established in several cities from 2008 onwards to reduce air pollution caused by road traffic. This political step was met with criticism in many places due to the potential costs for drivers and possible economic disadvantages for inner-city trade, notes the DIW.

"For a comprehensive evaluation of such measures, it is crucial to consider not only the direct effects on air quality but also the indirect social impacts," the institute appeals.

In a so-called weekly report, DIW examined for the first time the effects of environmental zones on two socially particularly relevant areas: education and mental health. Using administrative school and health insurance data and econometric analyses, it was investigated how the introduction of environmental zones affects academic success and mental health — both central factors for the social and economic progress of a society, according to the DIW.

Environmental measures also have positive social effects

According to DIW, the results of this study highlight the far-reaching societal benefits of such measures. Environmental zones, originally introduced to reduce air pollution and protect physical health, show significantly positive effects on the educational success of primary school students and the mental health of the population, according to the researchers.

"The reduction of particulate matter and other air pollutants not only leads to a decrease in respiratory and cardiovascular diseases but also to improved cognitive abilities and a reduced risk of mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety disorders," state the DIW researchers.

A central finding of the study is that children and young people, in particular, benefit from better air quality. These results are thus relevant to current debates in education and health policy as well as for sustainable urban environmental policy. 

Relevant in view of the poor PISA results

Germany faces major challenges here: German students performed worse in the 2022 PISA study than ever before, and depression is being diagnosed increasingly frequently, especially among children and adolescents. At the same time, more and more people, especially young people, are living in cities.

"Especially in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas that disproportionately suffer from high pollutant levels, better air quality could reduce inequalities in education and healthcare," the researchers note.