The indicator allows for the assessment of emissions of the main air pollutants produced by the transport sector. In Italy, harmful emissions from road transport have significantly decreased in recent years, thanks to the introduction of catalytic converters, particulate filters, and other technologies installed in vehicles. From 1990 to 2023, road emissions of non-methane volatile organic compounds decreased by 87.6%, nitrogen oxide emissions by 71.3%, and fine particulate emissions by 69.9%. Sulfur oxide emissions, now almost absent in road transport, remain significant in maritime transport. Air pollutant emissions are monitored at the national level to verify compliance with reduction commitments set by the European Union, with the goal of achieving air quality levels that do not cause significant negative impacts or pose serious risks to human health and the environment.

The indicator quantifies fuel consumption in the transport sector, with the aim of reducing and/or diversifying it. Energy consumption in the transport sector has shown a rising trend since the 1990s, followed by a decline starting in 2007. A recovery in consumption was observed in 2018 and 2019, while the sharp reduction in 2020 is attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was followed by a rebound in 2021 and a further increase in 2022 and 2023.

The indicator assesses greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector in order to verify the achievement of national and international targets. In 2023, transport accounted for 28.3% of total greenhouse gas emissions in Italy.

Between 1990 and 2019, emissions from the transport sector (excluding international transport/bunkers) increased by 4.0%. In 2020, a significant decrease was observed (-18.6% compared to 2019), primarily due to mobility restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Subsequently, between 2020 and 2021, emissions rose by 18.9%. In 2023, a return to pre-pandemic levels was confirmed.

Overall, transport sector emissions increased by 6.7% from 1990 to 2023. The national transport system continues to face various critical issues and remains far from meeting the ambitious 2030 and 2050 European targets for greenhouse gas emission reductions.