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Europe and Eurasia

GLOBE Europe and Eurasia Air Quality Campaign

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The Europe and Eurasia (EE) Air Quality (AQ) Campaign is coordinated by the Europe and Eurasia Air Quality Collaboration Group, with support from the GLOBE Europe and Eurasia Region Coordination Office. Launched in 2022, this initiative helps GLOBE Country Coordinators, teachers, and students to engage in air quality observations and take action.

The campaign’s objectives include

  • Motivate and support Country Coordinators and citizen scientists involved in air quality initiatives in their countries 
  • Encourage GLOBE educators and citizen scientists to participate in the AQ Campaign and join related events 
  • Facilitate international student collaborations focused on air quality and support student research efforts 
  • Organise an annual Europe and Eurasia Student AQ Conference in cooperation with the GLOBE EE RCO 
  • Explore opportunities to advance the development of PM and NO₂ GLOBE protocols 
  • Identify scientists and subject matter experts to get involved and provide expertise for the Campaign 
  • Share good practices and useful resources
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Countries Involved in the Collaboration Group 

Focus topics 

Each participating country focuses on specific aspects of air quality: nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), particulate matter (PM), and aerosols. See more details on each topis below.

Equipment needed: Diffusion Tubes (Palmes Tubes) 

Suppliers 

  • Gradko (UK) 
  • Buro Blauw – approx. €18 per tube (includes analysis); bulk orders reduce cost. 

Related GLOBE Protocols: Clouds, Rainfall, Air Temperature, Wind Direction, Humidity 


Why Measure NO₂ 

Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is a key air pollutant primarily emitted by vehicles, power plants, and industrial activity. It can irritate lungs, worsen respiratory diseases, and contribute to smog and acid rain. Long-term exposure poses serious health risks and harms the environment. 


How to Measure 

  • Install diffusion tubes in selected locations for four weeks 
  • Mark traffic hotspots and wind direction 
  • Collect adjacent traffic volume data 
  • Observe weather conditions following GLOBE protocols 
  • Send tubes to a lab for analysis 

NO₂ is measured in micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³), providing an average concentration over the measurement period. 

See more details in this presentation.


Student Activities and Projects 

  • Mt. st. Michael, Roscarberry, Ireland - poster
  • Rathdown school, Cork, Ireland - poster
  • Roscommon Community College, Ireland - presentation
  • St.Mary’s Macroom School, Ireland - presentation
  • Science club of Collège Jacques Mauré Castelginest, France - project done by 12 to 15 years old student - video and poster 

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Equipment options 

  • Clarity Node-S sensors (Know Your Air) 
  • Sodaq AIR sensors (Sodaq) – minimum order: 50 units 
  • PM Kit (developed locally) 

Related GLOBE Protocols: Clouds, Rainfall, Air Temperature, Wind Direction, Humidity 

 

Why Measure PM

Particulate matter, especially PM2.5, consists of tiny solid or liquid particles from exhaust fumes, industry, burning wood or coal, and natural sources. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, affecting heart and respiratory health. PM pollution also contributes to smog and environmental degradation. 

PM is one of the most harmful pollutants—estimated to reduce life expectancy in Europe by nine months on average. Monitoring helps identify pollution hotspots and inspires action to reduce emissions. 

 

How to Measure PM 

Install one of the sensors and study the outcomes in connection to GLOBE Atmosphere observation. You can even install the monitor on a bike and let students explore air quality while on the move! 

See more details in this presentation.
 

Student Activities and Projects 

 

Equipment needed: Calitoo Sun Photometer 
Supplier:

  • Tenum

  • CNES can also borrow the Calitoo to start working with the sensor

Related GLOBE Protocols: Aerosols, Clouds 

 

Why Measure Aerosols

Aerosols are tiny particles suspended in the air from natural (volcanoes, sea spray, dust) and human sources (fossil fuels, agriculture, industry). They impact air quality and health and play a major role in climate by influencing how much sunlight reaches the Earth’s surface. Aerosol concentrations can vary daily, seasonally, and due to events like dust storms or forest fires. 

 

How to Measure Aerosols

Students measure Aerosol Optical Thickness (AOT) using a photometer to determine how much sunlight is scattered or absorbed by aerosols. These observations support satellite data comparisons and long-term climate studies  

Follow the GLOBE Aerosols Protocol. 

See more details in this presentation.

 

Student Activities and Projects 

Lycée de la mer, site de Biganos, France - presentation (in French)

Europe and Eurasia Air Quality Campaign Events 

The Air Quality Collaboration Group has organised various events to promote student engagement and teacher training including: 

  • Presentations and workshops at EE Region Meetings: Croatia (2022), Latvia (2023), Slovenia (2024) 
  • Student-focused events: 
    • November 28, 2024: NASA/GLOBE Ireland Student Webinar - see recording
    • April 3, 2025: GLOBE Europe and Eurasia Air Quality Student Conference – read more

Stay Connected 

Want to stay informed about air quality activities in your region? Express your interest here. 

Contact us to Learn More and Cooperate