News 15 January 2025
Check out the latest news articles, research, opinions and efforts to tackle air pollution around the world.
Air pollution is named top 10 global risk by experts
This year’s World Economic Forum Global Risks survey of over 900 experts worldwide has identified air pollution as a top global risk. The report includes a dedicated chapter on pollution (including air pollution) for the first time, a testament to the growing global determination to clean our air.
Los Angeles wildfire smoke poses significant threat to air quality
In early January, wildfires began ravaging the city of Los Angeles, killing more than 24 people and burning down entire neighbourhoods. With the destruction comes concern about the effects of potentially ‘super toxic’ wildfire smoke on the health of people and environments both near the scene and further afield.
According to experts, smoke from urban wildfires could be particularly dangerous for human health because of the substances released by burning buildings and anthropogenic materials whose effects we know little about.
Unsurprisingly, the fires have brought renewed media focus to the danger that wildfire smoke and poor air quality pose to both public health and the environment. It’s encouraging to see media outlets bring attention to this issue, promote public awareness of and interest in air quality monitoring, communicate protective measures, and warn of the potential long-term risks.
Here’s what scientists have learnt about the wildfire smoke in 2024 (published just prior to the outbreak of the Los Angeles fires).
Europe’s first low-emission zone for domestic heating
Sofia, capital city of Bulgaria, made history by implementing Europe’s first low-emission zone for domestic heating. The initiative aims to cut urban air pollution and provides a great model for cities worldwide.
Air quality monitoring remains a significant global barrier to clean air
In a new report, our grantee OpenAQ found that 36% of countries worldwide lack government-level air monitoring, preventing policymakers from making informed decisions to mitigate air pollution and improve the health of communities.
Another study uncovered that just 24 of 54 African countries were doing any air pollution monitoring, creating a ‘cardiovascular timebomb’ on the continent.
Studies identify priority emissions to cut to achieve AAQD
As EU member countries look to bring their air pollution levels in line with the revised Ambient Air Quality Directive’s (AAQD) 2030 targets, researchers are investigating where their priorities should lie, including intervening in the transport sector and cutting emissions from heating and cooling technologies by shifting to renewable sources.
Continued global, collaborative action to tackle air pollution
Countries across the world continue their work to tackle air pollution and its effects. In December, Ghana hosted its National Dialogue on Clean Air event, convening stakeholders to highlight the need for urgent, coordinated action. The country is partnering with Denmark to introduce innovative solutions like a national transition from non-renewable to renewable energy sources.
In Thailand, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration announced it will intensify measures to tackle air pollution in light of the capital’s current poor air quality. It will implement a new work-from-home policy and add more schools to its clean air shelter project, which aims to safeguard the city from chronic particulate matter (PM2.5) fine dust pollution.
In positive news from the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer laid out his ‘plans for change’ which include a target of 95% clean power for the country by 2030. Additionally, air pollution in England is reported to have fallen by 53% in the last 20 years, but inequalities in who is most exposed to poor air quality remain.
And in the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Energy (DOE) announced $850 million in funding for projects to reduce methane pollution from the oil and gas sector.
Clean air equity concerns in the United States
According to new research, US Environmental Protection Agency air quality monitors are disproportionately positioned in whiter neighborhoods, leaving communities of colour less protected from dangerous pollutants.
The California Air Resources Board, aware of equity issues in air quality, has announced it will hire experts to reshape the state’s view of air quality through the lens of racial equity.
New attention on AI, wood heating and fireworks as polluters
AI, the fastest-growing sector for energy consumption across industries, requires power plants and diesel generators to fuel the computer processing centers that keep it running. Researchers have found the air pollution this generates is already becoming a health burden to communities.
Researchers in a Slovenian village highlighted the potential for air pollution in rural areas to rival even some of the world’s most polluted cities, with wood heating being the major contributor.
Media outlets also highlighted the damaging impact that New Years’ fireworks displays have on air quality.
