“Air quality knows no boundaries,” said Lorenzo Labrador, a Scientific Officer at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). This year, wildfires in the Iberian Peninsula have sent smoke far beyond its borders, affecting air quality across Western Europe and beyond. According to the WMO’s latest Air Quality and Climate Bulletin, pollution levels continue to degrade worldwide.
Labrador highlighted troubling maps showing fine particle pollution—known as PM 2.5—spreading from places like Chile, Brazil, Ecuador, Canada, and Siberia. This alarming trend has been on the rise for years, largely due to climate change making wildfires more intense and prolonged.
On a brighter note, countries like eastern China and various regions in Europe have seen decreased emissions. “When cities implement measures to improve air quality, they see results,” said Paolo Laj, head of the WMO’s Global Atmosphere Watch Programme. For example, Shanghai has invested in green spaces and increased its electric vehicle usage, contributing to improved air quality levels.
However, the overall picture is still concerning. Few cities comply with the air quality standards set by the UN World Health Organization (WHO). “Despite improvements, air quality remains a major health issue,” Laj noted. While pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are declining, ground-level ozone persists, exacerbated by climate change. Ozone forms through chemical reactions driven by sunlight, making it particularly tricky to manage.
The link between air quality and climate change is undeniable. “To protect our planet and communities, we must tackle both issues together,” emphasized WMO Deputy Secretary-General Ko Barrett.
The UN is actively addressing household air pollution, one of the biggest health threats, especially for children. “The good news is that affordable clean cooking technologies exist and are already saving lives,” said Martina Otto from the Climate and Clean Air Coalition.
International cooperation is also vital. The Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution, supported by the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), covers Europe and North America. Since its launch in 1979, it has significantly improved air quality, saving around 600,000 lives each year. “These emissions reductions can add years to life expectancy,” UNECE stated. Yet, ongoing efforts are essential as experts call for revisions to strengthen air pollution measures.
Regions like East and South Asia, along with South America, are increasingly looking to adopt successful models from the Air Convention. Programs like the Forum for International Cooperation on Air Pollution are helping seize these opportunities.
As we face growing environmental challenges, it’s clear that addressing air quality is crucial for our health and future. Taking action today can lead to a healthier tomorrow, benefiting both people and the planet.
