UN Weather Agency Sounds Alarm on Alarming Rise in Air Pollution: Essential Updates on Climate Change & Renewable Energy

UN climate experts recently warned about the serious impacts of air pollution, particularly from wildfires. These small, harmful particles can travel vast distances, affecting air quality worldwide.

According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), air pollution is linked to over 4.5 million premature deaths each year. Lorenzo Labrador, a scientific officer at WMO, highlighted that smoke from wildfires this season, particularly from the Iberian Peninsula, has been detected across Western Europe. This shows how air pollution knows no borders.

Labrador presented the latest WMO Air Quality and Climate Bulletin, detailing a troubling pattern of deteriorating air quality globally. A recent map indicated high levels of fine particles, known as PM 2.5, in places like Chile, Brazil, Ecuador, Canada, Central Africa, and Siberia. Sadly, this trend points to worsening air quality that has been observed over the years.

Climate change is fueling longer and more intense wildfire seasons. However, Labrador did mention some good news: emissions in regions like eastern China and parts of Europe have decreased year by year. For example, cities like Shanghai have made efforts to improve air quality by creating green spaces and increasing electric vehicle usage.

Still, very few cities meet the air quality standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO). While pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are declining, ground-level ozone levels — a primary component of smog — have not improved. This is partly due to global warming since ozone forms in the atmosphere during sunny conditions.

The WMO’s report shows the strong link between air quality and climate change. Ko Barrett, the WMO Deputy Secretary-General, stated that these issues must be tackled together to safeguard our planet and health.

The UN is also addressing household air pollution, especially harmful to children. Martina Otto, from the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, emphasized that effective cleaner cooking technologies are available and can save lives. The challenge lies in making these technologies accessible to more people.

On a broader scale, the Convention on Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution, known as the Air Convention, has played a crucial role in improving air quality in Europe and North America. Since its inception in 1979, it has led to legally binding emissions limits and has reportedly saved around 600,000 lives annually. Improvements have even extended life expectancy in Europe by a year.

With further actions needed, experts are pushing for updates to strengthen pollution reduction efforts, especially in other regions looking to replicate the success of the Air Convention.

For more about how air quality impacts health globally, you might find the WHO’s latest findings valuable.

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Air pollution,United Nations (UN),Weather agency,World Meteorological Organisation (WMO)