A global breath of concern: most nations fail WHO air quality standards

Fewer than 10% of countries met the World Health Organization's air quality guidelines last year, spotlighting a pervasive health threat.

Delger Erdenesanaa reports for The New York Times.

In short:

Only 10 out of 134 countries and territories achieved WHO standards for PM2.5, a harmful air pollutant.
The worst air quality was found in Asia and Africa, with pollution sources including vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and household burning.
China saw a significant increase in air pollution in 2023, reversing years of progress.

Key quote:

"Air pollution and climate change both have the same culprit, which is fossil fuels."

— Glory Dolphin Hammes, CEO of IQAir’s North American division

Why this matters:

Nations' adherence to these guidelines varies widely, influenced by economic, technological, and policy factors. Developed countries generally fare better in meeting these standards. However, in many developing countries, particularly in regions like South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, adherence to WHO guidelines is a significant challenge.

Researchers recently found higher than average rates of Parkinson’s disease coupled with high levels of PM2.5 in South Texas, the Mississippi-Ohio River Valley and other locations.

www.nytimes.com

A global breath of concern: most nations fail WHO air quality standards

The EPA's data on cancer risk from air pollution has gone dark

With Puerto Rico’s water crisis, climate change meets ineptitude

‘The real challenge starts after sundown’: Europe’s heatwave boosted solar by up to 17% on hot days

What to know about the Supreme Court’s major climate case this fall

Federal job cuts are making wildfires harder to fight

So much solar: Digging into the list of every U.S. power plant that went online this year

In Arizona, the thermostat is driving voters to the polls

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.