Although COVID-19 itself, and the associated containment measures, have had tragic consequences for societies, it also serves as an unprecedented natural experiment that helps us to better understand the relationship between economic activity and the environment. Frederik Noack, Assistant Professor, environmental economics, University of British Columbia; Dominic Rohner, Professor of Economics, Université de Lausanne; and … Continue reading COVID-19 has helped researchers better understand the relationship between economic activity and the environment
Category: air pollution
Air pollution from Europe’s coal plants could be responsible for up to 34,000 deaths across the continent each year
Research ‘adds to growing evidence about the co-benefits of responding to climate change and air pollution together’, a scientist tells Daisy Dunne of The Independent. Pollution from Europe’s coal plants responsible for ‘up to 34,000 deaths each year’ Air pollution from Europe’s coal plants could be responsible for up to 34,000 deaths across the … Continue reading Air pollution from Europe’s coal plants could be responsible for up to 34,000 deaths across the continent each year
Air pollution from burning fossil fuels is causing more than twice as many deaths as thought, a study has found
A recent study has shown that fine particle pollution is having a a greater health cost than previously thought. The authors said that the higher number was due to better understanding of the impacts of fine particles thanks to studies which tracked large groups of people over time and compared pollution levels where they lived … Continue reading Air pollution from burning fossil fuels is causing more than twice as many deaths as thought, a study has found
A Bangladeshi man with asthma has avoided deportation from France in appeal that air pollution risked a severe deterioration in his condition
In a ruling believed to be the first of its kind in France, the appeals court in Bordeaux overturned an expulsion order against the 40-year-old man because he would face “a worsening of his respiratory pathology due to air pollution” in his country of origin. Jon Henley explains in an article on The Guardian website. … Continue reading A Bangladeshi man with asthma has avoided deportation from France in appeal that air pollution risked a severe deterioration in his condition
New EEA briefing on policies and measures to reduce air pollution and GHG emissions separately
EU Member States report on their policies and measures to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions separately. A European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing, published this week, reveals that Member States identify links to climate action in about one third of their reported actions planned to reduce air pollution. National measures to cut air … Continue reading New EEA briefing on policies and measures to reduce air pollution and GHG emissions separately
New EEA report on better air quality throughout EU has led to significant reduction in premature deaths but almost all Europeans still suffer from air pollution
Better air quality has led to a significant reduction of premature deaths over the past decade in Europe. However, the European Environment Agency’s (EEA) latest official data show that almost all Europeans still suffer from air pollution, leading to about 400,000 premature deaths across the continent. Marked improvement in Europe's air quality over past … Continue reading New EEA report on better air quality throughout EU has led to significant reduction in premature deaths but almost all Europeans still suffer from air pollution
More than half of Britons living in areas where levels of toxic air pollution exceeded legal limits last year
The UK government has allocated £2bn for cycling and walking while planning £27bn for roads. That highlights concerns that the government still does not have its priorities right. Harry Cockburn writes on The Independent website about the growing concerns about air pollution and how it is being addressed. What is the situation in your country? … Continue reading More than half of Britons living in areas where levels of toxic air pollution exceeded legal limits last year
Trees have a fundamental place in cities – amongst other benefits they are powerhouses when it comes to regulating city microclimates
As city populations soar, it might seem like there isn't much room for trees. But ecologists say these climatic powerhouses are an often overlooked solution to the health and environmental issues greater density brings. Charli Shield discusses in an article on the Deutsche Welle website why trees are more important than ever. Trees help … Continue reading Trees have a fundamental place in cities – amongst other benefits they are powerhouses when it comes to regulating city microclimates
AI to be used to improve traffic flow and cut air pollution
Urban air quality is gaining in priority as we see the adverse impact of air pollution. Ben Webster writes on The Times website about a new system that will use AI to improve the traffic flow and thus reduce air pollution. What are your views? AI will predict pollution surge and hold drivers on … Continue reading AI to be used to improve traffic flow and cut air pollution
The US Environmental Protection Agency has been busy finding reasons not to pursue long-lasting air quality gains
We are increasingly discouraged by the environmental policies of the Trump administration. H. Christopher Frey, the Glenn E. Futrell Distinguished University Professor of Environmental Engineering at North Carolina State University writes in an article on The Conversation website about the EPA’s latest rejection of science that will have an impact on air quality. EPA … Continue reading The US Environmental Protection Agency has been busy finding reasons not to pursue long-lasting air quality gains
