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
Category: 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
Estimating the number of lives saved due to the spectacular drop in air pollution
A European research centre has calculated that the levels of nitrogen dioxide and fine particles fell by 40% and 10% respectively in April. In France, 1,230 deaths have been prevented. Stéphane Mandard explains in an article on Le Monde website. By reducing air pollution, isolation would have saved 11,000 deaths in Europe in one … Continue reading Estimating the number of lives saved due to the spectacular drop in air pollution
If there is something positive to take from this terrible crisis, it could be that it’s offered a taste of the air we might breathe in a low-carbon future
Since the virus crisis started, air quality has improved because of the drastic drop in GHG emissions. Paul Monks, Professor of Atmospheric Chemistry and Earth Observation Science at the University of Leicester writes on The Conversation website that the pandemic could show us how the future might look with less air pollution, or it may … Continue reading If there is something positive to take from this terrible crisis, it could be that it’s offered a taste of the air we might breathe in a low-carbon future
An 11-year study in Sweden has found that older people exposed to air pollution are more at risk of dementia
EiD has had many posts over the years on the impact of air pollution. Harry Cockburn write on The Independent website about an 11-year study in Sweden on the impact of air pollution. Its findings added more reasons to reduce emissions from sources such as transport, and to optimise treatment of cardiovascular disease – particularly … Continue reading An 11-year study in Sweden has found that older people exposed to air pollution are more at risk of dementia
Canadian study suggests gasoline-powered vehicles are more polluting than previously thought
Research suggests cars and other gasoline-powered vehicles are responsible for a share of two highly toxic contaminants in downtown city air that's at least five times larger than previously thought. Bob Weber discusses the findings in an article on the National Newswatch website. Gas-powered vehicles contribute more to city pollution than thought: research Research … Continue reading Canadian study suggests gasoline-powered vehicles are more polluting than previously thought
Answers to air pollution questions lie in our distant evolutionary past
It’s not just a modern problem. Airborne toxins are so pernicious that they may have shaped our DNA over millions of years. Carl Zimmer explains in an article in the New York Times. Air Pollution, Evolution, and the Fate of Billions of Humans The threat of air pollution grabs our attention when we see it … Continue reading Answers to air pollution questions lie in our distant evolutionary past
