A new WMO report traces the complex interplay between air quality and climate, highlighting the role of tiny particles called aerosols in wildfires, winter fog, shipping emissions and urban pollution. It stresses the need for improved atmospheric monitoring and more integrated policies to safeguard human and environmental health and reduce agricultural and economic losses.
The WMO Air Quality and Climate Bulletin examines trends and geographical distribution of air pollution in 2024 as well as progress and challenges in forecasts and warnings. It is released for the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies on 7 September.
"Climate change and air quality cannot be addressed in isolation. They go hand-in-hand and must be tackled together in order to protect the health of our planet, our communities and our economies," says WMO Deputy Secretary-General Ko Barrett.
Fossil fuel burning and other human activities that contribute to climate change are also sources of pollution - like black carbon, nitrous oxide and ground-level ozone, which in turn aggravate climate change. It is a vicious cycle.
"Climate impacts and air pollution respect no national borders - as exemplified by intense heat and drought which fuels wildfires, worsening air quality for millions of people. We need improved international monitoring and collaboration to meet this global challenge," said Ko Barrett.
Ambient air pollution causes more than 4.5 million premature deaths each year worldwide, according to World Health Organization estimates, with huge environmental and economic costs.
