News 29 April 2025
Check out the latest news articles, research and progress to tackle air pollution around the world.
Clean air action delivering results in Europe
Air pollution levels in Paris have dropped by nearly half compared to 2005, thanks to the city’s commitment to sustainable transport and climate action. Pedestrianising more than 100 streets and removing parking spots has helped to reduce traffic in the city and drastically improved air quality.
Europe’s stricter air quality regulations mark a turning point in the region’s journey to become healthier and more sustainable. Anna-Lena Franke, Senior EU Policy Expert for Deutsche Umwelthilfe, reflects on the significant moment.
Green transport for cleaner air
Several studies have highlighted the potential of electrification and a green energy transition to deliver air quality and public health benefits. UC Berkeley found the electrification of San Francisco Bay Area’s Caltrain commuter rail line drastically improved air quality in the area and reduced riders’ exposure to black carbon by an average of 89%.
A study that modeled the possible health impacts of reducing traffic and electrifying the port in Barcelona suggested that 200 lives could be saved a year. However, the scenarios modeled still wouldn’t meet new limits proposed by the EU’s Ambient Air Quality Directive, meaning greater action is needed.
Air pollution is attributed to a fifth of all deaths in Nepal. A push from the government to expand the take up of electric vehicles could transform the region’s public health – extending the lives of Kathmandu residents by an average of 2.6 years.
Global air pollution health harms
An estimated 7,000 Mongolian people have died this winter due to air pollution. The Guardian examines the country’s air quality challenge and the devastating impact it is having on the health of communities.
In East Africa, air pollution is the second leading risk factor for death. A new Health Effects Institute report summarises the current scientific evidence on how air pollution is damaging public health in the region and presents priorities for future action.
At the International Summit on Climate Change/Air Pollution by the Nigerian Heart Foundation and University of Manchester in Lagos, experts called for urgent action in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria to tackle air pollution. Experts warned of the serious threat dirty air is posing to public and environmental health.
A study of nearly 4 million people from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health showed that long-term exposure to outdoor particulate pollution drives infection-related hospital admissions. Experts are calling for stricter standards to protect vulnerable people.
UK campaigners demand action on traffic pollution
UK campaigners Clean Cities are calling for a clampdown on ‘carspreading’ – the popularisation of oversized vehicles on UK roads that they say is endangering pedestrians and polluting the air. They are urging for more charges on such vehicles, citing their disproportionate impact on lives and the environment.
Campaign group Mums for Lungs are urging Greater Manchester authorities to do more to combat high pollution levels in the region. According to data they uncovered, the number of babies and toddlers admitted to hospitals with breathing problems has jumped 33% between 2023 and 2024.
EU corporate sustainability reporting standards loosen
The European Parliament has adopted the “stop-the-clock” proposal that will delay the implementation of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) by two years, undermining Europe’s leadership in corporate sustainability reporting standards.
Reducing the number of companies covered by the CSRD, which sets standards for reporting on air pollution and other environmental and social impacts, risks damaging a crucial tool that informs and motivates businesses and investors.
Reducing black carbon for glacier preservation
Super pollutant black carbon is a major driver of global warming which accelerates glacier and Arctic melt. Pema Gyamtsho, Director General for ICIMOD, reflects on his experience from the Hindu Kush Himalaya region, advocating for action to reduce black carbon to preserve glaciers and their life-supporting benefits.
Air pollution mitigation strategies and resources for professionals
The US National Academy of Medicine has developed a summary of air pollution as a climate health hazard, providing mitigation strategies and resources for professionals and the public to protect health. The work is part of its wider project “Communicating About Climate Change and Health”, which aims to support health providers and other communicators in sharing actionable information with patients and the public.