News 28 May 2025
Check out the latest news articles, research and progress to tackle air pollution around the world.
New evidence on the economic case for clean air
A new report from Economist Impact and consumer health company Haleon found that reducing air pollution in 40 countries in line with World Health Organization (WHO) targets could prevent 70,000 deaths and bring economic benefits of US$100.7 billion per year. The Health Inclusivity Index explores structural barriers to health inclusivity across the 40 index countries and has a focus topic dedicated to air pollution.
Cleaner air reported in European cities
Sofia, Bulgaria has seen improved air quality for the second year in a row. The city is now meeting European and national standards for fine particulate matter pollution (PM10), thanks to investment in initiatives to reduce vehicle emissions and tackle domestic heating pollution.
Low emission zones in Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent were found to cut air pollution faster than in other Belgian cities, with positive public health effects. Even areas up to 5km beyond the zones saw air quality gains.
A University of Leeds study found that drastically reducing air pollutants could prevent a quarter of a million deaths in central and western Europe alone by 2050.
AI’s potential to support air quality improvement
Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) with compact, cost-effective sensors could improve the precision of air quality monitoring, by allowing a hyperlocal, accessible approach.
Researchers from Istanbul Technical University developed an AI system that uses traffic cameras to calculate vehicle emissions and predict pollution levels in real time. The innovation could support more cost-effective urban air quality monitoring.
The case for government air quality monitoring
The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) reported data from US embassy air quality monitors in 44 countries had contributed to significant decreases in particulate matter (PM2.5). This represents an estimated US$465 million in economic benefits and 895 premature deaths avoided in a median city. Now that US embassy monitoring has halted, CREA urges countries to ramp up their air quality efforts to reap the health and economic benefits.
Air pollution’s unequal health burden in the UK
Using data from the UK’s Millennium Cohort Study, researchers found young children who are exposed to high levels of air pollution are more likely to experience poor health outcomes in adolescence. These effects were more pronounced for children from ethnic minority backgrounds and more deprived neighbourhoods. 3-6 years was found to be a particularly sensitive period for air pollution exposure.
New research from Asthma + Lung UK also revealed how structural issues like poor air quality exacerbate the country’s stark health inequalities – disproportionately affecting the health of the most deprived and marginalised communities.
Air pollution in South Korea
A new study has shed light on the state of South Korea’s air quality. Using satellite data, researchers found the country’s ground monitors often misrepresent NO₂ exposure. In addition, and contrary to global trends, researchers found people living in wealthier areas tend to face higher levels of pollution. They attribute the difference to the country’s unique economic development – rapid industrialisation drew job seekers to spots that eventually became hubs for high-paying employment.
How a changing climate impacts air pollution
As climate change drives rising temperatures, levels of ground-level ozone (O₃), and other harmful pollutants are expected to increase – posing serious risks to human health and the environment. A recent review by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Air Convention examines this effect and precedes the publication of new data identifying sources of problematic pollutants during extreme heat events.
The simple intervention to fight poor air quality in Bangladesh
Brick kiln smoke is a major challenge to air quality in Bangladesh, with serious implications for residents’ health. But researchers have found a change as simple as stacking the bricks differently can increase efficiency and reduce air pollution. Kilns that adopted these measures saw fuel use drop by 23% on average, with an estimated 20% reduction in carbon dioxide and particulate matter produced. The reduction in fuel use also improved their bottom lines, saving owners close to $40,000 per year.