Category Archives: World News

Germany “persistently” broke air pollution rules, EU top court rules

Germany persistently violated EU limits on air pollution, the European Union’s top court said on Thursday, in a ruling that could see the country face financial penalties if it fails to improve air quality in several big cities. Air pollution … Continue reading

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Air pollution reductions may prevent 1M premature deaths over a decade, study says

A new study suggests aerosol emissions be included in climate targets in reducing harmful gasses — potentially saving about one million lives per year — researchers said on Tuesday. Aerosol emissions were not addressed in the document setting emissions targets … Continue reading

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The murky issue of air pollution in North Macedonia

In winter, Skopje, the Capital of North Macedonia, is one of the most polluted cities in Europe. According to estimates from the World Bank Study, over 1000 people die each year as a result of air pollution in North Macedonia … Continue reading

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Balkan countries are source of most of SO2 emissions in Europe

Ukraine, Turkey and the Western Balkans topped the European charts in 2019 across all types of air pollutants from coal-fired thermal power plants, Ember found. Furthermore, over half of entire SO2 emissions originated in Southeastern Europe. Coal power air pollution … Continue reading

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Stronger air pollution standards in U.S. would have significant public health benefits

Reducing certain air pollutants in the U.S. by small amounts would prevent thousands of early deaths each year among elders, according to new research led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The study, which focused on fine particulate … Continue reading

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Air pollution helps wildfires create their own lightning

Most people know lightning can spark wildfires. But wildfires can also spark lightning—a phenomenon that has puzzled scientists for decades. Now, researchers have revealed a key cause of this phenomenon: air pollution. Dirtier air means more lightning above wildfires—and more … Continue reading

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Korean Study Adds to Indications That Air Pollution is Tied to Parkinson’s

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is associated significantly with a higher risk for developing Parkinson’s disease, according to a recent study from Korea. The finding reinforces previous research showing a potential link between air pollution and Parkinson’s. The results also prompted researchers … Continue reading

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Air at two Dhaka slums 5 times thicker than usual

Air density at two of Dhaka’s most marginalised low-income slums is four to five times higher than the permissible limit in Bangladesh for a 24-hour period. As a result, residents suffer from air pollution-induced diseases like laryngeal problems, asthma and … Continue reading

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