According to a report by the World Weather Organization (WMO), longer and stronger heat waves and associated wildfires such as this summer are deteriorating air quality. As climate change creates increasingly intense periods of heat and drought, hundreds of millions of people are likely to be affected, the WMO reported Wednesday in Geneva on Clean Air Day (September 7).
According to the European Earth Observation Service Copernicus, emissions from forest fires in Europe this summer were the highest since 2007. Atmospheric conditions, solar radiation and weak winds resulted in high pollution levels, WMO chief Petteri Taalas said.
The number and intensity of heat waves is increasing
“We saw it this year with the heat waves in Europe and China. (…) This is a glimpse into the future, as we expect a further increase in the frequency, intensity and duration of heat waves, which could lead to even worse air quality.” The WMO also warns against ozone pollution.
Huge health implications
According to the German Federal Environment Agency, high air temperatures and intense solar radiation promote the formation of ozone near the ground. In higher concentrations, ozone causes tears, breathing problems and headaches. With an increased tidal volume, for example due to physical exertion, it can also penetrate deep into the lung tissue, damage the tissue and cause inflammation.
CO2 emissions urgently need to be reduced
According to the WMO, the development will mainly affect Asia, where about a quarter of the world’s population lives. If greenhouse gas emissions are not drastically reduced and the average global temperature rises three degrees above pre-industrial levels, ozone concentrations in the regions of Pakistan, northern India and Bangladesh are likely to rise by 20 percent and in eastern China. by 10 percent , according to the WMO .
Much of this would be due to the burning of fossil fuels there, but also 20 percent to the effects of climate change, which promote ground-level ozone formation. In the Paris climate agreement, the world has agreed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees if possible.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
