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Summary
- The Air Quality Stripes project graphically illustrates global air quality trends, showing improvements in Europe but deteriorating conditions in parts of Africa and Central Asia.
- Air pollution, particularly from particulate matter, is a leading risk factor for death globally, contributing to one in 10 deaths.
- Primary sources of particulate matter include natural sources like volcanoes and human activities like industry and transportation, with significant impacts on health.
The global concentrations of one of the main air pollutants known to affect human health has been graphically illustrated for the first time by a team of scientists.
The Air Quality Stripes which were created by the University of Leeds, the University of Edinburgh, North Carolina State University, and the UK Met Office, starkly contrast the significant improvements in air quality across much of Europe with the alarming deterioration in parts of Africa and Central Asia.
The project’s findings highlight both the successes and ongoing challenges in tackling air pollution worldwide.
