How Science is Transforming the Fight Against Air Pollution and Its Impacts on Health and Climate

Air pollution remains one of the major challenges for public health, climate, and the environment. In just one year, major scientific advancements have enabled a better understanding of its mechanisms and the proposal of innovative solutions.

Researchers have developed new methods to analyze the properties of atmospheric pollutants. For example, artificial intelligence models now make it possible to predict sand and dust storms with increased accuracy, surpassing traditional methods. Other studies have revealed that the formation of sulfuric acid in the air, a key pollutant, is mainly influenced by specific radicals at night rather than stable chemical processes. In Beijing, measurements have shown that certain chemical compounds contribute up to one-third of the daily production of nitrates, a major element of fine particle pollution.

The impact of wildfires on air quality has also been closely studied. The smoke from these fires, such as those that affected the western United States in 2020, alters the vertical distribution of pollutants in the atmosphere. The emitted particles travel long distances and cool the Earth’s surface by blocking sunlight. In 2023, wildfires in Canada even had repercussions across the Northern Hemisphere, demonstrating the extent of their influence.

Cities are not spared. Detailed maps of fine particle pollution have been created in Kigali, Rwanda, identifying critical areas near roadways and densely populated neighborhoods. In New Delhi, a study revealed that humidity worsens the severity of pollution, underestimating real fine particle levels by up to 20% during winter mornings. Urban trees, often perceived as beneficial, can sometimes worsen the situation by trapping pollutants near the ground.

The sources of pollution have been better identified. Intensive livestock farming in the United States is responsible for nearly half of the national ammonia emissions, a harmful gas. In India, manufacturing industries release heavy metals in alarming quantities, far exceeding authorized thresholds. Diesel vehicles and heavy trucks remain major contributors to emissions of carcinogenic particles.

The health consequences are alarming. An increase of 10 micrograms per cubic meter of fine particles increases the number of emergency interventions for children in India by nearly 4%, with a higher risk for girls and children under five. In China, fine particles worsen sleep disorders, reducing oxygen saturation and increasing the risks of sleep apnea. Wildfires, in addition to polluting the air, create conditions where the combination of particles and extreme heat multiplies the risks of premature death.

Public policies are showing encouraging results. In New York, the implementation of an urban toll reduced peaks of fine particle pollution by more than 20% in just a few weeks. In London, the ultra-low emission zone has decreased nitrogen dioxide levels near roadways, although values remain above WHO recommendations. In India, limiting global warming to 2 degrees could prevent hundreds of thousands of premature deaths each year and generate billions in savings.

However, challenges persist. Even with optimistic scenarios, less than two-thirds of European countries will meet WHO air quality standards by 2050. The interactions between climate change and air pollution further complicate the situation. Tropical cyclones, for example, alter ozone formation and worsen health risks in certain regions.

This work underscores the urgency to act. Technological innovations, targeted public policies, and a better understanding of pollution mechanisms offer concrete avenues to protect health and the environment. The fight against air pollution is not limited to reducing emissions but also involves anticipating the effects of climate and adapting cities for cleaner air.

Information and Sources

Scientific Reference

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s44407-026-00063-8

Title: One year of advancing clean air science: a comprehensive synthesis of contributions

Journal: npj Clean Air

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Zhijun Wu; Yuan Wang; Min Hu