(ANSA) – GENEVA, 05 SEPTEMBER – Air pollution from fine particles decreased last year in Europe and China, thanks to the reduction of emissions linked to human activities: the UN says, calling for climate change and air quality to be addressed together. Fine particles PM2.5 (those with dimensions not exceeding 2.5 microns) pose a serious health hazard if inhaled for long periods of time, as they are small enough to reach the bloodstream. The sources of these particles are emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels, such as those from vehicles and industry, as well as natural sources such as forest fires or desert dust carried by the wind. “The data for the year 2023 indicate a negative anomaly, namely a decrease in PM2.5 compared to the reference period 2003-2023 over China and Europe,” said Dr. Lorenzo Labrador, a scientist at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), today on the occasion of the publication of the annual bulletin on air quality and climate. “Climate change and air quality cannot be treated separately: they go hand in hand and must be addressed together,” noted WMO Deputy Secretary-General Ko Barrett in a press release. “The vicious cycle of climate change, fires and air pollution is having increasingly serious negative impacts on human health, ecosystems and agriculture,” warns the UN weather agency. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nine out of 10 people breathe air containing high levels of pollutants. (ANSA).
2024-09-05 07:42:31