Global ozone pollution exposed nearly 40% of population

A recent global analysis by the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS), operated by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), reveals that nearly 40% of the world's population was exposed to dangerous levels of tropospheric ozone this year.

Tropospheric ozone is formed when pollutants from industrial activities and road traffic, such as nitrogen oxides, undergo chemical reactions triggered by intense heat. The study highlights that this pollution, along with wildfire smoke and dust transport, can travel thousands of kilometers across borders and continents, affecting communities far from the original pollution sources.

Florian Pappenberger, Director General of the ECMWF, stated that the findings demonstrate how atmospheric pollution knows no borders. He noted that the data underscores the deep interconnection between climate change, air quality, and public health, calling for coordinated global action ahead of the upcoming COP31 UN climate summit.