Air Pollution: The Greatest Environmental Risk of Our Time

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has highlighted air pollution as "the greatest environmental risk of our time." According to its latest report, over 4.5 million premature deaths occur annually due to poor air quality, along with significant economic and environmental costs.

The WMO emphasizes the link between climate change, wildfires, and rising air pollution levels, creating a vicious cycle that impacts both human health and the environment. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which penetrates deep into the respiratory system, is particularly harmful. It not only affects human health but also agriculture, reducing crop yields by up to 15% in highly polluted areas. Although air quality improved in parts of Europe and China, it worsened in North America due to severe wildfires. Addressing this issue will require stricter standards and better infrastructure, as fine particulate matter continues to present serious risks to both public health and agricultural productivity.

Source: Tagesschau, WMO Report (2024).