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The climate crisis and soaring temperatures are worsening air quality, WMO (World Meteorological Organization) says, with ‘knock-on effects’

The concept of a “vicious cycle” between heatwaves and air pollution is a significant concern for meteorologists and climate scientists. This cycle refers to the mutually reinforcing relationship between extreme heat events and increased air pollution, which can have detrimental effects on both human health and the environment. Here’s how this cycle typically works:

1. Heatwaves: Heatwaves are prolonged periods of excessively hot weather, often accompanied by high temperatures and reduced precipitation. Climate change has been linked to an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves in many regions around the world.
2. Air Pollution: High temperatures and stagnant air conditions during heatwaves can lead to the accumulation of air pollutants near the Earth’s surface. This includes pollutants like ground-level ozone (a major component of smog), particulate matter (tiny airborne particles), and various volatile organic compounds.
3. Mutual Reinforcement: The combination of extreme heat and air pollution can create a feedback loop. Here’s how it works:

• Increased Emissions: During heatwaves, there is often an increase in energy demand, leading to more fossil fuel combustion for electricity generation and transportation. This, in turn, leads to higher emissions of air pollutants.
• Chemical Reactions: High temperatures can promote chemical reactions in the atmosphere that transform some pollutants into more harmful substances. For example, increased sunlight and heat can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone.
• Health Impacts: Elevated levels of air pollutants, especially ozone and fine particulate matter, can exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular problems in humans. These health issues can become more severe during heatwaves when people are more vulnerable.

1. Environmental Impact: The vicious cycle can also harm ecosystems. High temperatures, combined with air pollution, can stress plants and wildlife, leading to decreased crop yields, forest damage, and disruptions in the food chain.
2. Climate Change Feedback: The increased emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels during heatwaves contribute to the ongoing problem of climate change, further exacerbating the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves.

Addressing this vicious cycle requires comprehensive strategies to mitigate both the impacts of heatwaves and air pollution. These strategies may include reducing greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change, implementing air quality regulations, improving urban planning to reduce heat island effects, and developing early warning systems to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events. Collaboration between meteorologists, environmental scientists, public health officials, and policymakers is essential to tackle this complex challenge and protect both human health and the environment.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has said extreme temperatures are not the only hazard from heatwaves but that they also cause pollution-related health problems.

In their annual air quality and climate bulletin, the meteorologists have highlighted a “vicious cycle” of climate breakdown and air pollution.
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The report points out that heatwaves can trigger wildfires, as observed in the northwestern United States. These wildfires release large amounts of smoke and pollutants into the atmosphere, further deteriorating air quality and posing health risks to nearby populations.

Another aspect highlighted is the intrusion of desert dust during heatwaves. In 2022, there was an unusually high influx of desert dust over the Mediterranean and Europe. Desert dust carries particulate matter and can worsen air quality when combined with hot and stagnant atmospheric conditions.

1. The bulletin mentions that Europe experienced record-breaking temperatures in 2022, which contributed to higher levels of particulate matter in the air. Extreme heat can exacerbate air pollution by enhancing the formation of ground-level ozone and other pollutants.

These findings underscore the complex relationship between climate change, extreme weather events like heatwaves, and their cascading impacts on air quality. Addressing this issue requires coordinated efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality regulations, and develop strategies to adapt to and mitigate the effects of heatwaves. It also highlights the need for early warning systems and public health measures to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events and episodes of poor air quality.

Individuals and communities can take action to mitigate the effects of air pollution, especially during heatwaves and wildfires. The case studies from Brazil mentioned in the bulletin highlight some effective measures:

1. Urban Green Spaces: Parks and tree-covered areas within urban environments can play a crucial role in improving air quality. Trees and vegetation help absorb carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. Additionally, they act as natural air filters, trapping and removing pollutants from the atmosphere. Planting and maintaining green spaces in cities can help reduce the concentration of harmful pollutants during heatwaves and other pollution-related events.
2. Community Engagement: Encouraging local communities to actively participate in tree planting and green space maintenance can have a significant impact. Engaging residents in tree-planting initiatives not only enhances urban aesthetics but also fosters a sense of ownership and environmental stewardship.
3. Public Awareness: Educating the public about the relationship between air quality, climate change, and their health is essential. Providing information on how individuals can reduce their contributions to air pollution, such as by using public transportation, reducing energy consumption, and avoiding activities that emit pollutants, can make a difference.
4. Air Quality Monitoring: Utilizing air quality monitoring systems and apps can help individuals and communities stay informed about local air quality conditions. This information can be used to adjust outdoor activities and protect vulnerable populations during periods of poor air quality, like heatwaves and wildfire events.
5. Supporting Policy Changes: Advocating for and supporting policies that address air pollution and climate change at the local, regional, and national levels is critical. Such policies can include regulations on emissions from industrial sources, the promotion of clean energy, and incentives for sustainable transportation.

These case studies from Brazil highlight the importance of nature-based solutions and community involvement in addressing air pollution and its associated health and environmental impacts. By taking proactive steps and implementing measures like those mentioned above, individuals and communities can contribute to improving air quality and building resilience against the challenges posed by heatwaves and wildfires exacerbated by climate change.

“Heatwaves and wildfires are closely linked. Smoke from wildfires contains a witch’s brew of chemicals that affects not only air quality and health, but also damages plants, ecosystems and crops – and leads to more carbon emissions and so more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere,” says Dr Lorenzo Labrador, a WMO scientific officer in the Global Atmosphere Watch network which compiled the bulletin.