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WHO issues new, lower Global Air Quality Guidelines for classical pollutants

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New WHO has issued new Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) that reduce levels of key air pollutants, some of which also contribute to climate change. Since WHO’s last 2005 global update, there has been a marked increase of evidence that shows how air pollution affects different aspects of health. Source: WHO.

Pollution 435
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Study associates long-term exposure to air pollution with increasing emphysema

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Long-term exposure to ambient air pollutants, especially O 3 (ozone), is significantly associated with increasing emphysema, according to a new study led by the University of Washington, Columbia University and the University at Buffalo. Ground-level ozone is mostly produced when ultraviolet light reacts with pollutants from fossil fuels.

Pollution 223
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T&E: Rising use of private jets sends CO2 emissions soaring

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CO 2 emissions from private jets in Europe increased by nearly a third (31%) between 2005 and 2019, rising faster than commercial aviation emissions, according to a new report from environmental campaign group Transport & Environment (T&E). And yet, super-rich super polluters are flying around like there’s no climate crisis.

Emissions 418
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Study: surface ozone in India in 2005 damaged 6M tonnes of crops, enough to feed 94M people in poverty

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Ozone, the main component of smog, is a plant-damaging pollutant formed by emissions from vehicles, cooking stoves and other sources. New research shows that ozone pollution damaged millions of tons of wheat, rice, soybean and cotton crops in India in 2005. Surface ozone pollution in India damaged 6 million metric tons (6.7

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US submits target to cut GHGs by 26-28% from 2005 levels to UNFCCC; doubling the rate of reduction

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The United States submitted its target to cut net greenhouse gas emissions to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The US target will roughly double the pace of carbon pollution reduction in the United States from 1.2% per year on average during the 2005-2020 period to 2.3-2.8%

2005 150
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EPA proposes rule for nationwide 30% cut in GHG from existing power plants by 2030 relative to 2005

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The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the already widely-discussed (albeit without much detail) “Clean Power Plan” proposal, which mandates a national average 30% cut in greenhouse gas emissions from existing power plants from 2005 levels by 2030. EPA is only proposing goals for states with fossil fuel-fired power plants.

2005 210
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OECD: rising air pollution-related deaths taking heavy toll on society; more should be done to reduce transport emissions

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Deaths from outdoor air pollution by region in 2005 and 2010. From 2005 to 2010, the death rate rose by 4% worldwide, by 5% in China and by 12% in India. Outdoor air pollution kills some 3.5 This pollution is costing advanced economies plus China and India an estimated US$3.5 Click to enlarge. Earlier post.)

Pollution 218