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AQLI: new data reveals little progress globally in reducing air pollution over the last two decades

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Particulate air pollution continues to cut global life expectancy by nearly two years as progress in some countries counterbalances worsening air quality in others, according to the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI). High pollution across the entirety of Bangladesh makes it the most polluted country in the world.

Pollution 243
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New phase of globalization could undermine efforts to reduce CO2 emissions

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A new study finds that the growth of carbon production from Chinese exports has slowed or reversed, reflecting a “new phase of globalization” between developing countries that could undermine international efforts to reduce emissions. The paper is published in Nature Communications. trillion) in 2014. trillion) in 2014.

Global 170
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HEI: 95%+ of world’s population live in areas of unhealthy air

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Seven billion people, more than 95% of the world’s population, lived in areas exceeding the WHO Guideline for healthy air in 2016, according to a new global study. State of Global Air 2018. State of Global Air 2018. coal, wood, and dung) for cooking and heating. State of Global Air 2018. Worldwide exposure to PM 2.5

Pollution 218
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Low-lying and other vulnerable countries calling for fast action on non-CO2 global warming pollutants

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Led by the tiny Pacific island of the Federated States of Micronesia, a growing group of low-lying islands and other vulnerable countries are calling for fast action on the approximately 50% of global warming that is caused by pollutants other than carbon dioxide (CO 2 ).

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International study identifies 14 key measures to reduce methane and black carbon emissions; reduction in projected global mean warming of ~0.5 °C by 2050

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A study by an international team of researchers, led by Drew Shindell of NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) in New York City, has identified 14 measures targeting methane and black carbon (BC) emissions that could reduce projected global mean warming ~0.5°C °F) by 2050, as well as improving human health and agriculture.

Carbon 257
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UN Environment report says national GHG pledges only bring one-third of reductions needed for Paris Agreement

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The Paris Agreement looks to limit global warming to under 2 ˚C, with a more ambitious goal of 1.5 ˚C If the emissions gap is not closed by 2030, the report says, it is extremely unlikely that the goal of holding global warming to well below 2 ˚C can still be reached. C also on the table. C will already be well depleted by 2030.