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

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Air pollution is the leading environmental cause of death worldwide according to the State of Global Air 2018 , the annual report and interactive website published by the Health Effects Institute (HEI). Millions of people around the world are also exposed to air pollution in their homes arising from the use of solid fuels (e.g.,

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 ). The next round of UN climate negotiations begins in Cancun today.

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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 report also covers an assessment of the potential contribution from reductions in short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs). There are an estimated 6,683 operating coal-fired power plants in the world, with a combined capacity of 1,964 GW. These six present a combined poten al of up to 22 GtCO 2 e per annum.

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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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While carbon dioxide is the primary driver of global warming over the long term, limiting black carbon and methane are complementary actions that would have a more immediate impact because these two pollutants circulate out of the atmosphere more quickly. All emissions control measures are assumed to improve air quality.

Carbon 257