A team of scientists from the University of Leeds, the University of Edinburgh, North Carolina State University, and the UK Met Office have created a visual representation of global air quality trends using “Air Quality Stripes.” The image shows significant differences in air quality improvement and deterioration around the world.
While doing In Europe, significant declines have been observed. In the fine dustEspecially in Western cities like London and Berlin. A striking increase has been observed in parts of Africa and Central Asia, such as Nairobi and Delhi.— This contrast highlights both the progress and ongoing challenges in the global fight against air pollution.
Air quality stripe graphic (Image credit: University of Leeds).
The “Air Quality Stripes” use a color-coding system to indicate changes in the concentration of particulate matter (PM2.5), with blue representing cleaner air and black representing extremely high levels of pollution. The project highlights the dangers of PM2.5, a pollutant linked to serious health problems, including increased risk of respiratory problems, heart disease, and a variety of other diseases.
In particular, 99% of the world’s population currently lives in areas where PM2.5 levels exceed the World Health Organization’s recommended standard of 5 micrograms per cubic meter.
The goal of this image is to make complex data on air pollution more accessible and understandable to the public. By showing trends in air quality across different regions, the researchers hope to raise awareness and encourage further action to reduce air pollution.
The initiative follows in the footsteps of Professor Ed Hawkins’ Climate Change Stripes and contributes to the growing number of visual tools designed to effectively communicate environmental change.
This project was supported by EPCC and CEMAC, with funding from the Software Sustainability Institute, and is part of a broader effort to support global air quality improvement initiatives.
Submitted to . Learn more about eco, environmental friendliness and sustainability.