A little known greenhouse gas is quietly harming half of Europeans. This Italian city is hit hardest
People who suffer from asthma are the most at risk.
A relatively unknown greenhouse gas called ground-level ozone is quietly endangering half of Europe's population, according to recent findings. This summer's record-breaking heatwaves and wildfires across the continent have led to dangerously high ozone levels, affecting 50% of Europe's population. The European Commission's Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) reports that the poor, very poor, or extremely poor ozone levels impacted 50% of the continent's residents during this period.
Ozone, a potent air pollutant, can penetrate deep into the respiratory system and enter the bloodstream, reaching almost all organs within the body. People suffering from asthma are particularly vulnerable to its harmful effects. Ground-level ozone is formed through a series of chemical reactions triggered by sunlight and high temperatures, which means the record-breaking heatwaves this summer have exacerbated its presence.
While EU efforts to curb other air pollutants have shown progress, ozone levels have not shown a clear downward trend. The European Air Quality Directive has significantly reduced emissions of sulphur oxides and nitrogen oxides, primarily generated by industrial activities and road transport. However, ozone levels continue to pose a significant threat to public health and environmental well-being.
The report highlights the close relationship between air pollution and climate change, with ozone formation being particularly sensitive to high temperatures. As global temperatures rise due to climate change, heatwaves become more frequent and intense, leading to increased ozone formation. Nitrogen oxides, released from industries and vehicles, also contribute to ozone production, further linking climate change and air pollution.
Despite the EU's progress in reducing other pollutants, ozone remains a persistent problem. The report emphasizes that air pollution knows no borders, as wildfire smoke, ozone, and dust can travel thousands of kilometers, affecting communities far from their source. In 2026, almost 40% of the world's population has been exposed to extremely high levels of ozone, with 60% of Asian citizens and 50% of global inhabitants experiencing poor air quality due to ozone concentrations.
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