Analysis by climate change service: 40 percent of people are exposed to extreme ozone values
A new analysis shows that heatwaves, fires, and Saharan dust massively worsened the global air quality in 2026. Almost 40 percent of the world's population is affected by extreme ozone levels.
The global air quality was severely impacted in 2026 due to extreme heat, devastating wildfires, and desert dust storms. According to the EU's Copernicus program, around 40% of the world's population was exposed to extremely high concentrations of ground-level ozone. The air quality was particularly poor in cities like Milan, Delhi, Cairo, and Mexico City, with 60% of Asia's population experiencing extreme ozone levels at some point.
The report also noted a 40% increase in the burden of wildfire smoke on humans over the past two decades, with severe wildfires occurring in France, Spain, and Belgium. The global health impacts of air pollution are significant, with over four million premature deaths annually and 99% of the world's population living in areas where air quality guidelines are exceeded.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
