Half of world’s population exposed to dangerous levels of ozone in 2026
6 hours ago
- About half the global population has been exposed to dangerous ground-level ozone this year, according to a new report.
- Ground-level ozone is a toxic pollutant and main ingredient in smog, causing lung damage and harming crops, unlike protective stratospheric ozone.
- Ozone forms when pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides from fossil fuels or wildfires react with sunlight and heat.
- Climate change amplified summer heat waves, contributing to 51% of people worldwide facing 'very poor' or 'extremely poor' ozone levels in the past six months.
- 34% of people were exposed to 'extremely poor' ozone concentrations, while only 5% experienced 'good' conditions, per WHO guidelines.
- Asia had the highest ground-level ozone levels, with 75% of people exposed to at least very poor concentrations, followed by North America and Europe.
- Ozone and its precursor pollutants cross international borders, making pollution control more difficult.
- CAMS director Laurence Rouil emphasized that ozone pollution shows the deep connection between atmosphere, climate, health, ecosystems, and food production.