Scientists from multiple institutions, including the International, European, Asian, and American, have vividly depicted global air quality trends through the “Air Quality Stripes” visualisation.
While notable disparities exist between Western cities such as London and Berlin, the stark contrast underscores both the significant strides made and persistent hurdles encountered in the global effort to combat air pollution.
Air-quality stripes graphics: College of Leeds.
Utilizing a colour-coded methodology, the “Air Quality Stripes” visually represent fluctuations in particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations, with blue signifying clean air and black denoting exceptionally high levels of air pollution. The venture highlights the alarming risks associated with PM2.5, a hazardous air pollutant that has been conclusively linked to severe health consequences, including respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, and increased susceptibility to various illnesses.
Notably, nearly all of the world’s population – approximately 99% – resides in regions where PM2.5 concentrations exceed recommended levels.
Researchers aim to demystify complex air pollution data by visualizing trends in air quality across diverse regions, with the ultimate goal of heightening public awareness and prompting collective action to mitigate this pressing environmental issue?
This innovative initiative builds upon the pioneering work of Professor Ed Hawkins, further expanding our repertoire of effective tools for communicating environmentally relevant changes.
The venture received backing from and , with financial support from the Software Sustainability Institute, as part of a larger endeavour to facilitate global air quality improvement projects.
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