Global Scans · Pollution · Weekly Summary

• [New] Studies in France, the US and China found that reducing air pollution could quickly reduce the number of people who got dementia. The Guardian
• [New] Energy supply remains a concern, while northern Vietnam - and especially Hanoi - currently faces a severe air pollution crisis that will require sustained action to address. UK Investor Magazine
• [New] Global industrialization and urbanization have been linked to an increase in environmental pollution which has become a major threat to public health, resulting in around 9 million deaths annually, representing one in six global deaths. BioMed Central
• [New] Agencies will have 30 days to compile a list of offending regulatory actions, which are sure to include federal rules that would reduce pollution from new cars and heavy-duty trucks sold through 2032 and to undermine California's clean car standards which are effective through 2035. The Equation
• [New] The American Lung Association supports the transition to EVs not just for their environmental benefits but for their significant potential to improve human health by reducing air pollution and its associated health risks. EVinfo.net
• [New] With India pushing for greener energy solutions, electric air taxis could be the future of urban travel - especially in cities that are already struggling with air pollution and gridlock. The Entrepreneur Story
• [New] Colorado air pollution regulators spend a lot of time thinking about greenhouse gases that create a smog across the Front Range and contribute to global warming, But this week, they will focus on five toxic chemicals that make people sick. The Denver Post
• Unrestrained LNG exports risk driving up domestic gas prices, exacerbating pollution and climate change, and endangering American health and security. American Security Project
• Air pollution, especially particulate matter, is one of the most common risk factors for global burden of disease. BioMed Central
• Air pollution causes cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and is the main environmental health risk in Europe, while the noise pollution from traffic can lead to hearing loss, tinnitus, sleep loss and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Reasons to be Cheerful
• The United States is now in a strong position to cut climate pollution over 50% by 2030 and over 60% by 2035 compared to 2005 levels, and to achieve a net-zero economy by 2050. The White House
• In 2025, the climate change and global health agendas will continue to move closer together in important ways, including in the areas of extreme heat and air pollution and as part of government efforts to develop new climate plans in 2025. Think Global Health
• Hyundai sees the potential in converting non-recyclable plastics, offering a dual benefit of addressing plastic pollution while supporting clean fuel production. Hydrogen Fuel News
• Big oil companies like ExxonMobil and Chevron and their subsidiaries will be singled out for pollution in the Permian Basin in West Texas and the Bakken oil field in North Dakota. Whatsnew2day
• Well before the event in November, 2025 will see plenty of opportunities to make important progress on several climate-related issues, from the staggering levels of plastic pollution to financing the shift to a cleaner global economy. UN News
• The promise of longer range with shorter charging times, as well as less susceptibility to extreme temperatures, could convince people to make their next vehicle an EV, reducing planet-warming pollution that contributes to extreme weather that threatens lives and the global food supply. The Cool Down
• 14 cities are officially part of the Breathe Cities initiative, which aims to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases in participating cities by 30% by 2030. Clean Air Fund
• Within the next five years, AI-driven data centers could produce enough air pollution to surpass the emissions of all cars in California. Truthout
• In 2025, air pollution will continue to be a year-round concern, especially in countries like India where the Air Quality Index often exceeds WHO standards. News18
• The United States, the largest historic contributor of greenhouse gas to the atmosphere, is poised to abandon the goal that the Biden administration set to cut its climate pollution in half from 2005 levels by 2030. Inside Climate News
• The U.S. space agency is highly aware of the risks of space pollution, but it is not the only one: The European Space Agency will follow a 'Zero Debris approach' to significantly limit the production of debris in Earth and Lunar orbits by 2030 for all future missions and activities. Yahoo News
• Plastic pollution is a serious worldwide threat, jeopardizing human health and livelihoods and causing severe - and often fatal - consequences for wildlife. The Pew Charitable Trusts

Last updated: 27 January 2025