The US and Canada faced a significant spike in air pollution in 2023, attributed mainly to Canada’s severe wildfire season, according to recent reports.
Canada has seen its highest levels of particulate matter (PM 2.5) in over 26 years, with over half of the population exposed to pollutant levels exceeding safe guidelines.
As part of the University of Chicago’s annual Air Quality Life Index update, researchers noted that if these pollution levels persist, average life expectancy could drop by more than two years compared to air quality that aligns with World Health Organization standards.
“Burning fossil fuels rapidly leads to air pollution,” stated Michael Greenstone, an economics professor at the University of Chicago and co-creator of the Index.
“Furthermore, the resulting higher temperatures will likely cause more wildfires, creating a cycle of worsening air quality,” he added.
In the US, Greenstone’s team found that pollution levels from the fires reached a peak not witnessed in over ten years. On average, there was a 20% increase in particulate contamination compared to the previous year.
The effects of Canadian wildfires spread to multiple states, including Wisconsin, Illinois, and even some distant places like India and Ohio, eventually affecting Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, and Mississippi. The report highlighted a shift in pollution hotspots, with California no longer holding the top position.
“We are currently experiencing air pollution concentrations that reflect the ongoing impact of fossil fuel consumption since the Industrial Revolution,” Greenstone remarked.
Globally, the index noted a slight rise in air pollution for 2023. If the world could consistently lower particulate levels to meet health guidelines, individuals might expect an increase in life expectancy by roughly 1.9 years.
“Even nations that have dedicated years to improving air quality aren’t immune to these lingering effects,” Greenstone pointed out.
Labeling particulate contamination as “the largest external threat to human health,” researchers claimed its impact on life expectancy far surpasses that of smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, transportation injuries, and even HIV/AIDS.
Nonetheless, there’s a glimmer of hope—greater awareness regarding air quality can be achieved through increasingly available data. Yet, nearly 70% of the global population lives in areas lacking access to vital air quality information.
Tanushree Ganguly, the director of the Air Quality Life Index, emphasized how air pollution significantly contributes to shorter lifespans globally. She underlined the necessity of leveraging better data for informed policymaking regarding air contaminants.
“Historically, nations have evolved by enhancing their air quality,” Ganguly noted. “Addressing fossil fuel sources will not only improve local air conditions but also tackle climate change.”
