Air Quality

The National Meteorological Service anticipates three to five heat waves in central Mexico from March to May 2026, with temperatures up to 4 degrees Celsius above average. The Megalopolis Environmental Commission estimates this could trigger up to 15 days of ozone contingency, imposing stricter vehicle restrictions in Mexico City and the State of Mexico.

March 11, 2026 Ti AI ṣe iroyin

For the second time this year, a strong sulphur smell has affected Johannesburg, leading to health complaints from residents. The City of Johannesburg detected elevated levels of hydrogen sulphide and sulphur dioxide, likely originating from industrial activities in Mpumalanga's Highveld area. Questions persist about monitoring and enforcement against major polluters.

Researchers have discovered far higher levels of microplastics and nanoplastics in city air than previously estimated, highlighting the atmosphere as a key pathway for plastic pollution. Using a new automated technique, scientists in China measured these tiny particles in Guangzhou and Xi'an, revealing concentrations two to six orders of magnitude above earlier reports. Road dust and rainfall significantly influence how these plastics move through the air.

January 12, 2026 Ti AI ṣe iroyin

In neighbouring Hebei province, rural residents say they cannot afford to heat their homes enough after switching from coal. Daytime temperatures in northern China often stay below freezing this winter, leaving many rural villagers with little choice but to endure the cold.

Delhi’s air quality worsened to an AQI of 353—classified as 'very poor'—on December 27, exacerbated by dense fog trapping pollutants, according to the Central Pollution Control Board.

December 26, 2025 Ti AI ṣe iroyin

Following the activation of Phase I on December 25 due to Christmas fireworks and bonfires, Mexico State suspended the Atmospheric Environmental Contingency on December 26, 2025, as PM2.5 levels improved to acceptable ranges. The Alert Phase persists in Valle de Toluca and Santiago Tianguistenco due to ongoing pollutants, with normal Hoy No Circula rules in effect—no double restrictions.