A team of scientists from the University of Leeds, University of Edinburgh, North Carolina State University, and the UK Met Office has visually illustrated global air quality trends through the “Air Quality Stripes.” These images reveal significant disparities in air quality improvements and deterioration worldwide.
While Europe has seen substantial reductions in particulate matter, particularly in Western cities like London and Berlin, alarming increases have been observed in parts of Africa and Central Asia, such as Nairobi and Delhi— This contrast highlights both progress and ongoing challenges in combating air pollution globally.
An Air Quality stripes graphics (Image:University of Leeds).
The “Air Quality Stripes” use a color-coded system to represent changes in particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations, with blue indicating cleaner air and black representing extremely high pollution levels. The project emphasizes the dangers of PM2.5, a pollutant linked to severe health issues, including respiratory problems, heart disease, and an increased risk of various diseases.
Notably, 99% of the world’s population currently lives in areas with PM2.5 levels exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 5 micrograms per cubic meter.
The images aim to make complex data on air pollution more accessible and understandable to the public; By showcasing the varying trends in air quality across different regions, the researchers hope to raise awareness and encourage further action to reduce air pollution.
The initiative follows in the footsteps of the Climate Warming Stripes, created by Professor Ed Hawkins, and contributes to a growing body of visual tools designed to communicate environmental changes effectively.
The project was supported by EPCC and CEMAC, with funding from the Software Sustainability Institute, and is part of a broader effort to support global air quality improvement initiatives.
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