These colourful diagrams show how air quality has changed in over 100 countries around the world since 1850

Scientists have designed a powerful visual tool to make the invisible threat of air pollution more visible.

Sam Illingworth, Professor of Creative Pedagogies, Edinburgh Napier University • conversation
Aug. 23, 2024 ~7 min

Wildfire smoke is back – fires burning across Canada are already triggering US air quality alerts in the Midwest and Plains

States could be in for another summer of unhealthy wildfire smoke as ‘zombie fires’ resurface in western Canada and more blazes break out in the dry conditions.

Peter S. Thorne, University of Iowa Distinguished Chair, Professor of Environmental Health, University of Iowa • conversation
May 14, 2024 ~8 min


New EPA regulations target air, water, land and climate pollution from power plants, especially those that burn coal

Lawsuits are inevitable, but an environmental lawyer explains why the EPA’s new power plant regulations are on solid ground.

Patrick Parenteau, Professor of Law Emeritus, Vermont Law & Graduate School • conversation
May 1, 2024 ~11 min

Large retailers don’t have smokestacks, but they generate a lot of pollution − and states are starting to regulate it

For decades, big-box retailers have evaded federal regulation of the pollution their operations generate. But a new air emission rule in Southern California could become a model for state controls.

Johnathan Williams, Assistant Professor of History, University of Northern Iowa • conversation
April 25, 2024 ~11 min

Chemical pollutants can change your skin bacteria and increase your eczema risk − new research explores how

From synthetic fabrics to car exhaust to wildfires, exposure to environmental pollutants push the skin microbiome to adapt in ways that reduce its ability to protect the skin.

Ian Myles, Chief, Epithelial Therapeutics Unit, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases • conversation
April 22, 2024 ~9 min

Students riding newer buses do better in school

Kids who ride newer, cleaner-air buses to school have better academic performance, according to new research.

Kim North Shine-U. Michigan • futurity
March 22, 2024 ~8 min

EPA’s new auto emissions standard will speed the transition to cleaner cars, while also addressing consumer and industry concerns

The new rule isn’t a mandate for electric vehicles, but it will sharply increase their market share over the coming decade.

Alan Jenn, Associate Professional Researcher in Transportation, University of California, Davis • conversation
March 22, 2024 ~8 min

EPA has tightened its target for deadly particle pollution − states need more tools to reach it

Reducing particle pollution can save thousands of lives, but states need more data to inform better controls. An atmospheric scientist explains what data and actions are needed.

Daniel Cohan, Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University • conversation
Feb. 22, 2024 ~9 min


Heart attacks, cancer, dementia, premature deaths: 4 essential reads on the health effects driving EPA’s new fine particle air pollution standard

On Feb. 7, 2024, the EPA strengthened the federal limit for annual levels of fine particulate air pollution, or PM2.5. Many serious health effects have been linked to PM2.5 exposure.

Jennifer Weeks, Senior Environment + Cities Editor, The Conversation • conversation
Feb. 8, 2024 ~8 min

Biden’s ‘hard look’ at liquefied natural gas exports raises a critical question: How does natural gas fit with US climate goals?

The US, a minor liquefied natural gas supplier a decade ago, now is the world’s top source. That’s good for energy security, but bad for Earth’s climate. An energy scholar explains the trade-offs.

Emily Grubert, Associate Professor of Sustainable Energy Policy, University of Notre Dame • conversation
Feb. 7, 2024 ~8 min

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