HEAT WAVES AND WILDFIRES FURTHER THREATEN AIR QUALITY

GENEVA, SEPTEMBER 7 /SRNA/ - Heatwaves and wildfires are further hampering efforts to improve air quality, the World Meteorological Organization /WMO/ said in a report.

According to data cited in the report, the number of wildfires worldwide has tripled since the 1990s.

The report stressed that rising temperatures not only contribute to major fires whose toxic smoke contains highly harmful particles, but also promote the formation of ozone in the lowest layer of the atmosphere. This gas has harmful effects on the respiratory system, agriculture, and ecosystems.

"Over the past few years, stricter regulations in Europe and North America have reduced harmful emissions from industry and transport, but pollution from wildfires has increased at the same time," the report noted.

The WMO published the report on climate and air quality to mark the International Day of Clean Air, German news agency DPA reported.