The Air Quality Stripes project, a collaboration between the University of Leeds, the University of Edinburgh, North Carolina State University, and the UK Met Office, has provided a visual representation of global air pollution concentrations. The project, inspired by the widely recognized climate warming stripes image, highlights the changes in particulate matter pollution levels over the decades. The images demonstrate both the successes and ongoing challenges in addressing air pollution worldwide, emphasizing the significant impact of poor air quality on human health.
Using data from computer simulations and satellite observations, the researchers mapped out the changing trends in outdoor concentrations of particulate matter air pollution. The color palette for the stripes was developed by analyzing over 200 online images of air pollution to identify the dominant color palettes. The lightest blue stripes represent World Health Organization Air Quality Guidelines introduced in 2021, while all other colors exceed these guidelines. The stripes show the stark contrast in air quality trends around the world, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to reduce people’s exposure to poor air quality.
Key findings from the project include substantial reductions in particulate matter levels across most of Europe, attributed to stricter air quality regulations and technological advancements. However, the visualizations also reveal a concerning rise in particulate matter pollution in many cities in central Asia and Africa, driven by rapid urbanization, industrial growth, and limited regulatory frameworks. The disparities in air quality progress between different regions underscore the need for targeted international efforts to address the growing air pollution crisis.
Particulate matter, specifically PM2.5, poses significant health risks as these tiny particles can penetrate deep into our lungs and bloodstream. They can come from natural sources such as volcanoes and deserts, as well as human activities like industry, transportation, agriculture, and domestic burning. PM2.5 has been linked to a wide range of health issues, including asthma, reduced lung health, cancer, heart disease, and other diseases. The World Health Organization recommends an annual average concentration of PM2.5 not exceeding 5 micrograms per cubic meter for good air quality.
The Air Quality Stripes aim to simplify complex data generated by computer models into a visual format that is easy to understand for non-experts. The color scheme, ranging from blue to black to represent clean air to high pollution levels, was developed with input from experts and external validation. The images serve as a reminder of the possibility to reduce air pollution, as seen in many European cities where air quality has significantly improved over the years. The hope is that similar improvements can be achieved globally to enhance public health.
The Air Quality Stripes project follows the success of the Climate Warming Stripes created by Professor Ed Hawkins, which visually represents the Earth’s warming climate. The project has inspired other initiatives such as the Biodiversity Stripes and Ocean Acidification Stripes to raise awareness about pressing environmental issues. Through simple yet impactful visualizations, these projects aim to engage the public and policymakers in addressing global challenges related to climate change and air pollution.
