Latest News Roundup

This month we were told by the World Health Organization that cancer cases will rise by 77% by 2050, mostly because of fine particle pollution worsened by diesel exhaust.

More stats have emerged about the impact of lockdown. A study found that asthma cases unsurprisingly plunged in lockdown - thanks to no travel.

A new Commons Library briefing was released, including all the evolving legal frameworks for air pollution.

Wood burning stoves were still in the news, for smoke cancelling out progress in exhaust reductions.

Children in Bangkok are suffering from air pollution and so are people in London, where air pollution caused by aviation is the worst in the world.

We also discovered that pollutants like ozone and nitrate radicals react with flower scents, making them less detectable to insects. This could have negative consequences for both the insects and the plants they pollinate.

Key takeaway points this month:

• WHO predicts 77% increase in cancer cases
• Asthma cases plunged during lockdown
• Commons Library briefing updates evolving air pollution legislation
• Smoke from woodburning stoves cancels out progress in air pollution
• Children in Bangkok breathe polluted air 7 out of 10 days
• London worst place in the world for air pollution caused by aviation
• Air pollution is confusing insects by changing the way pollen smells

Read the full articles:

Asthma and lockdown:

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/09/asthma-emergency-admissions-plunged-as-lockdown-improved-air-oxford-study-finds

WHO cancer predictions:

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/02/02/health/who-cancer-estimates/index.html

Pollen and insects:

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2416200-air-pollution-is-changing-the-scent-of-flowers-and-confusing-insects/

Commons library briefing:

https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9600/

Wood burners and air pollution:

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/14/wood-burning-stoves-cancel-out-fall-particulate-pollution-uk-roads

Children in Bangkok:

https://www.savethechildren.net/news/bangkoks-children-exposed-toxic-air-seven-out-ten-days-2023-save-children

London air pollution and aviation:

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/study-london-world-worst-city-fair-pollution-aviation-heathrow-b1141885.html