Heatwaves Leading To Ozone Pollution, Says WMO Report

Relevance: GS1 - Important geophysical phenomena; GS3 - Environment and Climate Change

(Source: Down to Earth; 09/07/2023)

Click here for Daily Current Affairs

Why in the news?

• Recently, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released a report titled 2023 WMO Air Quality and Climate Bulletin.
• The report highlights that the heightened occurrence and severity of heatwaves, exacerbated by wildfires and desert dust, are significantly affecting air quality, human well-being, and the natural world due to climate change.

How is heatwave leading to ozone pollution?

• Heatwaves are linked to an increased risk of wildfires, which release various pollutants, including ozone and particulate matter (PM), into the atmosphere.
• Wildfires generate short-lived reactive gases like nitrogen oxides and biogenic volatile organic compounds, which play a role in the formation of ozone and PM.
• During heat waves, there is often a lack of air movement or stagnant air masses. This stagnant air traps pollutants closer to the surface, preventing them from dispersing into the atmosphere.
• As a result, ozone and other pollutants can accumulate leading to poor air quality.
• Ozone pollution is harmful to human health, particularly during heat waves when people are more vulnerable to respiratory problems and heat illness.

Key highlights of the report

• Heatwaves and wildfires are closely intertwined phenomena. Wildfire smoke contains a mixture of harmful chemicals that negatively impact air quality, human health, ecosystems, and crops. The report highlights two major incidents in 2022:
  • Wildfires in Northwestern United States: Heatwaves triggered wildfires in this region, leading to dangerous air quality conditions.
  • Desert dust intrusions across Europe: Heatwaves in Europe were accompanied by desert dust intrusions, further worsening air quality.
• Growing intensity of heat waves: Climate change is causing an increase in the frequency and intensity of heat waves, a trend expected to persist in the future.
• Ozone and particulate matter production: The presence of short-lived reactive gases like nitrogen oxides and biogenic volatile organic compounds in wildfire smoke contributes to the production of ozone and particulate matter (PM).
  • In 2022, Europe experienced its hottest recorded temperatures, resulting in a prolonged heatwave.
  • This extreme weather event led to elevated levels of both particulate matter (PM) and ground-level ozone in the region.
• Impact on human health and well-being: Heatwaves worsen air quality, with knock-on effects on human health, ecosystems, agriculture and indeed our daily lives.
  • The increase in ozone levels impacted agriculture globally, with ozone-induced crop losses averaging 4.4% –12.4% for staples.
  • Losses for wheat and soybean were as high as 15% - 30% in key agricultural areas of India and China.
• The report highlighted Brazilian case studies demonstrating that urban parks and tree-filled areas can enhance air quality, absorb carbon dioxide, and reduce temperatures, ultimately providing advantages for the people living in these areas.

(*Click this link to read prelims specific weekly current affairs articles)

FAQs

MCQs

Question: Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2017)

1. Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to Reduce Short Lived Climate Pollutants is a unique initiative of the G20 group of countries.
2. The CCAC focuses on methane, black carbon and hydrofluorocarbons.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2