Cooling towers, fake snow: What the Beijing Winter Olympics says about climate change
The spectacle of fake snow and an old steel mill’s cooling towers has sparked climate debate among Olympics-watchers
Air Pollution
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Coronavirus: China’s economic slowdown curbs deadly air pollution
Premature deaths from air pollution in China could fall by 50,000-100,000 if economic downturn lasts a year, study estimates
Pollution clampdown on Delhi kilns threatens brick workers’ future
Emissions controls are causing brick kilns to close, raising fears that migrant labourers – who lack social safety nets – will struggle to earn a living
China-backed coal plants on EU’s doorstep hide huge carbon costs
Feasibility studies for two major coal power projects in Bosnia and Serbia – backed by Chinese banks – downplay the costs of emissions and ignore air and water pollution
No legal action taken against Delhi’s polluters since 2014
Despite desperately toxic air and powerful anti-pollution legislation, not a single case has been taken up against polluters in India’s capital
No heating at -6C: Poor bear brunt of Beijing’s air cleanup
Urban demands for cleaner air have left residents of surrounding towns without heating and cooking as coal systems are ripped out and gas supply falters
US exports of tar sands waste are fuelling Delhi’s air pollution crisis
India has emerged as the world’s largest importer of petroleum coke, an oil byproduct that is now a major cause of pollution in the capital
China’s plan to cut shipping emissions
With pollution from shipping killing 18,000 Chinese every year, the government is cracking down on the use of dangerous fuels in port
The frontline of the dirty air crisis, where no-one keeps a record
Beside Nairobi’s notorious Kariokor roundabout, Climate Home finds an unmonitored health catastrophe
Lessons from London’s 1952 fog could save millions today
Air pollution is one of the world’s biggest killers. Peter Thorsheim looks back at the resistance, disinformation and solutions that emerged from the London fog
Air pollution linked to 2.7 million premature births a year
Policymakers should tackle particulates at source to prevent infant deaths and lifelong disabilities, say researchers
Mayors signal desire to fight climate change at city level
As fears mount over future of US climate policy global coalition of cities announces new leadership and plans to clean up energy and transport emissions
West Balkans coal pollution bill running into billions
NEWS: Heavy pollution from coal-fired power stations results in Serbia losing a third of its national wealth annually because of premature deaths caused by poor air quality
Europe’s capitals say diesel cars threaten health of residents
NEWS: Leaders in Paris, Athens, Madrid, Amsterdam, Vienna and Lisbon among those to protest at Brussels’ inability to deliver tougher air pollution laws
China’s Five Year Plan to radically tighten air pollution targets
NEWS: China’s draft economic plan for the next five years contains new targets that will need to be met if the country is to solve its environmental crises
India air pollution is now worse than China
NEWS: Greenpeace analysis of NASA satellite pictures reveals levels of airborne particles are soaring as a result of increase burning of coal, oil and waste
Smoggy Hebei offers hope China can win war on air pollution
ANALYSIS: Air pollution levels in Hebei have fallen 28.7% between 2013 and 2015, making it one of China’s four fastest improving provinces – but problems persist
WHO calls for clean energy to tackle air pollution
NEWS: UN health body adopts “landmark resolution” to tackle toxic particles from sources like coal plants and diesel engines
UK government ordered to cut air pollution
NEWS: Supreme court tells ministers to take “immediate action” to meet safe limits of nitrogen dioxide 25 years after original deadline
European air pollution has deadly trillion-dollar price tag – WHO
NEWS: Related deaths and diseases cost European economies $1.6 trillion a year, World Health Organization finds, calling on leaders to enact curbs
UK government in lawsuit over lax air standards
NEWS: Environmental lawyers ClientEarth take four-year legal battle to country’s top justices in ‘landmark’ case
Tougher climate pledges ‘could save millions of lives’
NEWS: Goals to clean up energy production and transport will also cut air pollution and save countries billions in fossil fuel imports, say scientists
World Bank signs up to 100 million clean cookstove drive
NEWS: Development bank hands over $60 million in push to end indoor harmful air pollution affecting millions
‘Reverse graffiti’ highlights traffic pollution in cities
BLOG: Graffiti artist creates mural from London pollution to highlight need for cleaner transport