Monthly Archives

Dust storms are becoming increasingly common in the European region, confirming scientists’ alarming predictions of an increase in extreme weather events. Recent studies show a steady trend of increasing frequency and severity of these storms, raising serious concerns about the continent’s future climate. Scientists have expressed concern that more frequent and intense dust storms could have serious consequences for the region’s environment, health and economy, making predictions of tougher times for Europe increasingly likely.

Environmental alarm: scientists have discovered an increase in sandstorms in different parts of the globe

Sand and dust storms are becoming “increasingly common and severe” in parts of the globe, according to the United Nations. They especially affect the desert and steppe regions of our planet. In the American Great Plains, for example, the number of such storms has doubled over the past two decades. It is also worth noting that in just two months of 2022, ten sand storms were recorded in Iraq.

As the number of storms increases across the planet, scientists are racing to investigate and explain the trend. The main influencing factors are considered to be large-scale deforestation, overgrazing, soil erosion and climate change.

Professor David Thomas, from Oxford University’s Center for the Environment, notes that any human activity on the edges of deserts that reduces water bodies or removes natural vegetation increases the risk of dust storms. He cited examples of negative consequences such as the drying up of the Aral Sea and the draining of the Iraqi swamps as vivid illustrations of this.

Many sandstorms in desert areas are of natural origin. One scientist notes that parts of the Sahara are a natural source of dust in the atmosphere that is not due to human activity. For example, dry lake beds left behind by past wet climates act as natural sources of dust around the world.

The United Nations recommends land restoration and effective soil and water management to increase soil fertility and vegetation cover, among other ways to combat natural disasters. Despite the surprise of this fact, China is a leader in this field, implementing the world’s largest tree planting project.

Since 1978, when the Great Green Wall project began, more than 66 billion trees have been planted, with plans to reach 100 billion by 2050. The project aims to protect northeastern China from dust storms emanating from the Gobi Desert, offering hope for a more sustainable future for the region.

Sandstorms and health: serious risks for people

Sandstorms can have serious impacts on human health due to various factors:

Respiratory system. Dust and sand thrown into the air during storms can enter the human respiratory tract. It can irritate the lining of the nose, throat and lungs, and may worsen existing breathing problems such as asthma or bronchitis.

Diseases of the respiratory system. Long-term exposure to dust and fine sand can lead to the development of various respiratory diseases, including pneumonia, bronchial infections and even pneumoconiosis (a disease caused by inhalation of mineral dusts).

Eye diseases. Sand and dust in the air can cause irritation and inflammation of the eye mucosa, which can lead to conjunctivitis, allergic reactions and other eye diseases.

Skin health. Contact with sand and dust can also have a negative impact on the skin, causing dryness, irritation, allergic reactions and even sunburn due to the reduction of the protective layer of the atmosphere during storms.

Mental Health. Sandstorms can cause stress and anxiety in people due to the threat they pose to health and safety, especially if they occur too frequently or with high intensity.

In general, sandstorms pose a serious threat to human health, especially for those living in regions prone to such natural phenomena.

Recent studies indicate that air quality across Europe has seen a noticeable improvement over the last twenty years. However, despite these improvements, a considerable segment of the European populace lives in areas where pollution levels exceed the limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Conducted by researchers at the Institute for Global Health in Barcelona (ISGlobal), a recent study delved into the daily pollution levels across more than 1,400 areas spanning 35 European nations, collectively hosting approximately 543 million individuals. The investigation, spanning from 2003 to 2019, unveiled a decline in the the total levels of suspended particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) as well as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) throughout the majority of European regions throughout the past twenty years.

Air quality in Europe has experienced notable improvements, particularly regarding the levels of pollution from pollution caused by coarse particulate matter (PM10) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), where the largest declines have been observed.

Air pollution still above WHO standards

According to the researchers’ report, despite advancements in air quality, numerous citizens still experience the negative effects of air pollution that exceed the recommended standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).

According to the study, 98% of Europeans continue to live in areas with unfavorable levels of PM2.5. Each year, over tiny particles in the air closely associated with cardiovascular disease , strokes, and diabetes, is linked to approximately 250,000 premature deaths in the European Union each year.

Although the number of deaths caused by PM2.5 fell by 41% from 2005 to 2021, the European Environment Agency encourages member states to continue efforts to further reduce pollution. About 80% of Europeans reside in regions with elevated levels of PM10, and approximately 86% experience high levels of NO2.

Ozone concentrations in southern Europe increased by 0.58%, in other regions of the continent they either remained the same or even decreased. Researcher Zhao-Yue Chen from ISGlobal notes that targeted action is required to address PM2.5 and ozone, especially in light of the increasing risks posed by climate change in Europe.

Study reveals: where are the most polluted areas in Europe?

Air pollution levels have indeed seen a decrease over the past two decades, certain hotspots persist across the continent. The most significant concentrations of particulate matter pollution (PM2.5 and PM10) are notably found in Northern Italy and Eastern Europe. Moreover, Northern Italy and specific regions of Western Europe, such as southern UK, Belgium, and the Netherlands, continue to experience elevated levels of pollution exhibit elevated levels of NO2

The largest decreases in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were recorded in central Europe, while NO2 decreased predominantly in metropolitan regions in Western Europe.

A vicious circle: the correlation between climate change and air pollution

Researchers suggest a delicate balance exists between climate change and atmospheric pollution. Elevated temperatures and strong solar radiation play a role in generating ozone through chemical processes. The rise in ozone levels subsequently speeds up the creation of fresh PM2.5 particles. Climate change also heightens the likelihood of wildfires, which further elevate PM2.5 and ozone levels in the air.

“This intricate interaction establishes a hazardous loop, emphasizing the critical importance of addressing the dual challenges posed by climate change and air pollution.  concurrently,” remarked Joanne Ballester Claramunt, a research fellow at ISGlobal and the primary author of the study.