Nature | From 2005 to 2019, over 13,000 urban areas worldwide experienced a 6% rise in ozone and slight changes in other pollutants, with over half of cities showing linked trends in air pollution and CO₂ emissions. The study reveals that high-income nations with strong environmental policies saw declines across pollutants, while rapidly developing regions saw increases, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities for integrated air quality and climate action.

Milken Institute School of Public Health – The George Washington University | A global study of 13,189 cities from 2005 to 2019 found that air pollution and CO₂ emissions are tightly linked in over half of urban areas, with disparities reflecting differences in policy and development. While many high-income cities have reduced pollutants through strong environmental regulations, urban centers in rapidly growing regions like South Asia and Africa are seeing rising pollution and emissions levels.

Pulmonology Advisor | A retrospective study of over 2,700 patients in China and Belgium found that long-term exposure to air pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, SO₂, and NO₂ was significantly associated with a lower risk of type 2 chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), while allergen sensitization was linked to increased risk. Despite declining pollution levels, the prevalence of type 2 CRSwNP rose over time, emphasizing the complex interplay between environmental and immunological factors in disease pathogenesis.

Clinical Trials Arena | Diagnosed cases of Parkinson’s disease in the U.S. are projected to rise from 1.03 million in 2025 to over 1.23 million by 2033, according to GlobalData. A recent study in JAMA Network Open found that while genetic factors pose the strongest risk, exposure to traffic-related air pollution also increases the likelihood of Parkinson’s onset—especially when combined with genetic predisposition.

California Air Resources Board – CA.gov | The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has awarded a record $20.9 million to 51 projects through its Community Air Grants program, supporting local efforts to monitor and reduce air pollution in some of the state’s most impacted areas. Funded by cap-and-trade dollars, the grants empower 43 community organizations and four Tribes to implement air monitoring, education, and justice initiatives that align with CARB’s goals for environmental equity and public health.

ScienceDirect.com | This special issue explores the roles of atmospheric aerosols in both urban and rural settings, focusing on their optical, physical, and chemical properties and their impacts on air quality and climate change—especially in sensitive and high-emission regions. It emphasizes the importance of understanding aerosol sources, aerosol-radiation-cloud interactions, and the transport of toxic elements to inform sustainable development and climate policy.

NRDC | Community advocates in Albuquerque successfully pushed for the Health, Environment, and Equity Impacts (HEEI) Rule, requiring air permit applicants to account for the cumulative impact of pollution on already overburdened neighborhoods. Now under industry challenge, the rule is being defended as a vital tool for environmental justice, recognizing that pollution’s effects are worsened by social and economic vulnerability.

Nature | A study of over 1.3 million births in North Carolina found that both average levels and repeated exceedances of ozone (O₃) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) during pregnancy were associated with varying risks of preterm birth. The research highlights how using different air pollution metrics—average vs. threshold exceedances—can reveal distinct risk patterns, offering insights relevant to future air quality standards and maternal health policy.

EquiManagement | A new study analyzing over 31,000 Thoroughbred races in California found that even low levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5)—below current U.S. air quality standards—negatively impacted racehorse speed. The findings suggest current air quality guidelines may not sufficiently protect equine athletes, prompting calls for more cautious training and racing practices during pollution events.

Nature | From 2005 to 2019, over 13,000 urban areas worldwide experienced a 6% rise in ozone and slight changes in other pollutants, with over half of cities showing linked trends in air pollution and CO₂ emissions. The study reveals that high-income nations with strong environmental policies saw declines across pollutants, while rapidly developing regions saw increases, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities for integrated air quality and climate action.

Milken Institute School of Public Health – The George Washington University | A global study of 13,189 cities from 2005 to 2019 found that air pollution and CO₂ emissions are tightly linked in over half of urban areas, with disparities reflecting differences in policy and development. While many high-income cities have reduced pollutants through strong environmental regulations, urban centers in rapidly growing regions like South Asia and Africa are seeing rising pollution and emissions levels.

Pulmonology Advisor | A retrospective study of over 2,700 patients in China and Belgium found that long-term exposure to air pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, SO₂, and NO₂ was significantly associated with a lower risk of type 2 chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), while allergen sensitization was linked to increased risk. Despite declining pollution levels, the prevalence of type 2 CRSwNP rose over time, emphasizing the complex interplay between environmental and immunological factors in disease pathogenesis.

Clinical Trials Arena | Diagnosed cases of Parkinson’s disease in the U.S. are projected to rise from 1.03 million in 2025 to over 1.23 million by 2033, according to GlobalData. A recent study in JAMA Network Open found that while genetic factors pose the strongest risk, exposure to traffic-related air pollution also increases the likelihood of Parkinson’s onset—especially when combined with genetic predisposition.

California Air Resources Board – CA.gov | The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has awarded a record $20.9 million to 51 projects through its Community Air Grants program, supporting local efforts to monitor and reduce air pollution in some of the state’s most impacted areas. Funded by cap-and-trade dollars, the grants empower 43 community organizations and four Tribes to implement air monitoring, education, and justice initiatives that align with CARB’s goals for environmental equity and public health.

ScienceDirect.com | This special issue explores the roles of atmospheric aerosols in both urban and rural settings, focusing on their optical, physical, and chemical properties and their impacts on air quality and climate change—especially in sensitive and high-emission regions. It emphasizes the importance of understanding aerosol sources, aerosol-radiation-cloud interactions, and the transport of toxic elements to inform sustainable development and climate policy.

NRDC | Community advocates in Albuquerque successfully pushed for the Health, Environment, and Equity Impacts (HEEI) Rule, requiring air permit applicants to account for the cumulative impact of pollution on already overburdened neighborhoods. Now under industry challenge, the rule is being defended as a vital tool for environmental justice, recognizing that pollution’s effects are worsened by social and economic vulnerability.

Nature | A study of over 1.3 million births in North Carolina found that both average levels and repeated exceedances of ozone (O₃) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) during pregnancy were associated with varying risks of preterm birth. The research highlights how using different air pollution metrics—average vs. threshold exceedances—can reveal distinct risk patterns, offering insights relevant to future air quality standards and maternal health policy.

EquiManagement | A new study analyzing over 31,000 Thoroughbred races in California found that even low levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5)—below current U.S. air quality standards—negatively impacted racehorse speed. The findings suggest current air quality guidelines may not sufficiently protect equine athletes, prompting calls for more cautious training and racing practices during pollution events.