Heatwaves and wildfires drive global ozone pollution
A Copernicus Climate Atmosphere Monitoring Service analysis for January 1–September 15, 2026 said record heatwaves, widespread wildfires and human emissions combined to expose 34 percent of the global population to "extremely poor" ozone levels, with another 17 percent in "very poor" air. Heat and sunlight reacting with smoke, vehicle and industrial emissions produced ground-level ozone that harms lungs and triggers respiratory problems. Asia was most affected, with 53 percent exposed to extremely poor ozone, and the report noted ozone is linked to about 60,000 premature deaths per year in Europe and that El Nino could drive more fires.
34 percent of the global population faced extremely poor ozone air.
Context
This year saw record heatwaves and large wildfires in Europe and North America. El Nino…
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