United Nations’ World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released its fourth annual Air Quality and Climate Bulletin | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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United Nations’ World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released its fourth annual Air Quality and Climate Bulletin

Posted 09 Sep 2024

2 min read

The Climate Bulletin reports on the state of air quality and its connections to climate change.

Key findings

  • Global PM2.5 concentrations:  Europe and China show lower PM2.5 pollution, while North America and India see increased emissions from anthropogenic activities.
    • Particulate Matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter is referred to as PM2.5. 
  • Global PM hotspots: Include agricultural areas in Central Africa, Pakistan, India, China and South-East Asia. 
  • Impacts of PM on crops: Reduces crop yields by 15% as it reduces sunlight reaching leaf surfaces.
  • Aerobiology Advancements: New technologies have enabled real-time bioaerosol monitoring.

About Aerobiology

  • Aerobiology is the study of the movement and impact of airborne biological particles, or bioaerosols, on human, animal, and plant health. Bioaerosols include
    • Bacteria, fungal spores, pollen grains, viruses, etc.
  • Bioaerosols reflect changes in biodiversity, plant flowering patterns, and distribution, all sensitive to climate shifts.
    • Hence, new technologies are needed to  improve understanding of Bioaerosols which would  further enhance forecasting and climate change impact assessments.
  • New observational techniques: Such as high-resolution image analysis, holography, multi-band scatterometry, fluorescence spectrometry and nanotechnology for DNA sequencing.

 

  • Tags :
  • WMO
  • Aerobiology
  • Bioaerosols
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