New Study Reveals 40% of Global Population Exposed to Extremely High Ozone Levels in 2026

A new study, "Atmosphere Watch," published by the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) on September 30, highlights the significant impact of transboundary pollution, particularly tropospheric ozone, on global health. The analysis reveals that 40% of the world's population was exposed to extremely high ozone levels in 2026. Ian Marnane, head of the Environment and Health Unit at the European Environment Agency (EEA), emphasized that air quality is influenced by pollution crossing national borders. The study also noted that 60% of Asia's population experienced extremely high ozone levels during the first eight months of 2026, with Europe and North America also seeing very high exposure amid frequent summer heatwaves.