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Europe’s 2020 Heatwaves Caused Increase in Pollution Levels

With 2020 set to be the hottest year on record, this year’s string of heatwaves has led to disastrous effects on the climate.

High temperatures speed up the rate of chemical reactions undergone by pollutants in the atmosphere, which leads to air and ozone pollution.

Not only do high temperatures increase levels of pollution, but in turn, higher levels of pollution also lead to warmer temperatures. The positive correlation between air pollution and global warming is a disastrous cycle which negatively impacts human and environmental health. According to The Guardian, ozone pollution led to more than 423 deaths in England and Wales during the 2003 heatwave.

Following on from 2019, which is currently the hottest year on record, 2020 has likely been even hotter across the globe. Some of the ways in which we can reduce global warming and climate pollution are demanding a reduction in deforestation, intensive farming and the use and burning of fossil fuels. 

Posted by Iona Chichester 5 October 2020

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