Tropospheric ozone is a greenhouse gas, super pollutant and air pollutant that is all around us. It warms the earth’s atmosphere, harms human health when inhaled, and damages crops and forests.
Reducing tropospheric ozone has untapped potential to mitigate the impact of human-induced climate change over the coming years. At the same time, targeted action can deliver cleaner air, reducing the half a million premature deaths and the $500 billion in economic costs associated with tropospheric ozone each year. Action on tropospheric ozone also improves agricultural yields for staple crops on which billions of people rely, like maize, rice and wheat.
Cutting tropospheric ozone presents a unique challenge as it requires smart and fast action across multiple greenhouse gases and air pollutants, as well as multiple economic sectors. It is a growing and neglected problem that needs an integrated approach on both a local and global level to tackle climate change and air pollution together, alongside accelerated efforts to translate science into policies.
Despite this complexity, progress is possible. This briefing showcases efforts in cities and regions – including Los Angeles, Mexico City, Beijing and Europe – that have successfully reduced levels of tropospheric ozone through targeted pollution control.