The United States has announced it will no longer share air quality data gathered from its diplomatic missions worldwide. This decision has sparked concerns among environmental groups, public health advocates, and nations that rely on this data to track pollution and safeguard public health.
For over a decade, U.S. embassies and consulates have provided invaluable air quality data using state-of-the-art equipment to monitor pollutants such as PM2.5, a fine particulate matter with serious health implications at high levels. Updated hourly, this information was readily accessible online, empowering individuals and governments to make informed decisions on managing air pollution risks.
The U.S. government has not provided any explanation for this decision.
The Times of Central Asia has previously reported on poor air quality across the region sourcing data from U.S. embassies which saw both Tashkent and Bishkek enter the list of the ten worst cities in the world for air pollution, leading to warnings to “avoid outdoor exercise, close your windows, wear a mask outdoors, and run an air purifier.”
