Study Links End of Embassy Air Monitoring to Pollution Increase

Air pollution levels increased by an estimated 24% to 33% in various locations after the conclusion of a U.S. embassy program that collected air quality data, according to new research. The program ceased operations in 2025.

Previously, U.S. embassies operated a system to gather information on local air pollution. The study's authors examined air quality data and observed a subsequent rise in pollution levels in areas where this monitoring had been active. Researchers identified this increase in pollution after the program stopped collecting data.