Climate Change & Air Quality
Global warming is transforming the air we breathe. From record-breaking wildfires to extended allergy seasons, climate change poses growing risks to respiratory health. Here's the science—and what you can do to protect your family.
The Science: How Climate Change Affects Air Quality
The connection between climate change and deteriorating air quality is well-established in scientific literature. Rising global temperatures trigger a cascade of effects that directly impact the air we breathe.
Increased Wildfires
Climate change has doubled wildfire frequency since the 1980s. Warmer temperatures, prolonged droughts, and earlier snowmelt create ideal conditions for catastrophic fires.
Wildfire seasons are now 78 days longer on average than in 1970
Temperature Inversions
Warmer air masses trap pollutants near ground level, creating 'pollution domes' over cities. These inversions are becoming more frequent and longer-lasting.
Urban pollution events have increased 40% in the last two decades
Extended Pollen Seasons
Higher CO2 levels and warmer temperatures cause plants to produce more pollen over longer seasons. Ragweed pollen season is now 3 weeks longer than in 1995.
Pollen concentrations have increased 21% since 1990
Rising Ozone Levels
Ground-level ozone forms faster in hot weather. As temperatures rise, harmful ozone pollution increases, especially in urban areas during summer months.
Each 1°C increase raises ozone-related deaths by 3%
Regional Climate Impacts on Air Quality
Climate change affects different regions in different ways, but the impact on air quality is global.
North America
- •Western US and Canadian wildfires now burn 7x more area than in the 1970s
- •Smoke from 2023 Canadian wildfires affected 100+ million Americans
- •California's fire season is now year-round in many regions
- •Pacific Northwest regularly experiences hazardous air quality days
- •Great Lakes region increasingly affected by distant wildfire smoke
Europe
- •Mediterranean wildfires increased 300% since 2000
- •2022 European heatwave caused 60,000+ excess deaths
- •Saharan dust events reaching Northern Europe more frequently
- •Urban heat islands intensifying pollution in major cities
- •Alpine regions losing protective snow cover earlier each year
United Kingdom
- •UK experienced its hottest summer on record in 2022
- •Saharan dust pollution events affecting UK air quality
- •Hay fever season now starts 2 weeks earlier than 30 years ago
- •Urban pollution spikes during heat waves
- •Increased ozone levels during summer months
Wildfire Smoke: A Growing Health Crisis
Wildfire smoke contains a dangerous mix of pollutants that can travel thousands of miles from fire sources. The fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in smoke is small enough to penetrate deep into lungs and even enter the bloodstream.
Health Effects of Wildfire Smoke
- • Respiratory inflammation and reduced lung function
- • Increased heart attack and stroke risk
- • Aggravated asthma and COPD symptoms
- • Cognitive effects including "brain fog"
- • Long-term exposure linked to increased mortality
During the 2023 Canadian wildfire season, New York City recorded its worst air quality in history. Cities across the US East Coast and Midwest experienced hazardous conditions for days. This is the new reality of climate change—and it's getting worse each year.
Why Air Purification is Essential Climate Adaptation
While we work toward climate solutions, protecting indoor air quality is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your family's health today.
Immediate Protection
While climate action takes decades, air purification provides immediate protection for your family today. MERV13-16 filters remove 85-95% of wildfire smoke particles.
Indoor Air Matters Most
We spend 90% of our time indoors. During pollution events, outdoor air infiltrates homes, making indoor air quality crucial for health.
Proven Health Benefits
Studies show HEPA/MERV filtration reduces cardiovascular inflammation markers by 30-40% and significantly decreases asthma attacks during smoke events.
Cost-Effective Adaptation
DIY air purifiers cost £50-150 to build and pennies per day to run. They're one of the most affordable climate adaptation measures available.
Protects Vulnerable Groups
Children, elderly, pregnant women, and those with respiratory conditions are most at risk. Air purification provides essential protection for vulnerable family members.
Year-Round Benefits
Beyond smoke events, air purifiers reduce allergens, dust, and everyday pollutants—providing health benefits throughout the year.
What Filter Rating Do You Need?
Not all air filters are effective against wildfire smoke. Here's what the science says about filtration efficiency for climate-related pollutants:
| Filter Rating | Smoke Particle Removal | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| MERV 8-10 | 20-50% | Not recommended for smoke |
| MERV 11-12 | 50-75% | Moderate protection |
| MERV 13-14 | 85-90% | Recommended minimum |
| MERV 15-16 / HEPA | 95-99.97% | Optimal protection |
For wildfire smoke protection, we recommend MERV13 as the minimum, with MERV16 or HEPA providing the best protection for vulnerable individuals.
Take Action: Protect Your Indoor Air
Climate change is making outdoor air increasingly unpredictable. Take control of your indoor environment with effective air purification—whether you build your own or choose a ready-made solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does climate change cause more wildfires?
Rising temperatures dry out vegetation, creating more fuel for fires. Warmer winters reduce snowpack, leading to earlier spring drying. Lightning strikes are also increasing with climate change, providing more ignition sources. Together, these factors have doubled wildfire activity since the 1980s.
Can wildfire smoke travel long distances?
Yes. Fine smoke particles can travel thousands of miles. The 2023 Canadian wildfires affected air quality across the entire US East Coast and as far as Europe. Smoke from Siberian fires has been detected in North America. No location is truly safe from wildfire smoke impacts.
Why is indoor air purification important during smoke events?
During smoke events, outdoor air infiltrates homes through gaps, ventilation, and every door opening. Indoor PM2.5 levels can reach 50-80% of outdoor levels without filtration. Since we spend 90% of our time indoors, effective air purification dramatically reduces smoke exposure.
What's the difference between MERV and HEPA filters for smoke?
HEPA filters capture 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns, while MERV13-16 filters capture 85-95%. Both are effective for wildfire smoke. MERV filters offer better airflow and lower cost, making them practical for DIY builds and portable units. For most people, MERV13+ provides excellent protection.
How many air changes per hour do I need during a smoke event?
During smoke events, aim for at least 5-6 ACH (Air Changes per Hour) in occupied rooms. For vulnerable individuals—children, elderly, those with asthma—consider 8-12 ACH. Use our ACH calculator to determine the right purifier size for your space.