With the vibrant festivities of Karneval unfolding in Germany and Rio de Janeiro this week the streets are alive with colorful costumes, upbeat music, and jubilant dancing. Revelers from around the world have come together to immerse themselves in the celebratory atmosphere and chase away the winter blues. 

However, not even these happy gatherings are free from the threat of climate change. Recent studies highlight a concerning link between rising global temperatures and deteriorating air quality, which can have serious implications for public health during mass events like Karneval.

For example, the German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt) reports that rising temperatures contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, a pollutant known to impair respiratory and cardiovascular function. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced during heatwaves, when the increased sunlight accelerates chemical reactions in the atmosphere, resulting in higher ozone concentrations. 

Heat is not the only exacerbator of air pollution. Wildfires, which are becoming more frequent and are burning for longer because of climate change, throw vast clouds of toxic particulate matter into the atmosphere as they rage. These can travel far beyond burn areas, putting the respiratory health of populations hundreds of miles away at risk. Remember the Canadian wildfires that turned the skies above New York City orange? A Journal of the American Medical Association paper from 2023 found a strong association between this smoke and the rise in the number of people who visited New York City emergency departments for asthma-related symptoms.

Then there are the air quality impacts of floods. These are another climate-related risk growing in frequency and severity as the atmosphere warms. While the immediate impacts of floods — lives lost, property destroyed — capture the headlines, the aftershocks on public health are no less serious. Notably, flood waters cause mold and mildew to spread rapidly in affected homes, which can trigger or exacerbate serious respiratory conditions. 

The multiple ways in which climate shocks are impacting air quality points to a future where efficient, cost-effective air quality solutions are in high demand. In this month’s Adaptation10, we showcase ten companies working on solutions to air pollution. Some are focused on tech to improve indoor air quality, while others are working to enhance atmospheric monitoring in order to provide better data and early warnings to vulnerable populations.

All have room to grow in a climate changed future.

Paying subscriber? Access the full version here👇

Are you a climate adaptation startup and want to be considered for a future edition of Adaptation10? Then get in touch here👇

Interested in sponsoring a future edition of Adaptation10? Then get in touch here👇

Thanks for reading!

Louie Woodall & Daniel Schmitz-Remberg