US Halts Global Air Quality Data Sharing, Raising Alarm Among Scientists

LOS ANGELES – The US government has decided to stop sharing air quality data collected from its embassies and consulates around the world, a move that has sparked concerns among environmental experts and public health advocates.

The long-running monitoring program, which provided independent pollution readings in major cities globally, will no longer transmit data to the Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow app or other platforms due to budget constraints.

Experts warn that this decision could leave millions without access to reliable air pollution information, particularly in regions where government monitoring is limited or unreliable. The change comes amid broader funding cuts under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has deprioritized environmental programs.

Why is the US ending air quality data sharing?

Background

The US air quality monitoring initiative was established to provide consistent and trustworthy pollution data from embassies and consulates. These monitors tracked fine particulate matter (PM2.5), a harmful pollutant linked to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and premature death.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is responsible for an estimated 7 million deaths each year.

By publicly sharing this data through the EPA’s AirNow platform, the US contributed to global pollution tracking and policy development.

However, as first reported by The New York Times, funding limitations have led the State Department to discontinue the program.

Reactions to the Decision

Environmental experts have expressed strong criticism, calling the shutdown a major setback for air quality research and public health initiatives.

Bhargav Krishna, an air pollution expert with the Sustainable Futures Collaborative in New Delhi, described the move as “a huge loss” for researchers. “In many developing countries, these were among the few available sensors, offering a crucial reference for understanding pollution levels,” Krishna told The Associated Press.

Alejandro Piracoca Mayorga, an air quality consultant in Colombia, called the decision “deeply disappointing,” noting that embassies in cities like Lima, São Paulo, and Bogotá provided independent pollution data that was widely relied upon.

Khalid Khan, an environmental advocate in Pakistan, warned of serious consequences, particularly for highly polluted cities like Peshawar. “These monitors delivered real-time data that was essential for policymakers, researchers, and public health decisions,” he said.

In Africa, the US program was often the sole source of air quality information for countries such as Senegal, Nigeria, Chad, and Madagascar. Without it, many regions will face a significant data gap in tracking pollution trends.

Impact on Global Air Quality Monitoring

The Other Side

Some officials have downplayed the impact of the program’s closure. In Pakistan’s Punjab province, where smog is a persistent issue, Environment Secretary Raja Jahangir stated that the region has its own monitoring network and plans to expand it with 30 additional sensors.

Similarly, some environmental advocates in India see the shutdown as an opportunity for the country to invest in its own infrastructure. Shweta Narayan of the Global Climate and Health Alliance acknowledged the loss as a “major setback” but suggested it could push India to take greater responsibility for its air quality data.

“By enhancing its monitoring system and ensuring transparency, India could lead the way in environmental accountability,” Narayan said.

What Comes Next?

The absence of US embassy air quality data will have widespread effects, especially in lower-income nations that lack independent monitoring systems.