Suspension of Air Monitoring by US Embassies Increased Pollution
A study published in the journal PNAS revealed that after the US shut down its embassy air quality monitoring program, pollution rates in the cities studied rose between 24 and 33 percent.
Following the termination of the US air monitoring program at its embassies in March 2025 due to cost concerns, a notable increase was recorded in satellite-measured air pollution levels.
Closure of the Program and Its Rationale
The Trump administration completely halted the air quality monitoring program conducted at over eighty embassies and consulates in March 2025, citing cost factors.
Research Results and Pollution Rates
Academic research published in the journal PNAS indicates that in the months following the termination of the program, air pollution increased by 24 to 33 percent across forty-six cities, which corresponds to an approximate 4 percent rise in PM2.5 particulate matter.
Most Affected Regions
This prominent increase in air quality degradation was observed more predominantly in Southeast Asian cities such as Manila, Rangoon, and Vientiane, as well as in locations where alternative monitoring mechanisms were insufficient.
Importance of Oversight and Transparency
Experts emphasize that this monitoring activity by US embassies previously functioned as a regulatory third party, triggering regulatory steps and demands for clean air.