What happens to people’s health when air pollution is reduced?

The introduction the ultra-low emission zone in London has resulted in fewer emergency hospital admissions for breathing problems. Photograph: PA Images/Alamy

Failing crops, wildfires and overloaded health systems are focusing minds on the local impacts of our changing climate.

While carbon emissions reduction is normally framed as having a global benefit rather than a local gain, studies published in 2025 and 2026 from Greece have added to growing evidence that cutting coal use and air pollution can provide immediate health benefits to local communities.