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Story summary
- Copernicus reported 34% of people faced extremely poor ozone air in 2026.
- Asia had the highest exposure, with 53% breathing extremely poor ozone air.
- North America saw two-thirds exposed to poor or very poor ozone levels in 2026.
- Europe’s emissions rules cut most pollutants, yet ozone stayed unchanged, causing ~60,000 premature deaths yearly.
- Oceania, including Australia and New Zealand, had 66% with good ozone air and 34% fair.