China and Europe measured below-average PM2.5 levels in 2023, thanks to decreased anthropogenic emissions, according to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) published on Thursday.

"The 2023 data shows a negative anomaly, which means a drop in PM2.5 compared to the reference period of 2003-2023 over China and Europe," said Lorenzo Labrador, a WMO scientist.

The report also says that a vicious cycle of climate change, wildfires and air pollution is having a spiraling negative impact on human health, ecosystems and agriculture.

(Cover: The Temple of Heaven, Beijing, September 1, 2024. /CFP)