A recent study indicates a surge in air pollution in numerous global cities following the cessation of air quality monitoring by U.S. embassies and consulates. This monitoring was stopped last year.
The U.S. government, under the Trump administration, ended the program in March 2025. This program had provided independent air quality data at over 80 diplomatic locations worldwide.
The administration cited budget constraints as the reason for halting the monitoring efforts. The absence of these independent readings has led to increased pollution levels in various urban areas, as highlighted by the study.