This footage was filmed and produced 27 March 2024.

A recent study sheds light on the detrimental effects of open waste burning on air quality in Northwestern Greenland, highlighting the need for sustainable air quality monitoring initiatives in the Arctic region.

The research, detailed in Atmospheric Science Letters, focused on Qaanaaq, a remote village with approximately 600 residents. Throughout the summer of 2022, an international team conducted comprehensive measurements of particulate matter (PM2.5) in the village's ambient air. PM2.5, consisting of tiny particles such as dust and smoke, poses significant health risks, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

The study revealed a concerning increase in PM2.5 pollution during the monitoring period, particularly attributable to local open waste burning activities. The team utilized advanced PM2.5 measurement systems specifically designed for cold regions, collecting continuous data from July 20 to August 13, 2022. Their analysis identified spikes in PM2.5 levels, notably coinciding with instances of visible black smoke emitted from the Qaanaaq dump site.

While external sources may have contributed minimally to pollution levels initially, the study underscored the substantial impact of local waste burning on air quality in Qaanaaq. Despite PM2.5 concentrations not reaching alarming levels during the study period, simulations suggested potential particulate matter deposition in nearby sea areas, including Baffin Bay.

Lead researcher Associate Professor Teppei J. Yasunari emphasized the significance of continuous air quality monitoring, highlighting the transition from open waste burning to incineration in Qaanaaq as a positive step. However, he stressed the ongoing need for vigilant monitoring to ensure long-term health and environmental sustainability, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals' mission of promoting healthy environments for all.

[Note: speech in Greenlandic]