How can climate change impact air quality?

Climate change significantly impacts air quality primarily by increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, which can lead to higher ozone levels in the atmosphere. Rising temperatures can enhance the formation of ground-level ozone, a harmful pollutant, as it is produced when sunlight reacts with pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides. During heatwaves, stagnant atmospheric conditions can also occur, trapping these pollutants close to the ground and exacerbating air quality issues.

Higher temperatures can contribute to more frequent and severe heat events, which in turn provide ideal conditions for ozone formation. Consequently, individuals may experience increased respiratory problems and other health issues related to poor air quality during these events.

The other options do not correctly capture the relationship between climate change and air quality. For example, climate change typically does not stabilize atmospheric conditions, as it often leads to more extreme and variable weather patterns. Additionally, it does not decrease the presence of pollutants; instead, climate change can exacerbate existing pollution problems. Lastly, climate change often increases temperature fluctuations rather than reducing them, affecting both weather patterns and overall air quality.