A Latent Curve Model to Estimate the Evolution of Urban Air Pollution

The goal of this study is to evaluate the evolution of the latent construct of air pollution, accounting for the interplay of time varying covariates, specifically temperature variations, and geographical factors such as latitude and longitude. This is achieved employing a Latent Curve Model that quantifies and interprets the changes of the Air Pollution Index in Europe across the years 2019 to 2023. This analysis is crucial for discerning long-term trends in air pollution, providing valuable insights into potential environmental shifts that may impact public health and guide future policy considerations. Results show an increase of European air pollution level in the last five years. This trend is closely linked with increasing temperatures, underscoring the urgent need to address the intertwined challenges of air quality and climate change.