The world is at a critical juncture in its fight against climate change. While discussions often centre around melting ice caps and rising sea levels, one of the most insidious and immediate threats posed by climate change is often overlooked: air pollution. The Green Chronicles explores the profound impact of air pollution on global health, delving into key facts, the interconnectedness of pollutants, policies for reduction, and the World Health Organization’s (WHO) response to this pressing issue.
The Silent Killer: Air Pollution and Health
Air pollution has emerged as one of the most significant environmental risks to public health. With far-reaching consequences, it is a complex issue that affects both developed and developing nations alike. The most hazardous form of air pollution, fine particulate matter, is responsible for a range of diseases including stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and various respiratory illnesses, including asthma. Shockingly, in 2019, 99% of the global population was exposed to air quality levels that fell short of WHO guidelines.
The impact is stark: 6.7 million premature deaths annually are attributed to the combined effects of outdoor and household air pollution. Tragically, 89% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, disproportionately affecting regions like WHO’s South-East Asia and Western Pacific Regions.
A Deadly Mix: Understanding Pollutants
Several pollutants are responsible for the deleterious effects of air pollution on human health:
Particulate Matter (PM): Commonly used as an indicator for air pollution, PM consists of sulphates, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, black carbon, mineral dust, and water. Exposure to PM is linked to various health issues.
Carbon Monoxide (CO): A colourless and odourless gas, CO is produced by incomplete combustion of carbonaceous fuels. Its toxic nature affects the cardiovascular system.
Ozone (O3): Unlike the protective ozone layer, ground-level ozone is a component of photochemical smog. It forms through reactions with gases in sunlight’s presence and can cause respiratory problems.
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2): Commonly released by fuel combustion in transport and industries, NO2 contributes to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2): This gas, with a sharp odour, results from burning fossil fuels and smelting mineral ores containing sulphur. SO2 aggravates respiratory conditions.
Policies for Cleaner Air
Addressing air pollution requires comprehensive policies that extend beyond individual actions. Governments and policymakers play a crucial role in combating this crisis. Examples of successful policy approaches include:
Industry: Implementing clean technologies to reduce industrial emissions and improving waste management, including methane gas capture for energy production.
Energy: Ensuring access to clean household energy solutions for cooking, heating, and lighting.
Transport: Prioritizing clean power generation, promoting urban transit, walking, and cycling networks, shifting to cleaner vehicles and fuels.
Urban Planning: Improving building energy efficiency, creating green and compact cities for energy savings.
Power Generation: Increasing use of low-emissions fuels and renewable power sources.
Waste Management: Emphasizing waste reduction, recycling, reuse, and adopting better waste management methods.
Healthcare: Aligning health services with low-carbon development to reduce environmental health risks while improving service delivery.
The WHO’s Response and Role
The World Health Organization recognizes air pollution’s gravity and supports countries in implementing evidence-based policies. WHO’s efforts are focused on knowledge and evidence, capacity building, technical support, and coordination. Member States and local entities bear the responsibility of implementing policies for air quality improvement. Collaboration with other stakeholders, including UN agencies and non-state actors, amplifies the impact of WHO’s initiatives.
Conclusion
Air pollution, fuelled by climate change, remains a formidable global health threat. The statistics are sobering, but they underscore the urgency of concerted action. By implementing robust policies across various sectors, countries can alleviate the burden of disease, reduce premature deaths, and secure a healthier future for all. The battle against air pollution is a battle for the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants. The Green Chronicles stands united in advocating for cleaner air and a healthier world.
Reference: Ambient (outdoor) air pollution (who.int)