Strategies For Preventing Air Pollution And Protecting Our Planet

Air pollution is a pressing issue that has severe health and environmental consequences. It is a major environmental health problem affecting people in low-, middle-, and high-income countries. Outdoor air pollution in cities and rural areas is estimated to cause millions of premature deaths worldwide each year, with the greatest number of deaths occurring in the WHO South-East Asia and Western Pacific Regions. The main sectors contributing to air pollution are energy production, transportation, and agriculture. To combat this, governments and individuals must work together to implement effective strategies to reduce air pollution. This includes adopting policies that regulate polluting industries, promoting sustainable agriculture, improving waste management, transitioning to cleaner energy sources, and encouraging the use of electric vehicles.

Regulate polluting industries, from energy production to transportation and agriculture

Regulating polluting industries is a crucial aspect of air pollution prevention. This involves implementing policies and regulations that target specific sectors, such as energy production, transportation, and agriculture, which are significant contributors to air pollution.

In the energy production sector, the transition to cleaner energy sources and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions are essential. This includes phasing out fossil fuels, particularly coal and natural gas, which are currently the primary sources of electricity generation, contributing to both direct and indirect emissions. Policies that promote renewable and combustion-free power sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, can significantly reduce air pollution from the energy sector. Additionally, improving energy efficiency in buildings and industries can also help curb energy demand and, consequently, reduce emissions.

The transportation sector is another major contributor to air pollution, with over 94% of fuel used being petroleum-based, resulting in direct emissions. To address this, policies should encourage a shift towards cleaner modes of power generation, such as electric vehicles, and promote alternative modes of transportation, including rapid urban transit, walking, and cycling networks. Improving fuel efficiency and reducing sulfur content in fuels can also help lower emissions from this sector.

Agriculture, specifically livestock rearing, agricultural soils, and rice production, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. While indirect emissions from electricity use in agriculture are about 5% of direct emissions, overall emissions from this sector are significant. Policies should focus on improving waste management practices, such as capturing methane emissions from waste sites and promoting sustainable land use and forestry practices, which can act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere.

It is important to note that while regulations and policies can effectively reduce pollution, they might also have adverse effects on certain sectors in the short term, particularly those that are energy- and pollution-intensive. However, the benefits of improved air quality, public health, and environmental protection often outweigh these short-term costs.

To support the implementation of these regulations, governments can provide incentives, education, and guidance to industries and communities, helping them transition to more sustainable practices and reduce their environmental impact.

Phase out fossil fuels and shift to renewable energy sources

Phasing out fossil fuels and shifting to renewable energy sources is crucial in the battle against climate change and air pollution. Fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and gas, are major contributors to dangerous outdoor air pollution, causing approximately 4.2 million premature deaths annually worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.

To reduce air pollution and limit climate change, a gradual global reduction of fossil fuel use and production is necessary, aiming for zero emissions. This transition to renewable energy is already underway, with substantial growth in renewable energy generation over the past decade, particularly from wind power and solar photovoltaics. These sources now account for 12% of global electricity and are the cheapest power sources in most places.

However, the challenge is to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy sources on a 1:1 scale to ensure emissions reductions and energy security. If the phase-out of fossil fuels is not matched with a corresponding phase-in of renewable energy, the energy deficit could worsen, impacting the millions of people already facing power interruptions or lacking adequate electricity access.

To facilitate a just transition, it is essential to prioritize social and economic fairness, particularly considering the 32 million jobs globally supported by the fossil fuel sector. Countries and businesses can play a proactive role by investing in renewable energy infrastructure and equipment manufacturing, creating green jobs, and providing initiatives for retraining and reallocating workers affected by the phase-out of fossil fuels.

Additionally, subsidy reform and carbon pricing can generate significant government revenues or savings while encouraging businesses, industries, and consumers to transition to renewable energy sources. Removing subsidies for coal mining and burning, for example, would substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create jobs in the renewable energy sector.

Implement carbon tax systems to incentivise lower emissions

Carbon tax systems are a tool to incentivise parties to reduce carbon emissions. They are implemented to compensate for the amount of greenhouse gas emissions countries and industries have produced and released into the Earth's atmosphere. The basic idea is to attach a significant price to pollution, which encourages a shift towards less carbon-intensive fuels, the deployment of energy efficiency measures, and investment in clean alternatives. For example, the EU has implemented a border carbon tax, which levies imports of materials such as steel, aluminium, and fertiliser from countries with lax environmental rules. This protects local businesses in countries with strong emissions-reducing regulations and makes industries and businesses in countries with higher carbon prices competitive against overseas businesses.

Some countries, such as Finland, Sweden, and Norway, have already adopted carbon taxes, which now range from $70 to $168 per ton of CO2 on a range of fossil fuels. Canada has also implemented a carbon pricing system, with a starting price of CAD$40 (US$30) in 2019, rising to CAD$170 (US$128) by 2030. The revenues from these taxes are used to support national sustainability programs and are returned to the provinces and residents through rebates.

While carbon taxes can be effective, they may not be enough to deter industries from reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, they can disproportionately impact lower-income groups who spend a higher share of their earnings on energy bills and basic goods with embedded carbon costs. To address this, partial exemptions or per capita dividends from revenue can be implemented. However, critics argue that funds could be better utilised directly in green infrastructure rather than relying on tax systems to incentivise emission cuts.

Other economic mechanisms, such as a cap-and-trade system or emissions trading scheme (ETS), can be imposed in place of a carbon tax. In these systems, governments cap the amount of greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere annually based on carbon credits. Emitting industries and companies can sell their extra allowances to larger polluters, creating a market for carbon. This mechanism aims to prevent large emitting companies from exceeding their pre-allocated carbon budget and reduce overall emissions.

In addition to these tax systems, governments can also offer tax incentives to promote new uses for biofuels and incentivise producer investments in emissions-reducing technologies and practices. These incentives can spur innovation, create jobs, and provide the certainty needed for industries to compete in global next-generation fuel markets. For example, the U.S. has implemented tax credits for biofuel producers, which has encouraged the adoption of technologies like carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS).

Improve urban planning, such as energy-efficient buildings and green spaces

Improving urban planning through the implementation of energy-efficient buildings and the incorporation of green spaces is a crucial strategy in the fight against air pollution.

Energy-efficient buildings play a pivotal role in reducing air pollution by minimising the consumption of energy and, consequently, decreasing the emission of pollutants associated with power generation. This can be achieved by transitioning to cleaner sources of energy, such as renewable energy from the sun, wind, and water, for electricity generation. Buildings can also be designed to optimise energy usage, reducing the overall energy demand. For example, Japan has revised its building regulations to mandate zero-energy performance for all new buildings by 2030. Additionally, replacing fuel-burning appliances with more efficient electric alternatives, such as heat pumps and induction stoves, can significantly reduce indoor air pollution.

Green spaces, including vegetation and parks, can also contribute to air pollution prevention. Vegetation acts as a natural filter, capturing and depositing particulate matter (PM) through deposition, dispersion, and modification. This mechanism effectively reduces the concentration of airborne pollutants, particularly at larger scales, such as the borough to city level. However, it is important to note that the impact of green spaces on air pollution is highly context-specific and dependent on various factors, including vegetation characteristics, site context, and prevailing weather conditions. While green spaces can ameliorate air pollution under certain circumstances, there is conflicting evidence regarding their overall effectiveness.

To further enhance the prevention of air pollution, a combination of strategies is necessary. This includes improving the energy efficiency of buildings, transitioning to cleaner sources of energy, and adopting smart urban planning that incorporates well-optimised green spaces. Additionally, promoting cleaner transportation methods, such as electric vehicles and improving waste management practices, can also contribute to reducing air pollution levels.

By implementing these measures and strategies, cities can significantly reduce their contribution to air pollution, leading to improved air quality and, consequently, positive health outcomes for their residents.

Promote sustainable agriculture and address resource exploitation

Agriculture is a significant source of air pollution, contributing to around 93% of ammonia emissions in the EU, for example. This is largely due to poor manure management and the use of synthetic fertilisers, which can lead to eutrophication and acidification of soils. Methane, a by-product of livestock, also contributes to ground-level ozone, which damages crops.

To promote sustainable agriculture and address resource exploitation, several measures can be taken:

Sustainable Resource Management

With the world's population growing, the demand for agricultural commodities is rising. Sustainable resource management is therefore critical. This includes adopting nutrient management techniques, such as applying the right amount of nutrients (fertilisers and manure) at the appropriate time of year, with the correct method and placement. Conservation drainage practices, such as subsurface tile drainage, can also help manage water movement through soils.

Reducing Emissions

Agriculture can contribute to the zero-pollution ambition of initiatives like the European Green Deal. Farmers can reduce emissions by adopting eco-friendly practices, such as avoiding the burning of arable stubble in fields, which is mandated by the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in the EU. The CAP also incentivises farmers to preserve natural resources and provides support for sustainable water management.

Collaboration and Leadership

Farmers can play a leadership role in watershed efforts by engaging with governments, conservation groups, educational institutions, and community groups. This collaboration can help reduce nutrient pollution in water and air, as well as protect natural resources and enhance biodiversity.

Policy Support

Policies and investments that support cleaner transport, energy-efficient homes, power generation, and industry can significantly reduce outdoor air pollution. This includes promoting renewable power sources, such as solar and wind energy, and encouraging the use of electric vehicles.

Education and Incentives

Providing education, guidance, and incentives to reduce air pollution is essential. This can include programs for communities and businesses that address environmental issues, as well as incentives for sustainable behaviours, such as carpooling, biking, and using public transportation.

Frequently asked questions