Cleaner Air: Less Pollution, Better Breathing

Air pollution is a pressing issue that poses a major threat to human health and the environment. It is caused by various factors, including fossil fuels, ozone, extreme climate events, and household combustion devices. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that 99% of people worldwide breathe air that exceeds its guideline limits, leading to approximately 7 million premature deaths annually. Addressing air pollution is crucial, and transitioning to cleaner fuels and industrial processes, such as renewable energy sources, is essential to mitigate its harmful impacts. Despite challenges, some countries, like China, have made significant progress in reducing air pollution, highlighting the importance of implementing effective measures to improve air quality and protect public health.

The Clean Air Act

The 1990 amendments to the CAA were intended to address four major threats to the environment and public health: acid rain, urban air pollution, toxic air emissions, and stratospheric ozone depletion. The Acid Rain Program (ARP), established under these amendments, was the first cap-and-trade emissions program in the US, aimed at reducing sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from power plants and other industrial sources. The 1990 amendments also included the CAA ozone program, which is a technology transition program intended to phase out the use of chemicals that harm the ozone layer.

Health impacts

Air pollution is the presence of contaminants in the atmosphere, such as dust, fumes, gas, mist, odour, smoke or vapour. These pollutants can enter the body through the respiratory tract, leading to inflammation, oxidative stress, immunosuppression, and mutagenicity in cells. Fine particulate matter, such as PM2.5, can penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and travel to organs, causing systemic damage to tissues and cells. This can lead to diseases like asthma, strokes, heart attacks, cancer and dementia, as well as adverse birth outcomes such as low birth weight and pre-term births.

The health impacts of air pollution are influenced by various factors, including the length and level of exposure, individual health risks, and the cumulative impacts of multiple pollutants. Certain populations are more susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution, including children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with pre-existing health conditions. Additionally, socioeconomic factors play a role, with people of colour and those from low-income communities experiencing higher levels of exposure and increased vulnerability to pollution-related health effects.

Research has shown that proximity to industrial sources of pollution, underlying health problems, poor nutrition, and stress can contribute to the increased health impacts of air pollution in certain communities. It is estimated that air pollution exposure shortens the average person's lifespan by 1.8 years, with 8.1 million premature deaths annually attributed to air pollution. In 2021, 709,000 deaths in children under five were linked to air pollution, representing 15% of all global deaths in this age group.

The impacts of air pollution extend beyond health, with economic consequences also being felt. The World Bank estimates that air pollution costs $6 trillion annually in global health costs and results in a 5% reduction in global GDP due to health impacts, lost productivity and reduced life expectancy.

To mitigate the health impacts of air pollution, a transition to renewable energy sources, improved fuel efficiency, and the adoption of electric vehicles are recommended. Such actions can reduce air pollution at its source and curb the global warming that heightens the worst health impacts of pollution.

Economic impacts

Air pollution has a significant impact on economies worldwide, affecting productivity, healthcare costs, tourism, and GDP.

Productivity

Lost workdays due to air pollution-related illnesses are a major concern, with around 1.2 billion workdays lost globally each year, a figure that could reach 3.8 billion by 2060. This decrease in productivity has economic consequences, with employees staying home due to illness or to care for vulnerable family members. Children missing school due to illness also impacts their learning and can result in parents taking time off work.

Healthcare Costs

The economic burden of healthcare costs due to air pollution is substantial. The World Bank estimates that the health damage caused by air pollution costs $6 trillion annually, or 5% of global GDP. In the US, the health impact of air pollution is estimated to cost $790 billion in 2014, with higher rates of asthma, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases leading to reduced ability to work. Similarly, in China, the healthcare costs associated with air pollution are estimated at $900 billion annually, while in India, the healthcare costs due to air pollution were estimated at $103.7 billion in 2019.

Tourism

Air pollution can also negatively impact tourism, affecting local economies. Poor air quality can discourage tourists from visiting certain destinations, as they may be concerned about the health impact of air pollution exposure. A study on India found that international tourists were reconsidering travel due to air pollution, leading to a 1% decline in GDP, equivalent to $2 billion, and 820,000 jobs lost in the tourism sector.

GDP

Air pollution can have a direct impact on a country's GDP. In China, the total annual cost of air pollution is estimated at $900 billion, equivalent to 6.6% of its GDP in 2018. India's GDP is also affected, with an estimated cost of $150 billion, or 5.4% of its GDP in 2018. Additionally, a 1 microgram per cubic meter increase in PM2.5 concentration was linked to a 0.8% decrease in real GDP per capita.

Economic Growth

Clean air is compatible with and can boost economic growth. Reducing air pollution has positively impacted the EU economy, contributing €50-60 billion annually since 2014. The Clean Air Act in the US has demonstrated that cleaner air and a growing economy can go hand in hand, fostering innovation in cleaner technologies and market opportunities.

Overall, the economic impacts of air pollution are far-reaching, affecting healthcare costs, productivity, tourism, and GDP. Addressing air pollution through policies and technological advancements can have significant economic benefits, improving economic welfare and growth rates.

Environmental impacts

Air pollution is a pressing environmental issue, with far-reaching impacts on ecosystems, climate change, and public health. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies six major air pollutants: particle pollution, ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and lead. These pollutants have detrimental effects on the environment, including groundwater, soil, and air quality.

One of the significant environmental impacts of air pollution is its contribution to climate change. Pollutants like black carbon, a component of fine particulate matter, and methane are powerful short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) that accelerate global warming. Black carbon particles absorb sunlight, warming the Earth's atmosphere and accelerating the melting of snow and ice. Ozone, formed from nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compound emissions, also affects weather patterns. These pollutants decrease agricultural yields, threatening food security. Additionally, air pollution exacerbates the greenhouse effect and leads to acid rain, further impacting ecosystems and biodiversity.

Air pollution also severely affects ecosystems and vegetation. It damages local ecosystems, water bodies, and soil quality. The release of pollutants into the environment harms various living organisms and ecosystems, with vulnerable communities, particularly those near highways and industrial areas, bearing the brunt of these negative consequences.

Furthermore, air pollution poses a significant threat to public health, contributing to increased morbidity and mortality. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ground-level ozone pollution are linked to respiratory issues, including asthma attacks, and adverse cardiovascular effects, such as increased hospital admissions for heart attacks and strokes. Long-term exposure to these pollutants can cause permanent lung damage and even premature death. The impact of air pollution on health results in increased healthcare costs, reduced life expectancy, and lost workdays, affecting economies globally.

To mitigate these environmental impacts, it is crucial to reduce air pollution. This can be achieved by transitioning to cleaner fuels and industrial processes, adopting renewable energy sources, improving fuel efficiency, and phasing out gasoline-powered vehicles. Implementing integrated pollution management policies and ensuring land use and public health reforms can also help address the environmental and health consequences of air pollution.

Initiatives to reduce air pollution

Air pollution is a pressing issue that affects people globally and is responsible for approximately 6.5 to 7 million premature deaths annually, with 600,000 of those being children. The World Bank estimates that air pollution costs the global economy $5.11 trillion in welfare losses, and the health impacts in the 15 countries with the highest emissions are estimated to cost more than 4% of their GDP.

To combat this, various initiatives have been implemented worldwide to reduce air pollution and mitigate its impacts:

Clean Air Initiative:

The United Nations, the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) launched the Clean Air Initiative in 2019. This initiative calls on governments worldwide to commit to achieving safe air quality standards and aligning climate change and air pollution policies by 2030. The initiative aims to simultaneously address climate change, reduce air pollution, and promote health.

Asia-Pacific Clean Air Partnership:

The Asia-Pacific Clean Air Partnership, established in 2015, is a platform for policymakers and stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region to collaborate and share knowledge, tools, and innovative solutions to tackle air pollution. The region faces significant challenges due to air pollution, with 70% of air pollution-related deaths occurring there.

Chakr Shield:

Chakr, an Indian startup, developed the Chakr Shield to reduce pollution from diesel generators, a significant source of air pollution. The Chakr Shield captures 70-90% of the particulate matter generated by diesel engines, and they have installed 70 of these machines, purifying about 50,000 billion litres of air.

Qadardan Company:

Qadardan Company, founded by Habib al Rahman Qadardan, uses solar energy to reduce emissions from coal and wood consumption, which are commonly used for heating and cooking. They produce alternative household items like solar baths and ovens made of reflective metal pieces that concentrate solar heat, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels.

Local Initiatives:

Various local initiatives are also making a difference, such as the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), which provides education, guidance, and incentives to reduce air pollution from vehicles, construction equipment, and other sources. They promote programs like GreenStep Cities, which encourage local governments to pass ordinances, create incentives, and educate residents on best practices for sustainability.

Frequently asked questions