Air Polluters: The Worst Offenders Revealed

The world's biggest polluters are responsible for more than 50 billion metric tons of CO2 released into the Earth's atmosphere each year. The largest contributors to these emissions are the use of fossil fuels, the generation of energy through non-renewable sources, and polluting human activities. China, the United States, and Europe are the top three carbon emitters, with China leading in emissions due to its extensive use of coal. The United States has been the biggest carbon polluter since 1959, contributing about 21.5% of global emissions. However, when considering emissions per capita, the ranking may differ. To address climate change, the biggest polluters must take action to reduce carbon emissions and offset their carbon footprint by supporting environmental initiatives worldwide.

Fossil fuels

A recent modelling study published in The BMJ found that air pollution from the use of fossil fuels in industry, power generation, and transportation accounts for 5.1 million avoidable deaths a year globally. This figure has been supported by other studies, with one estimating the number of deaths caused by fossil fuel air pollution to be 8.7 million in 2018. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2015 (GBD 2015) identified ambient air pollution as a leading cause of the global disease burden, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

The combustion of fossil fuels has been linked to adverse health outcomes, even at low exposure levels. Fine particulate matter, or PM 2.5, from burning fossil fuels is particularly harmful as these particles are tiny, about one-thirtieth the width of a single human hair, and can thus be readily inhaled and penetrate deep into the lungs, entering the bloodstream and inflicting damage on multiple organs. This type of pollution has been found to have the highest toll on people in China and India, with nearly five million premature deaths in those two countries alone. Other hard-hit areas include Western Europe, Southeast Asia, and parts of the US Northeast and Midwest.

The phasing out of fossil fuels and the adoption of clean, renewable energy sources have been advocated by researchers as a way to reduce air pollution emissions and improve health outcomes. This is particularly important in the transportation sector, which is responsible for about one-fifth of global GHG emissions, and in the fashion industry, which produces about 10% of the annual carbon footprint.

Livestock production

One of the primary concerns regarding air pollution in livestock production is the emission of hazardous gases, such as ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and other pollutants. These gases can have detrimental effects on the health of people living near large-scale industrialized farms, with an estimated 16,000 deaths in the United States alone attributed to air pollution from raising livestock. The concentration of livestock production and CAFOs (concentrated animal feeding operations) in certain areas, such as North Carolina and the Upper Midwestern Corn Belt, exacerbates the problem, as the wind carries these pollutants into large population centers.

The production of animal-based foods, including meat, dairy, and eggs, has a particularly significant impact on air quality. Beef production alone corresponds to 4,000 air pollution-related deaths annually, and when pork and dairy production are included, the number rises to 9,100 deaths per year. The negative effects of air pollution from livestock production are not limited to the United States, as similar issues are likely to be present in other major livestock-producing regions around the world.

While livestock producers have been exempt from reporting air emissions to federal authorities due to legislative loopholes, there is growing recognition of the need for change. Some states, such as Maryland, are taking initiatives to collect emissions data from the livestock industry, specifically the broiler industry. Additionally, consumer pressure is leading to a shift towards more humane and environmentally conscious practices, with many companies committing to using eggs only from cage-free hens.

To address the issue of air pollution in livestock production, a combination of agricultural practice modifications and dietary shifts is necessary. By improving waste management, utilizing fertilizers more efficiently, and transitioning to more sustainable farming methods, such as regenerative agriculture, the environmental and health impacts of livestock production can be mitigated. Additionally, a reduction in meat consumption, particularly red meat, and a shift towards plant-based diets can significantly improve air quality and prevent thousands of deaths annually.

Transport

The impact of the transportation industry on air quality is not limited to the United States. In Europe, road transport, including cars, vans, buses, and trucks, is one of the main sources of toxic air pollution. This is especially prominent in cities, where air quality is often much worse. The high concentration of vehicles in urban areas leads to increased emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), particle pollution (PM10 and PM2.5), and other harmful substances, posing significant health risks to residents.

The issue of transport-related air pollution has prompted the development of various strategies to reduce emissions. These include the adoption of low-carbon fuels, improved vehicle technologies, initiatives to reduce the number of vehicle miles traveled, and efforts to increase fuel efficiency. Organizations like the EPA in the United States and Transport & Environment in Europe are actively working to address this issue through regulations, standards, and awareness of vehicle emissions.

While the transportation industry has been slow to adopt new technologies, there is optimism for the future. Electric vehicles, alternative fuels, and schemes like the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) are contributing to the decarbonization of the transport sector. Additionally, advancements in sustainable fuels and the integration of climate APIs into freight booking processes hold promise for further reducing emissions.

The impact of the transportation industry on air pollution is undeniable, and addressing this issue is crucial for improving air quality and public health, particularly in urban areas. With continued efforts and the implementation of innovative solutions, there is hope for a greener and more sustainable future in the transport sector.

Construction

The construction industry's contribution to air pollution is largely due to the use of fossil fuels and the burning of coal, oil, and gas, which release massive amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. In addition, the production of cement, a key construction material, is also a major source of carbon dioxide emissions.

The impact of the construction industry on air pollution is not limited to the construction phase but extends to the operational phase of buildings as well. The energy used to heat, cool, and power buildings often comes from non-renewable sources, contributing to the sector's carbon footprint.

To reduce the construction industry's impact on air pollution, it is crucial to adopt more sustainable practices and reduce emissions. This can include the use of renewable energy sources, such as clean energy investments and tax credits for renewable projects, as well as the development and implementation of sustainable building materials and construction techniques.

Additionally, the integration of climate-focused measures into economic policies and the support of environmental projects can help offset the carbon footprint of the construction industry. By prioritizing sustainability and reducing emissions, the industry can play a pivotal role in mitigating climate change and environmental degradation.

China and the US

China and the United States are two of the world's biggest carbon polluters, with China being the world's largest emitter of anthropogenic air pollutants. The US has emitted 334 billion tons of carbon dioxide from 1959 to 2020, about 21.5% of the global total. However, when looking at emissions based on consumption, the US is still number one with 19.2% of historic pollution. China, on the other hand, emitted 11.7 billion tons of carbon dioxide in 2020, which is about 30.6% of the global carbon dioxide emissions and more than twice as much as the US.

A large fraction of China's emissions is due to the manufacturing of goods for foreign consumption, particularly in the US. In 2006, 21% of export-related Chinese emissions were attributed to China-US trade, contributing 3-10% of annual mean surface sulfate concentrations and 0.5-1.5% of ozone over the western United States. The US outsourcing of manufacturing to China has led to a decrease in air quality in the western United States, with an improvement in the east.

China's air pollution problem is well-documented, with many cities experiencing smog levels over twenty times the safe limit. The heavy pollution can be attributed to China's use of coal-fired power plants to fuel its economic growth. The cities of Xingtai, Shijiazhuang, and Baoding have particularly high levels of PM2.5, which are small airborne pollutant particles that can cause asthma, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

The US, meanwhile, has made efforts to reduce its emissions and improve air quality. The transportation sector, which accounts for about one-fifth of GHG emissions, is being decarbonized through the use of electric vehicles, alternative fuels, and initiatives like the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).

To tackle the climate crisis and reduce emissions, it is crucial to identify and prioritize the most polluting sectors and industries. The fossil fuels sector is the most polluting in the world, followed by livestock production processes, fashion, and transportation. Implementing sustainable practices and decarbonizing these sectors will be key to meeting climate goals and improving air quality in both China and the US.

Frequently asked questions