Air Pollution's Worst Global Victims

Air pollution is a significant health and environmental concern worldwide, with low-income countries bearing the brunt. It is caused by the burning of fossil fuels, vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and agricultural burning, among other sources. Developing and emerging countries often struggle to meet global environmental standards, and pollution from traffic and industrial activities can have severe local impacts. Countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan have made progress in improving air quality, but their cities continue to experience hazardous air pollution, affecting millions. Europe and the United States also face air pollution challenges, with vulnerable groups disproportionately impacted.

Low-income countries

Air pollution is a significant challenge for many countries, but the burden falls disproportionately on low-income countries. Several factors contribute to the poor air quality in these nations, and it severely impacts the health and well-being of their populations.

Firstly, low-income countries often have less developed healthcare systems. When affected by pollution-related diseases, residents of these countries have limited access to adequate and affordable healthcare, increasing mortality rates. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution causes approximately 7 million premature deaths each year, with more than 90% of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries.

Secondly, industrial plants, transport corridors, and other pollution sources are disproportionately placed in low-income neighbourhoods. This proximity to pollution sources drives down housing prices and reinforces the areas' low-income status. Additionally, low-income groups are more exposed to air pollution due to their dependence on jobs requiring outdoor physical labour.

The reliance of low-income households on inefficient and polluting fuels for cooking and heating also contributes to poor air quality. Families in poorer nations frequently burn wood, coal, or kerosene, leading to high levels of indoor air pollution. Women and children, who typically perform domestic tasks related to household energy provision, are at higher risk of exposure to particulate matter and pollutants emitted by stoves and open fires.

Furthermore, the economies of low-income countries tend to rely more heavily on polluting industries and technologies. Less stringent air quality regulations, older machinery and vehicles, fossil fuel subsidies, congested transport systems, and rapidly developing industrial sectors all contribute to heightened air pollution levels.

Finally, socioeconomic marginalization can increase vulnerability to air pollution. Limited financial resources can hinder access to cleaner fuels, technologies, and healthcare, exacerbating the impact of pollution on vulnerable populations.

In summary, low-income countries face significant air pollution challenges due to a combination of factors, including inadequate healthcare systems, disproportionate exposure to pollution sources, inefficient fuel reliance, economic dependence on polluting industries, and socioeconomic marginalization. These issues severely impact the health and well-being of residents, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions and policies to address air pollution in these countries.

Industrial growth

The Industrial Revolution marked the beginning of our intensive use of fossil fuels, which are the primary contributors to climate change. Carbon dioxide emissions, predominantly from the combustion of fossil fuels, have escalated dramatically since the Industrial Revolution. While the top three largest emitters in absolute terms are China, the United States, and the European Union, the per capita emissions are highest in the United States and Russia.

The industrialization process has had a profound impact on the environment, with each phase exacerbating the cumulative environmental strain. Urbanization intensified as cities expanded to accommodate the growing workforce required for factories, resulting in overcrowded urban areas with poor sanitation and air quality. The rapid industrial growth outpaced the capacity to manage waste and emissions, causing long-term harm to both the environment and public well-being.

Developing countries face a challenging dilemma regarding industrial growth and pollution. They strive to grow their economies, improve income levels, and raise living standards. However, they are pressured to avoid the fossil fuel-intensive path that developed countries historically relied on for their prosperity. Transitioning to renewable energy sources requires significant investments in infrastructure and technology, which many developing countries cannot afford. As a result, fossil fuels remain the most viable option for economic growth in the near term, perpetuating the cycle of air pollution.

To address the air pollution challenges stemming from industrial growth, regulatory frameworks and environmental governance play a crucial role. For instance, the European Union has implemented strict regulations on industrial pollution, and projects like the Montenegro Industrial Waste Management and Cleanup Project aim to ensure proper hazardous waste disposal in compliance with local and European Union legislation. These initiatives contribute to environmental sustainability and cleaner technologies, reducing air pollution from industries such as brick making and leather tanning.

Traffic congestion

Air pollution is a significant issue in emerging and developing countries, where environmental standards are often not met. One of the main contributors to air pollution is vehicle emissions, which leads to traffic congestion.

The United States is also home to half of the world's top 10 most congested cities, with drivers in major U.S. cities losing an average of 51 hours in traffic in 2022. London, the city with the worst traffic congestion in the world in 2022, saw a decline in congestion of 13% from 2017 to 2019 due to a doubling of the congestion charge for older, high-emissions cars entering the city center. Other cities with notable traffic congestion include Chicago, Paris, Boston, New York City, Toronto, Philadelphia, and Miami.

Fossil fuels

A recent study published in Environmental Research found that air pollution from fossil fuels is responsible for about one in five deaths globally, amounting to approximately 8.7 million deaths in 2018. This figure is more than twice the estimate of previous studies. The combustion of fossil fuels contributes to the presence of fine particulate matter, specifically PM2.5, in the air, which has been linked to adverse health outcomes. These particles, with a diameter of less than 2.5 microns, are easily inhaled and can penetrate deep into the lungs, entering the bloodstream and causing damage to multiple organs.

The impact of fossil fuel air pollution is not limited to physical health; it also affects vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, individuals on low incomes, and people of color. People residing in urban areas, where pollution levels are often higher, bear the brunt of these health consequences. Additionally, the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2015 identified ambient air pollution as a leading cause of the global disease burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Geographically, China and India are among the hardest-hit areas by fossil fuel air pollution, with significant contributions of 50-100 μg m−3 in PM2.5 concentrations. Other affected regions include western Europe, Southeast Asia, the United States (particularly the Northeast and Midwest), industrialized countries in Africa, and the North African coastline due to European pollution.

The phase-out of fossil fuels and the transition to clean, renewable energy sources are advocated by researchers and organizations like the UN. This shift is expected to have significant health benefits, reducing the mortality and disease burden associated with air pollution while also helping to combat global heating.

Agriculture

In addition to ammonia, agricultural burning is a significant contributor to air pollution. Backyard burning, or the burning of trash and waste, is common in many parts of the world and releases pollutants at ground level, making them more easily inhaled or incorporated into the food chain. Agricultural burning also includes the prescribed burning of fields, which is a regulated farming practice in some countries.

The impact of air pollution on agriculture is also significant. Air pollution can reduce crop yields and damage crops, threatening food security and causing economic harm. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), ground-level ozone pollution will reduce staple crop yields by 26% by 2030. This will disproportionately impact small farmers, who can be heavily impacted by even minor changes in climate and crop growth.

While agricultural practices contribute to air pollution, they are also vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The negative impacts of air pollution on agriculture create a bidirectional relationship between the two issues. Therefore, addressing air pollution and mitigating climate change through sustainable agricultural practices are crucial for ensuring cleaner air and maintaining the global food system.

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