Air Pollution: A Future Of Devastation And Loss

Air pollution is a pressing global issue that poses significant risks to human health and the environment. Despite growing awareness and efforts to address this problem, the consequences of inaction are dire. If we fail to curb air pollution, we can expect a range of detrimental effects, from worsening air quality and respiratory issues to the accelerating loss of marine life and rising global welfare costs. The impact of air pollution on children is especially concerning, with 93% of children worldwide breathing air that exceeds safe pollution levels, leading to premature deaths, cognitive impairments, and an increased risk of chronic diseases. Furthermore, the planet's oceans and soil are already suffering from the effects of pollution, and without intervention, these issues will persist for centuries. The situation demands urgent action from individuals, communities, and policymakers to implement sustainable practices and mitigate the harmful effects of air pollution on a global scale.

Foggier skies and harder-to-breathe oxygen

Air pollution refers to the emission of pollutants into the atmosphere, which is detrimental to human health and the planet. If we don't take action to curb air pollution, the consequences will be dire, and one of the key impacts will be foggier skies and harder-to-breathe oxygen.

Foggier Skies

The increase in airborne pollutants, particularly particulate matter and aerosols, contributes to the haze and fog that obscures our skies. This phenomenon, known as smog, is intensified by higher temperatures and ultraviolet radiation. Warmer temperatures lead to more ultraviolet radiation, which, in turn, enhances the formation of smog. As a result, we can expect to see more hazy and foggy skies if air pollution continues unchecked.

Additionally, air pollution affects the colour of the sky. The scattering of sunlight by atmospheric molecules and particles is responsible for the colours we observe in the sky. Nitrogen and oxygen, the primary components of our atmosphere, scatter blue light more effectively due to its shorter, smaller waves. However, when there is an abundance of human-made aerosols and other pollutants, more sunlight is scattered into longer wavelengths, resulting in more colourful skies, particularly during sunsets. While these vibrant sunsets may be visually appealing, they are a stark indicator of poor air quality.

Harder-to-Breathe Oxygen

Air pollution doesn't just affect the appearance of the sky; it also has a detrimental impact on the oxygen we breathe. Particulate matter, such as soot, and harmful gases, including carbon dioxide, methane, and mercury, can have severe respiratory and health consequences. Short-term exposure to particulate matter in polluted air can hinder cognitive functions, while long-term exposure can lead to respiratory issues and an increased risk of lung cancer.

Furthermore, air pollution exacerbates climate change, which contributes to the production of allergenic pollutants like mould and pollen. Wildfires, intensified by climate change, release smoke that can pollute the air with particulate matter, making it harder to breathe.

Addressing Air Pollution

The good news is that many countries and governments are recognizing the importance of addressing air pollution. Efforts to reduce emissions and implement environmental policies give us hope for a healthier future. However, it's important to acknowledge that even with these measures, the planet will never be the same as it was before the industrial era. Nonetheless, taking action to curb air pollution is crucial for the survival of all life on Earth.

Rising temperatures and melting polar ice caps

The consequences of neglecting air pollution are dire, and one of the most significant impacts is the acceleration of rising temperatures and the melting of polar ice caps. This phenomenon has far-reaching effects on the planet, and the changes in the polar regions are a "canary in the coal mine" for global warming and climate change.

Firstly, rising temperatures contribute to the melting of polar ice caps and Arctic sea ice, which has already been occurring at an alarming rate of almost 13% per decade. This melting ice results in the release of large amounts of freshwater into the oceans, causing a rise in global sea levels. The Greenland ice sheet, for example, is shrinking, and if it melts entirely, global sea levels could rise by approximately 20 feet. This rise in sea levels endangers coastal cities and small island nations, making them more vulnerable to coastal flooding and storm surges.

Secondly, the melting of polar ice caps disrupts the Earth's climate regulation system. The white surface of the ice caps reflects sunlight and heat back into space, keeping the Arctic and Antarctic regions cold. However, with the loss of ice, less heat is reflected, leading to more intense heatwaves worldwide. This phenomenon is known as the albedo effect. At the same time, the destabilization of the polar jet stream by warmer air can result in more extreme winters, as cold air is carried further south.

Additionally, the thawing of permafrost, or permanently frozen ground, poses further risks. Permafrost stores large amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. When permafrost thaws, methane is released, accelerating the rate of warming and triggering a positive feedback loop that causes more permafrost to thaw and more ice to melt. This accelerating cycle of warming and melting leads to the fulfillment of the worst climate change predictions.

The consequences of melting polar ice caps extend beyond the physical changes in the environment. The release of toxins and airborne diseases from long-frozen ice sheets, similar to the 2016 anthrax outbreak in Siberia, poses a significant threat to human health. Furthermore, the disruption of ecosystems in the polar regions endangers species such as polar bears, walruses, and arctic foxes, forcing them into closer contact with human communities, which often leads to conflict.

Threats to the economy and food security

Air pollution and climate change have detrimental effects on the global food system, threatening food security and the economy. Firstly, air pollution negatively impacts plant growth and animal health, which are essential for food production. For instance, ground-level ozone absorption in plants leads to reduced photosynthesis, slower growth, and higher disease susceptibility. Tropospheric ozone alone causes substantial losses in major staple crops like wheat, rice, maize, and soybean, affecting global crop production. Similarly, black carbon, a component of fine particulate matter, harms crops by increasing leaf temperature and disrupting rainfall patterns. The agriculture sector also contributes to climate change, responsible for 11% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, rising to 25% when including land-use change.

Climate change poses significant threats to agricultural communities, particularly in coastal areas. Sea-level rise, intensified storms, erosion, agricultural land losses, and saltwater intrusion, which contaminates water supplies, are among the challenges faced by these communities. Warmer temperatures and changing precipitation patterns can also affect pollination, which is vital for many crops. Mismatches between plant flowering and pollinator emergence may decrease pollination, further impacting crop yields.

The impacts of climate change on food production have economic consequences. For example, crop losses due to air pollution and climate change can result in economic losses, with potential savings of billions of dollars by reducing methane emissions and addressing these issues. Additionally, the agriculture sector contributes to climate change, influencing economic activities and trade related to food production and supply chains.

Furthermore, climate change can exacerbate existing inequalities and impact vulnerable communities disproportionately. Regions with high levels of hunger are also highly vulnerable to air pollution and climate change, possessing a limited capacity to adapt. These combined factors threaten the livelihoods of millions, highlighting the interconnectedness of climate action, food security, and economic stability.

Premature deaths and disease

Air pollution is a major global concern, with 99% of the world's population breathing air that exceeds WHO guideline limits on pollutant levels. This is a particular problem in low- and middle-income countries, where 89% of premature deaths related to air pollution occur. The sources of air pollution are multiple and context-specific, but major outdoor pollution sources include residential energy for cooking and heating, vehicles, power generation, agriculture/waste incineration, and industry.

The health impacts of air pollution are significant, with studies showing a clear association between long-term exposure to air pollution and premature death. Fine particulate matter (PM) in the air is a common proxy indicator for air pollution and has been linked to strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, and acute and chronic respiratory diseases. The major components of PM are sulfates, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, black carbon, mineral dust, and water. Short-term exposure to PM can also hinder people's ability to focus and perform everyday tasks.

The impact of air pollution on mortality is evident across all ages, but older adults are particularly vulnerable. Research has shown that when air pollution from fine particles or ozone increases intermittently, there is a substantial increase in deaths within a 2-day period. Those most at risk of premature death due to air pollution are over 85 years old, female, non-white, or economically disadvantaged. Overall, air pollution is estimated to cause 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide per year, with 68% of these deaths attributed to ischaemic heart disease and stroke, 14% to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 14% to acute lower respiratory infections, and 4% to lung cancers.

In addition to the direct health impacts, air pollution also has indirect effects on human health. For example, soil pollution, which can be caused by fracking and industrial run-off, can lead to the extinction of all types of life, including humans, as soil is the foundation for growing crops. Water pollution, caused by industrial run-off, unsanitary sewage deposits, or oil spills, has also been linked to the emergence of so-called "cancer villages" in China.

Soil pollution and long-lasting ocean waste

Soil pollution, often caused by human activities such as fracking, industrial waste, and agricultural practices, poses a significant threat to the health of our planet. Soils are the foundation of life, supporting the growth of our crops and providing a habitat for numerous organisms. However, when soils become contaminated with harmful substances, such as heavy metals, chemicals, and pollutants, they can no longer perform these vital functions. Contaminated soils can lead to the extinction of all life on Earth, including humans, as we depend on healthy soils for our survival.

Long-lasting ocean waste, particularly plastic pollution, is another pressing issue. Every year, billions of pounds of trash, chemicals, and other pollutants find their way into our oceans. The majority of this marine debris is plastic, which, unlike other trash, does not biodegrade. Instead, it persists in the environment for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Plastic pollution entangles marine life, gets ingested by animals, and accumulates in vast "garbage patches," with the most infamous example being the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Even if we were to stop all waste from entering the oceans today, these garbage patches would remain for centuries.

The impact of ocean waste extends beyond the immediate threat to marine life. Microplastic particles have been detected in the air, soil, water, and food webs, indicating that plastic pollution has infiltrated all levels of the Earth's systems. By 2040, it is estimated that 29 million tonnes of plastic garbage will enter our oceans annually if consumption habits and attitudes towards plastic do not change. This is the equivalent of dumping 50 kilograms of plastic waste onto every metre of coastline worldwide.

The consequences of neglecting soil pollution and long-lasting ocean waste are dire. Our skies will become foggier, our oxygen harder to breathe, and the survival of all life on Earth, including humans, will be at stake. While it may be impossible to restore the planet to its former vitality, taking measures to limit pollution and care for the Earth is our only chance for a sustainable future.

Frequently asked questions