Pollution's Paradox: Why We Need Polluting Products

Pollution is the leading environmental cause of disease and premature death, with more than 9 million premature deaths annually, the majority of which are due to air pollution. It is therefore imperative that we address the root causes of pollution, which lie in the dominant take, make, waste linear economy, fueled by large amounts of cheap, accessible energy and other resources, and producing goods that are designed to be disposable. While we often associate pollution with industrial activities and the burning of fossil fuels, it is important to recognize that everyday habits such as leaving the tap running, using plastic water bottles, or throwing away chewing gum can also contribute to environmental degradation. To protect our planet and our health, we need to make conscious choices and advocate for reforms that prioritize sustainable practices and hold polluters accountable.

Pollution is the leading cause of disease and premature death, with 9 million deaths annually

Pollution is the leading cause of disease and premature death, with approximately 9 million deaths annually. This figure corresponds to around one in six deaths worldwide. The majority of these deaths are due to air pollution, with water pollution and exposure to toxic chemicals, such as lead, also being significant contributors.

Air pollution, in particular, has become the second-leading risk factor for death globally, including for children under five years old. In 2021, air pollution was linked to the deaths of more than 700,000 children under five, with 500,000 of these linked to household air pollution from cooking indoors with polluting fuels, predominantly in Africa and Asia. The health effects of air pollution on children include premature birth, low birth weight, asthma, and lung diseases. In addition, exposure to air pollution in young children is associated with pneumonia and asthma, the most common chronic respiratory disease in older children.

The impact of air pollution on mortality rates varies significantly between high-income and low- and middle-income countries. In 2021, the air pollution-linked death rate in children under five in East, West, Central, and Southern Africa was 100 times higher than in high-income countries. Similarly, 90% of the deaths caused by lead exposure in 2019 occurred in low- and middle-income countries. These disparities highlight the deep inequities linked to the impact of pollution on health.

The costs of pollution-related diseases are substantial, with recent evidence suggesting that they are mainly due to outdoor and household air pollution, as well as exposure to lead and other chemicals. In 2019, the economic burden of pollution-related premature mortality and morbidity was equivalent to 5-14% of countries' GDPs, resulting in a global cost of $6 trillion, or 6.9% of global GDP.

Addressing the root causes of pollution, such as the dominant "take, make, waste" linear economy, and implementing effective pollution control measures are crucial to reducing the unacceptable toll of pollution on health and human capital, as well as mitigating its impact on climate change and ecosystems.

Fossil fuels, including coal, natural gas and oil, are the primary sources of air pollution

Fossil fuels, including coal, natural gas, and oil, have been the primary energy source for over 150 years, currently supplying about 80% of the world's energy. However, burning these fuels releases harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, making them a leading contributor to air pollution.

The combustion of coal releases various toxic substances, such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, mercury, and particulate matter. These pollutants have detrimental effects on both human health and the environment. For example, mercury can attack the central nervous system, causing harm. Coal ash, a waste product from coal combustion, is also challenging to recycle and often ends up polluting waterways.

Natural gas, while emitting less carbon dioxide and air pollutants than coal, still contributes to air pollution. Leaks from natural gas infrastructure emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere. In 2020, natural gas was responsible for 36% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, burning natural gas releases nitrogen oxides, contributing to smog and acid rain formation.

Oil, another significant fossil fuel, has been the largest source of U.S. energy-related carbon emissions in recent years. The extraction and transportation of oil also pose risks, with thousands of oil spills occurring annually in the United States, harming both humans and animals.

The impact of fossil fuel usage extends beyond air pollution. It also contributes to water and land pollution and global warming. Furthermore, the production and use of petroleum-based products, such as plastics and chemicals, have additional negative consequences.

Addressing the root causes of pollution, such as the dominant "take, make, waste" linear economy, is crucial. This involves transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and implementing land use and public health reforms to protect vulnerable areas and communities.

Water pollution: our seas, rivers, lakes and reservoirs are filled with chemicals, waste, plastic and other harmful pollutants

Water is an essential resource for all living beings and is crucial for social and economic development, as well as energy production and adaptation to climate change. However, our seas, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs are filled with chemicals, waste, plastic, and other harmful pollutants, endangering the health of millions worldwide.

The main water pollutants include bacteria, viruses, parasites, fertilisers, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, nitrates, phosphates, plastics, faecal waste, and even radioactive substances. These substances are often invisible, as they do not always change the colour of the water. They originate from various sources, including industrial waste, agricultural sites, mines, manufacturing plants, and individual actions.

Industrial waste, for example, can contain toxic chemicals and pollutants that are dumped into nearby freshwater systems, easily contaminating the water and making it unsafe for human consumption. Agricultural sites contribute through the use of chemicals and pesticides to protect crops, which then seep into groundwater and harm both the environment and humans. Individual actions, such as pouring chemicals or detergents down the drain, also contribute to water pollution, as these substances can enter wastewater and cause toxic pollution.

The consequences of water pollution are dire. It can cause the death of aquatic animals, reduce their lifespan and reproduction abilities, and disrupt ecosystems. Polluted drinking water can transmit diseases such as cholera, hepatitis A, and dysentery, with an estimated 2 billion people having no choice but to consume contaminated water. It also affects sectors like commercial fishing, recreational businesses, and tourism, which rely on clean water.

To address water pollution, we must implement measures such as reducing CO2 emissions, properly treating and reusing wastewater, and restricting the use of single-use plastics. Additionally, we should advocate for policy changes and scientific advancements to tackle larger issues, including marine dumping and offshore oil spills.

Human activities such as industrialisation and farming are causing species extinction at an unprecedented rate

Industrial activities often lead to increased exposure to chemicals and toxic materials, resulting in polluted lands. For instance, the toxic compound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), found in traffic exhaust and wildfire smoke, has been linked to adverse health effects such as eye and lung irritation, blood and liver issues, and even cancer. Additionally, lead exposure, a common issue in lower- and middle-income countries, has led to a loss of IQ points in children.

The World Bank has recognised the importance of addressing the root causes of pollution and has taken steps to increase the identification of toxic sites and research their health and economic impacts. By providing greater clarity on the links between toxic waste, economic impact, and health, decision-makers can make more informed choices to mitigate the negative environmental consequences of industrialisation.

Furthermore, global warming, driven by human activities, has become a significant contributor to wildlife decline. As local climates change or shrink, many species struggle to survive, pushing them closer to extinction. This is particularly evident in the tropics, where biodiversity loss is projected to accelerate through 2050 unless countries implement more aggressive conservation measures.

Human activities, including both modern and prehistoric practices, have altered natural ecosystems through the reduction or loss of certain species, the introduction of others, and modifications to landscapes, soils, and water supply. For example, prehistoric humans overexploited sea otters, leading to changes in the coastal ecosystems of the Aleutian Islands. As a result of these human activities, the current extinction rate is significantly greater than background rates, and the impact on ecosystems and human survival is dire.

Pollution disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries, with 95% of deaths occurring in these regions

Air pollution is one of the world's leading causes of death, with over 9 million premature deaths caused by pollution each year, the majority of which are due to air pollution. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99% of human beings currently breathe air that exceeds the WHO's guideline limits for pollutants, with those living in low- and middle-income countries suffering the most. Indeed, 95% of deaths caused by air pollution occur in these countries.

There are several reasons why pollution disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries. Firstly, industrial plants, transport corridors, and other pollution sources are disproportionately placed in low-income neighbourhoods, leading to higher air pollution levels in these areas. This is further exacerbated by a lack of stringent air quality regulations and the prevalence of older, more polluting machinery and vehicles in these countries. Fossil fuel subsidies, congested urban transport systems, rapidly developing industrial sectors, and cut-and-burn practices in agriculture also contribute to heightened pollution concentration levels.

Secondly, low-income communities tend to be more exposed to outdoor physical labour and are more likely to live in areas with high pollution levels. They are also more vulnerable to serious health impacts due to constraints on healthcare accessibility, availability, and quality. As a result, pollution-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and exposure to lead and other chemicals, disproportionately affect these communities.

Finally, socioeconomic inequalities play a role in the disproportionate impact of pollution on low- and middle-income countries. Ethnic minorities and low-income populations are often exposed to higher pollution levels, and socioeconomic marginalization can increase people's exposure and vulnerability to air pollution. Evidence suggests that air pollution reinforces these inequalities, and these disparities have increased over time.

Addressing the disproportionate impact of pollution on low- and middle-income countries requires implementing targeted measures to reduce the pollution intensity of economic growth. This includes supporting the uptake of less polluting technologies, transitioning to cleaner fuels, and mandating transparent accounting for environmental and health externalities in planning decisions. Expanding access to affordable and adequate healthcare in large urban centres in these countries can also help reduce mortality rates due to pollution.

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