June 03, 2019

Walking the talk in beating air pollution

located:	Mexico, Kenya
editor:	Bob Koigi

Picture this. Nine out of ten people globally live in extremely air polluted areas that have surpassed the World Health Organization’s guideline limits in what has seen a proliferation of lung and cardiovascular diseases like cancer and stroke. As a result, an estimated 7 million people the world over die prematurely each year from air pollution, with researchers positing that this type of pollution is killing more people every year than smoking.

These are the new realities that the world has to confront as we mark this year’s World Environment Day this June 5. The burden is particularly felt by the vulnerable; women, children and a majority of communities in the least developed countries across the globe. Out of all global deaths associated with pollution in our air, 4 million occur in the Asia Pacific.  

On the other hand, over 1.7 million children under the age of 5 years die yearly from exposure to environmental risks, like second-hand smoking and outdoor air pollution according to the World Health Organization. This, as the pollution continues to cost the global economy some $5 trillion each year in welfare costs. The pollution of the ground-level ozone – if left unchecked – will decrease crop yields by up to 26 percent by 2030 scientists say.

Yet data tells us that our small acts can go a long way in saving lives and beating air pollution. More than 1 in 4 child deaths can be prevented by cleaning up the environment, it has been established.

With this year’s theme being a clarion call to beat air pollution, it is worth celebrating the initiatives and countries taking an active role in reducing their carbon footprint. From India’s scheme to provide 37 million women living below the poverty line with free green stoves to transition them to use cleaner energy in their homes, Mexico City’s drive to move to soot free buses and a ban on private diesel cars by 2025, to flower companies in Kenya replacing diesel powered lawn mowers and trucks with animals like sheep and donkeys, each commitment and act is one step closer to the realisation of a clean environment for all.

And even with a burgeoning demand for electricity and as countries seek to bridge the energy poverty gap, our attention should be on the array of modern, clean and renewable energy sources including wind, solar and geothermal that have proven their efficiency and sustainability in helping us reduce our carbon footprint.

While initial investment in these energy sources may appear staggering, the ultimate benefits cannot be quantified. Political action will therefore need to inspire this renaissance and global leaders should set targets and deliverables that demonstrate their commitment to beat air pollution and breathe new life into our environment.