Air Pollution and its Impact on Health
As wildfires continue to spread across the Northern Hemisphere, there is growing concern about the health effects of the smoky air. Air pollution, in general, is a significant risk factor for illness and death worldwide. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study, it is the fourth-leading risk factor for early death and disability, ranking just below tobacco and higher than alcohol use. While wildfires contribute to air pollution and have caused an estimated 130,000 deaths globally in 2019, there are other sources of bad air that people are exposed to daily, which can also lead to health problems.
Impact of Air Pollution on Different Age Groups
The Global Burden of Disease study conducted by IHME found that newborn babies aged 0 to 6 days have high rates of death linked to air pollution. Other vulnerable groups include slightly older newborns (ages 7 to 27 days) and older adults. Air pollution contributes to low birthweight and preterm births, making infants more susceptible to infectious diseases and long-term disabilities. Additionally, certain conditions associated with pollution exposure, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), take many years to develop and primarily affect adults.
Most Affected Regions by Air Pollution
The State of Global Air 2020 report, produced by the Health Effects Institute and IHME, identified countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East as the most affected by air pollution. India, Nepal, Niger, Qatar, Nigeria, Egypt, Mauritania, Cameroon, Bangladesh, and Pakistan had the highest average annual exposures to ambient air pollution in the last decade. South Asia, in particular, consistently experiences high levels of air pollution, with countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh seeing increasing exposure. The degree of pollution in a country also depends on its national policies to reduce pollution. For example, China’s five-year plan to improve air quality resulted in a 30% drop in ambient pollution levels between 2013 and 2017.
Income Disparities and Air Pollution
In 2019, 90% of the world population experienced pollution levels that exceeded WHO’s Air Quality Guidelines. However, higher-income countries generally have cleaner air compared to lower-income countries. Over the past decade, progress in improving air quality disparities has been limited, except for household air pollution caused by cooking with solid fuels. Lower-income countries tend to rely more on solid fuels for cooking, which leads to higher household air pollution. Countries like India and China have successfully reduced household air pollution and associated mortality by promoting the use of cleaner cooking fuels.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Indicator: Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution.
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SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- Indicator: Ambient air pollution levels in cities.
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SDG 13: Climate Action
- Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
- Indicator: Number of deaths and economic losses attributed to climate-related hazards.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | Ambient air pollution levels in cities. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | Number of deaths and economic losses attributed to climate-related hazards. |
Analysis
The article highlights the issue of air pollution and its impact on health, specifically focusing on the risks and consequences associated with air pollution. Based on the content of the article, the following analysis can be made:
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to the following SDGs:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets can be identified:
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution (Indicator for Target 3.9)
- Ambient air pollution levels in cities (Indicator for Target 11.6)
- Number of deaths and economic losses attributed to climate-related hazards (Indicator for Target 13.1)
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: healthdata.org
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