Wildfires Exacerbate Air Pollution, a Major Threat to Human Health
A study released today reveals that air pollution, particularly in regions such as Asia and Africa, poses a greater risk to human health than tobacco or alcohol. The report, issued by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), states that “particulate air pollution remains the world’s greatest external risk to human health.” Despite this, the funding allocated to combat air pollution is significantly lower compared to infectious diseases.
Fine particulate matter, which is caused by fires, industrial activity, and motorized vehicles, is carcinogenic and increases the risk of lung disease, heart disease, and strokes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 36% of lung cancers, 34% of strokes, and 27% of heart disease cases are linked to these emissions.
Compliance with the WHO threshold for exposure to fine particles could increase global life expectancy by 2.3 years, according to EPIC’s estimates based on data collected in 2021.
Eastern Europe Faces Higher Air Pollution Levels Compared to Western Neighbors
The report highlights that 98.4% of Europe does not meet the WHO’s new guidelines for fine particle exposure of 5 μg/m3. While air quality has improved in Europe over the past few decades, this progress is threatened by factors such as increasing wildfires worldwide, which are caused by rising temperatures and more frequent droughts linked to climate change. These wildfires contribute to peaks in air pollution.
The impact of air pollution varies across Europe, with residents in eastern Europe experiencing 7.2 months less life expectancy compared to their western neighbors due to dirtier air. The Po Valley in northern Italy is an example of a highly polluted area, where residents’ life expectancy could improve by 1.6 years if pollution levels met WHO guidelines. Bosnia and Herzegovina remains the most polluted country in Europe, with people losing 1.8 years of their lives.
Six countries, namely Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, China, Nigeria, and Indonesia, bear the brunt of air pollution’s impact, accounting for three-quarters of its global impact. Inhabitants of these countries lose anywhere from one to more than six years of their lives due to the air they breathe. New Delhi, in particular, remains the world’s most polluted megacity with an annual average fine particulate matter rate exceeding WHO’s recommended level by a significant margin.
China has made efforts to improve its air quality, reducing average pollution by 42.3% between 2013 and 2021. However, the EPIC report notes that China’s pollution levels are still six times higher than the WHO guideline.
Lack of International Measures to Combat Air Pollution
One of the major challenges highlighted by EPIC scientists is the lack of basic air pollution infrastructure in many polluted countries. In Asia and Africa, which contribute 92.7% of life years lost due to pollution, only 6.8% and 3.7% of governments provide their citizens with fully open air quality data, respectively.
While the Global Fund allocates €3.7 billion to combat HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, there is currently no international plan to address air pollution. However, air pollution poses a greater threat to people living in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo or Cameroon than diseases like HIV or malaria.
SDGs, Targets, and 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.
- Indicator: 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.
- Indicator: Proportion of urban population living in areas where air quality meets WHO guidelines.
-
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, missing persons, and directly affected people attributed to climate-related hazards.
| 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. | Proportion of urban population living in areas where air quality meets WHO guidelines. |
| 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, missing persons, and directly affected people attributed to climate-related hazards. |
Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and 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 specific targets that can be identified are:
– 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. The indicators are:
– Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution (Target 3.9).
– Proportion of urban population living in areas where air quality meets WHO guidelines (Target 11.6).
– Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected people attributed to climate-related hazards (Target 13.1).
The article mentions the impact of air pollution on human health, specifically the increased risk of lung disease, heart disease, and strokes. It also highlights the importance of meeting WHO guidelines for exposure to fine particles to increase global life expectancy. These pieces of information can be used to measure progress towards reducing deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution.
The article discusses the variation in air quality across Europe and the impact on residents’ life expectancy. This information can be used to measure progress towards the target of reducing the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, particularly in terms of air quality.
The article mentions the increasing number of wildfires caused by rising temperatures and more frequent droughts linked to climate change. It also highlights the efforts of China in improving its air quality. These pieces of information can be used to measure progress towards strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
Overall, the article provides relevant information and implications for measuring progress towards the identified targets under SDGs 3, 11, and 13.
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: euronews.com
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
