Air Pollution

Air Pollution and its Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Air pollution consists of chemicals or particles in the air that can harm the health of humans, animals, and plants. It can even damage buildings. Pollutants in the air take many forms. They can be gases, solid particles, or liquid droplets.

Sources of Air Pollution

Pollution enters the Earth’s atmosphere in many different ways. Most air pollution is created by people burning fossil fuels, which include coal, natural gas, and oil. Problems with human-caused air pollution began in the mid-1700s, during the Industrial Revolution. Today, the burning of fossil fuels in vehicles, airplanes, power plants, and factories remains a major source of air pollutants. Cigarette and e-cigarette smoke are also considered air pollution. Some types of air pollution, such as smoke from wildfires, ash from volcanoes, and windblown sand or dust, occur naturally.

Air pollution is most common in large cities where emissions from many different sources are concentrated. Mountains or tall buildings in and around cities can prevent air pollution from spreading, resulting in smog. Large cities in economically developing nations tend to have worse air pollution than cities in economically developed nations. However, economically developed nations also face air pollution problems.

Indoor Air Pollution

Air pollution is not limited to outdoor environments. It is also a concern indoors. Naturally occurring radon gas and dangerous construction materials can contaminate indoor air. Poor ventilation can lead to the spread of toxic mold. Smoking is another source of indoor pollution, with secondhand smoke increasing the risk of lung cancer.

Effects on Humans

Exposure to air pollution can have both short-term and long-term effects on human health. Short-term effects include illnesses such as pneumonia or bronchitis, as well as discomfort and irritation to the nose, throat, eyes, or skin. Long-term effects can include heart disease, lung cancer, respiratory disease, and damage to various organs. Certain individuals, such as young children and older adults, are more sensitive to pollution, and pre-existing conditions can be worsened by exposure to air pollution.

The most dangerous types of air pollution are fine particulate matter and ultrafine particulate matter, which can enter the lungs and bloodstream, causing serious illness and even death.

Effects on the Environment

Air pollution not only affects humans but also animals, plants, and entire ecosystems. Acid rain, caused by sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide particles, damages plants, degrades water quality, and harms crops. Air pollution can contaminate bodies of water, soil, and even directly damage buildings. Animals can suffer health effects, and visibility of the environment can be reduced due to haze and smog.

Global Warming

Global warming, caused by anthropogenic air pollution, refers to rising air and ocean temperatures due to increased greenhouse gas emissions. Burning fossil fuels for energy consumption is the biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions. Other greenhouse gases emitted by natural and anthropogenic sources contribute to global warming. The effects of global warming, such as wildfires and desertification, worsen air pollution from natural sources.

Regulation

Many countries have taken steps to combat air pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Paris Agreement, signed by 195 nations, commits countries to adopt laws to reduce their air pollution emissions. Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) set guidelines and standards for air quality. Cap and trade programs, where companies are incentivized to limit their pollution, are implemented in various regions.

Reduction

Individuals can contribute to reducing air pollution by making simple changes in their lives, such as using public transportation, reducing energy consumption, and adopting sustainable practices. By taking these steps, we can work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and creating a healthier and cleaner environment for future generations.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Related to Air Pollution

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 15: Life on Land

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
• SDG 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.
• SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
• SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Number of deaths and illnesses related to air pollution
• Air quality index and levels of pollutants
• Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
• Conservation and restoration of terrestrial ecosystems

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: education.nationalgeographic.org