Air pollution is a growing problem in our world today. From Delhi to U.S, almost every major city is facing air pollution in some way. There are many different sources of air pollution, but it’s often caused by fossil fuels and industrial processes which release greenhouse gas emissions into our atmosphere without being filtered.

The effects of air pollution are showing up every day and it is taking an extreme toll on adult’s health as well as children’s life .

Researches show the affects of air pollution on children are far worse than adults.

Children have smaller bodies, breath faster and their lunges are more vulnerable than adults. asthma, lung disease, and cancer which are all very serious illnesses, are just some of the affects that were proven so far.   

According to WHO  “Every day around 93% of the world’s children under the age of 15 years (1.8 billion children) breathe air that is so polluted it puts their health and development at serious risk. Tragically, many of them die: WHO estimates that in 2016, 600,000 children died from acute lower respiratory infections caused by polluted air.”

Air pollution can affect children even when they are in their mother’s womb 

 

According to American lung association: “Several studies have found air pollution linked to harm to children while they are still in the womb. A large study in California found that higher particle pollution levels increased the risk of preterm birth. Pregnant women exposed to even low levels of particle pollution had higher risk for preterm birth in a Boston study. Preterm births occurred more frequently when particle pollution spiked, as an Australian study found, even when they controlled for other risk factors.”

 

When is the time to act ?

Some promises were made in COP26 …

Based on Europeansting, During COP26 the World Economic Forum and the Clean Air Fund launched the first global private sector initiative to tackle air pollution.

Founding members of the Alliance for Clean Air are committed to measuring and decreasing their air pollution emissions, creating healthier communities around the world.

Members of the Alliance for Clean Air will:

1- Establish air pollution footprints on nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, particulate matter within 12 months

2- Pinpoint where they are being emitted to track human exposure

3- Set ambitious targets and objectives to reduce the air pollution emissions, with a clear action plan

4- Act as champions for clean air by raising awareness among employees, customers and communities about the impact of air pollution. They will also help them to reduce their exposure and support them to take action to reduce pollution

5- Use their assets innovatively to accelerate clean air solutions

 

 The need to reduce air pollution is obvious. Beyond the negative effects on children and adults, it has a devastating effect on our planet as well. We are already seeing the effects of global warming (which is a result of air pollution) in our daily life.  The question is should we keep giving promises or should we start acting on some of the old once?

 

Sources :
WHO
europeansting
Photo :
Skitterphoto