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Although efforts have been made in major cities to combat the serious effects of pollution on the general health of its citizens, progress remains to be made.
Karen Beck Pooley, Professor of Political Science and Director of the Environmental Policy Design Program at Lehigh University, told IPS: "One thing we always knew but did not lend to so much attention until recently people's immediate environments affect their health. "
The theme of the recent World Environment Day in 2019, highlighting the importance of recognizing air pollution as a recurring problem, was highlighted at official celebrations in China, this year's host country.
In addition, reports such as the one recently published in Sarajevo entitled "Atmospheric pollution and human health: the case of the Western Balkans" have highlighted the negative effects on the public.
Catriona Brady, head of the World's Green Building Council's "Better Places for People" campaign, told IPS that "air pollution is considered the greatest environmental threat to human health today."
"Research shows that more than 90% of the world's population is exposed to unhygienic air pollution levels, which include both large cities and small communities. The effects of this pollution on the health of citizens are rather horrible. Studies suggest that almost all organs of the human body can be affected by airborne toxic particles, resulting in approximately 7 million premature deaths each year. "
Pooley notes that current city planning can have an impact on the amount of pollution produced, stating that "the way we build our cities and the way people organize their lives in themselves affects how much we need traveling by car or truck. Or ecological objects we need, such as garbage cans, where these objects are and live in the midst of their effects. "
Although some projects are positive, such as the decision of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to phase out the use of coal in his country by 2030 or the Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta's plan to ban the Use of single-use plastics in the country's national parks, efforts are also being made. made both smaller and larger scale around the world.
Pooley notes, "For the moment, most environmental conservation work and attempts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and things of that nature come from cities. "
Brady said his organization "has embarked on a global campaign called" Air Quality in a Built Environment ", in partnership with the Coalition for Climate and Air Quality.
"Through this work, we are educating the public on the role of buildings and cities in the generation of emissions and air pollution, both inside and outside buildings, and we highlight strategies that can be helpful in mitigating them. The first step is monitoring – because we can not reduce what we can not measure. "
She also said, "We advocate the deployment of air quality controllers to provide detailed emission data around the world. With this data, we have the necessary information to put pressure on our decision makers so that they make the necessary changes to clean our energy network, our buildings and the quality of the air. "
Pooley says that citizens can make small changes that will also be useful. "Reducing the number of car trips can be very helpful because a lot of the pollution comes from cars. Thus, the more pedestrian and cycling places and the more trips made by vehicles other than cars, the less pollution we will have. "
Daily actions can be very helpful, but policy implementation can also help to deter the adverse effects of poor air quality on the lives of people living in these areas.
Brady suggests something similar, while maintaining that the action of citizens is important. Policy initiatives – such as the recent London Very Low Emission Zone – can help catalyze actions to clean up the air.
Enforcement of policies related to energy production, energy efficiency of buildings, construction practices, transportation, waste and many other factors is essential to maintaining the health of citizens.
"But the role of the citizen is also important. Reducing our lifestyle emissions in terms of energy consumption and choice, diet and methods of transportation is achievable for every person, "said Brady.
"And if you are worried about being exposed to pollution from cycling or walking, be aware that you are usually exposed to much higher levels of pollutants in a car in circulation or in an underground system!"
As world leaders come up with plans to help reduce the negative impact on the environment and cities apply new policies, it is clear that progress is being made to help create cleaner environments.
IPS
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