Air pollution is a rising environmental concern all over the world. In the winter of 2023-24, we saw the shocking air quality of Delhi and many Indian states along with it. There were reports all over media outlets mentioning ill effects of air pollution. But the situation just worsened when we got reports mentioning thousands of children due to air pollution. 

Air pollution has become a major threat, surpassing poor sanitation as the second leading cause of death for children under five. The fifth edition of the State of Global Air (SoGA) Report 2024 reveals that India had the highest number of deaths among children under five in South Asia, approximately 160,000, due to air pollution in 2021. The latest report from the Health Effects Institute (HEI) and UNICEF attributes over 8 million deaths in 2021 to air pollution, with particulate matter (PM2.5) as a major factor. This pervasive issue not only affects health but exacerbates global inequalities, disproportionately impacting low and middle-income countries. 

The report highlights stark regional disparities, revealing that children in poorer nations face death rates that are 100 times higher than those in high-income countries, due to high air pollution. PM2.5 particles, smaller than 2.5 micrometers, penetrate the bloodstream and are linked to a range of severe health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and even neurological disorders like dementia. The prevalence of these particles has made them a significant predictor of poor health outcomes worldwide. 

Indoor air pollution, mainly from cooking with dirty fuels like biomass and coal, significantly contributes to global deaths. It affects about 2.3 billion people without access to clean cooking fuels. The report highlights the urgent need for global action, noting recent initiatives like the IEA summit, which raised funds to help communities transition to cleaner cooking methods.

Air pollution: climate crisis

The climate crisis worsens air quality issues, with rising temperatures and natural disasters like wildfires intensifying pollutant levels. Long-term exposure to pollutants such as the ozone layer has led to hundreds of thousands of deaths annually. The interconnectedness of air pollution with climate change demands integrated solutions that prioritize public health and environmental sustainability. 

Addressing this pollution isn’t just a health imperative but a moral and economic necessity. Governments worldwide must prioritize clean air initiatives, invest in clean energy technologies, and enforce regulations to mitigate pollutant emissions. The global community’s response to this crisis will determine the health and wellbeing of current and future generations. By taking decisive action now, we can safeguard public health, mitigate climate impacts, and create a cleaner, more sustainable future for all. 

This pollution remains an urgent global challenge, requiring collaborative efforts across borders and sectors to protect human health and preserve the planet for future generations.