Air pollution is a major environmental issue that affects millions of people globally. The latest report by the EU environmental agency reveals that air pollution still causes over 1,200 premature deaths each year in under-18s across Europe. This is alarming, especially when considering that children are the future of our society. The report highlights that the level of key air pollutants in many European countries remains stubbornly above World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, particularly in central-eastern Europe and Italy. This situation is unacceptable and calls for immediate action.
The study, which focused specifically on children, reveals that deaths early in life represent a loss of future potential and come with a significant burden of chronic illness, both in childhood and later in life. Poor air quality around schools and nurseries, sports facilities, and mass transport hubs increases the risk of several health problems, including asthma, reduced lung function, respiratory infections, and allergies. These health problems can aggravate chronic conditions like asthma, which afflicts nine percent of children and adolescents in Europe, as well as increasing the risk of some chronic diseases later in adulthood.
Ninety-seven percent of the urban population were in 2021 exposed to air that did not meet WHO recommendations, according to figures released by the EEA. This highlights that the issue of air pollution is still prevalent in Europe and needs immediate attention. The EEA urges authorities to focus on improving air quality around schools and nurseries, sports facilities, and mass transport hubs.
To address this issue, governments must work together to reduce air pollution in their respective countries. They need to develop and implement effective policies to improve air quality around schools and nurseries, sports facilities, and mass transport hubs. This can be achieved by reducing emissions from industrial plants, transportation, and other sources of air pollution. Governments must also promote the use of cleaner forms of transportation, such as electric cars and bicycles.
The report did not cover the major industrial nations of Russia, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom, suggesting the overall death tolls for the continent could be higher. This highlights the need for these countries to take immediate action to address air pollution.
The situation in Europe looks better than for much of the planet, says the WHO, which blames air pollution for seven million deaths globally each year, almost as many as for cigarette smoking or bad diets. This is a staggering statistic that highlights the scale of the problem. Several hundred thousand of the deaths concern children under 15.
The EEA had last year underlined that the EU was on track to meet its target of reducing premature deaths by 50 percent by 2030 compared with 2005. However, more needs to be done to achieve this target. Governments need to take immediate and decisive action to reduce air pollution in their respective countries.
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Fine particulate matter, primarily from cars and trucks and which can penetrate deeply into the lungs, is considered the worst air pollutant, followed by nitrogen dioxide and ozone. To address this issue, governments need to promote the use of cleaner forms of transportation, such as electric cars and bicycles. They also need to reduce emissions from industrial plants and other sources of air pollution.
In conclusion, air pollution is a major environmental issue that affects millions of people globally. The latest report by the EU environmental agency reveals that air pollution still causes over 1,200 premature deaths each year in under-18s across Europe. Governments must take immediate and decisive action to reduce air pollution in their respective countries. They need to develop and implement effective policies to improve air quality around schools and nurseries, sports facilities, and mass transport hubs. They also need to promote the use of cleaner forms of transportation, such as electric cars and bicycles, and reduce emissions from industrial plants and other sources of air pollution.
