Air is the “ocean” we breathe, which provides us with oxygen essential for life. However, human activities release pollutants into the air, causing significant harm to humans, plants, and animals.
According to the United Nations, air pollution is the biggest environmental health risk of our time, with 99% of the global population breathing polluted air. It exacerbates climate change, causes economic losses, and reduces agricultural productivity.
Air pollution, which is manifested in various forms: such as smog, acid rain, global warming, and ozone layer depletion, is responsible for many of the environmental problems we face today. These issues have serious implications for human health and well-being. Polluted air affects everyone, as harmful substances like smoke, dust, fumes and toxic gases enter the atmosphere. Once airborne, these pollutants pose a significant risk to life on Earth.
To combat air pollution, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented the Environmental Protection (Air Quality) Regulations (2000). These regulations aim to address and control air pollution, ensuring that atmospheric pollutants remain within allowable levels that do not endanger the health of people, animals, or the environment.
Ensuring good air quality
Although air quality is a critical issue, it is often invisible. Ground-level ozone and particulate matter can trigger a range of health problems, including asthma attacks, and can even damage crops. Ensuring good air quality requires effort at both individual and collective levels. Simple actions such as proper ventilation, using energy-efficient appliances, and planting trees can significantly improve air quality.
The EPA plays a vital role in ensuring that pollutants released by human activities do not exceed safe levels.
According to the Environmental Protection (Air Quality) Regulations 2000, any facility emitting air pollutants must be registered with the Agency and an Environmental Authorization must be applied for it. Unauthorized emissions are prohibited, and businesses are required to submit a list of contaminants they produce, which the EPA monitors to minimize environmental and public exposure.
A global responsibility
Air pollution knows no borders; it affects all living beings. That is why the United Nations declared September 7 as the “International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies”, to raise awareness and encourage action at all levels to improve air quality.
Everyone has a role to play in protecting our atmosphere and ensuring healthy air for all. Governments, corporations and civil society must collaborate and invest in reducing air pollution. By working together, we can achieve transformative change and create a healthier environment for future generations.
On this International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, let’s all pledge to #InvestInCleanAirNow and contribute to a safer, cleaner world.
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