How air pollution became one the UK’s deadliest problems
How air pollution became one the UK's deadliest problems Environmental Health News
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From Ulez to Wood Burners: Battling Air Pollution for Sustainable Development Goals
In a report by Tim Moore in The Telegraph, the battle against air pollution is explored, emphasizing the importance of addressing this issue in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In a Nutshell
- After the tragic loss of Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah to hypersecretory asthma, her mother, Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, launched a relentless campaign to uncover the role of airborne pollution in her daughter’s death.
- A UK court ruling linked air pollution as a cause of Ella’s demise, highlighting the growing concern about the health impacts of pollution.
- Airborne pollutants, particularly PM2.5, have been connected to various health issues, leading to initiatives like the Ultra Low Emission Zone in London and the Clean Air (Human Rights) Bill aimed at establishing cleaner air standards.
Key Quote:
“Professor Sir Stephen Holgate, an authority on air quality, described Ella as ‘a canary in the coal mine’ due to her exceptionally sensitive airways. He observed that her lungs had significant damage, allowing the chemicals in the air to directly interact with her nerves and tissues.”
The Big Picture
- Air pollution not only exacerbates respiratory conditions like asthma but also increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and neurodegenerative disorders.
- Scientific understanding of both indoor and outdoor pollution is deepening, emphasizing the urgency to address this invisible but formidable threat to public well-being.
For more information, read the full article at The Telegraph.
Air pollution also affects unborn children. According to Huanjia Zhang, scientists estimate that millions of preterm births and underweight newborns worldwide can be attributed to long-term exposure to air pollution. Additionally, Kristina Marusic reported on a study suggesting that reducing air pollution in polluted cities could lower cancer rates as significantly as eliminating smoking would.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9 By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Air pollution-related deaths and illnesses |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6 By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | Air quality in cities |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Policies and strategies addressing air pollution |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article discusses the health impacts of air pollution, particularly PM2.5, on individuals, including respiratory conditions like asthma and risks of heart disease, stroke, and neurodegenerative disorders. This aligns with SDG 3, which aims to ensure good health and well-being for all.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article mentions efforts to combat pollution, such as the Ultra Low Emission Zone in London and the Clean Air (Human Rights) Bill aimed at establishing cleaner air standards. These initiatives contribute to SDG 11, which focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities.
SDG 13: Climate Action
The article highlights the need to address air pollution as a part of climate action. It mentions policies and strategies aimed at combating pollution. This aligns with SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 3.9
The article emphasizes the need to reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air pollution. This aligns with Target 3.9 under SDG 3, which aims to substantially reduce such deaths and illnesses by 2030.
Target 11.6
The article mentions the importance of paying special attention to air quality in cities. This aligns with Target 11.6 under SDG 11, which aims to reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including air quality.
Target 13.2
The article discusses the integration of climate change measures into policies and strategies addressing air pollution. This aligns with Target 13.2 under SDG 13, which aims to integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article mentions indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
– Air pollution-related deaths and illnesses: This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 3.9 under SDG 3.
– Air quality in cities: This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 11.6 under SDG 11.
– Policies and strategies addressing air pollution: This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 13.2 under SDG 13.
These indicators can help track the effectiveness of efforts to reduce air pollution and improve public health.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9 By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Air pollution-related deaths and illnesses |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6 By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | Air quality in cities |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Policies and strategies addressing air pollution |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: ehn.org
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