Saharan dust leaves air across southern Europe ‘like custard powder’
Saharan dust cloud causes air pollution across southern Europe The Independent
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A Giant Dust Storm from the Sahara Desert Affects Southern and Eastern Europe
A giant dust storm from the Sahara Desert is covering much of southern and eastern Europe, leaving Mediterranean holiday hotspots such as Greece and Malta with air pollution up to 10 times recommended levels.
The dust cloud “has negatively impacted the air quality in affected countries and may cause restricted visibility, and mud rain, a mixture of rain and dust,” said EU monitoring service, Copernicus.
It comes after a similar dust cloud enveloped the Iberian peninsula last week, affecting Spain and Portugal.
Images from the Sentinel-3 satellite show the dust cloud hovering over southern Italy, Malta, Greece, Libya, and Tunisia.
Health Implications and Recommendations
- There was reduced visibility in Athens, and authorities on the Greek island of Crete issued a health alert for airborne particles well in excess of 50 micrograms per cubic metre.
- Individuals with respiratory issues, young children, and the elderly were advised to stay indoors where possible.
Theodoros Kolydas, director of Greece’s National Meteorological Centre, said the pollution and air particles should clear in the coming days as the wind direction changes.
“The dust has even reached the Baltic today, while covering a large part of Central and Eastern Europe,” he tweeted.
One Greece resident described the thick air caused by the phenomenon, saying: “It’s like the air is full of custard powder.”
Impact on Visibility and Air Quality
- The Met Office at the RAF base in Akrotiri, Cyprus, tweeted a satellite picture showing thick high cloud (red) approaching the island from the west.
- Visibility was reduced to between three and nine miles by the dust particles, it said.
In Malta, particulate levels reached 514 micrograms per cubic metre on Wednesday morning, according to the Times of Malta. Guidelines by the World Health Organisation say that levels should not exceed an average of 45 over a 24-hour period.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Indicator: Air pollution levels exceeding recommended limits in affected countries.
-
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 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.
- Indicator: Air pollution levels exceeding recommended limits in affected cities.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 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 levels exceeding recommended limits in affected countries. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 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 pollution levels exceeding recommended limits in affected cities. |
Analysis
-
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article highlights the negative impact of the dust storm on air quality in southern and eastern Europe. This is directly connected to SDG 3, as it aims to ensure good health and well-being for all. The dust cloud, which contains hazardous particles, can lead to respiratory issues and other health problems. Target 3.9 specifically addresses reducing deaths and illnesses from air pollution and contamination. The indicator mentioned in the article is the air pollution levels exceeding recommended limits in affected countries, indicating a failure to achieve this target.
-
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article mentions reduced visibility and health alerts due to the dust storm in cities like Athens and Crete. This relates to SDG 11, which focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities. Target 11.6 aims to reduce the adverse environmental impact of cities, including air quality. The indicator mentioned in the article is the air pollution levels exceeding recommended limits in affected cities, indicating a failure to achieve this target.
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Source: independent.co.uk
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