Air pollution – Is It A Problem?

Air pollution in London and indeed the world, is a far bigger problem than many governments and politicians would care to accept.

Unfortunately air pollution causes a large number of deaths and incidences of respiratory diseases. Bad air quality can affect human health indirectly too. This includes through acid rain resulting in the pollution of drinking water. The result is that air pollution problems thus also enter the food chain.

It is widely accepted and known that air pollution can cause damage to agricultural sector, in particular, to crops, vegetation and ecosystems.

Air Pollution Causes Climate Change

Another not very often linked feature of air pollution is climate change. This is through increased emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) that warm the earth’s atmosphere.

Air pollution is also known to deplete the ozone layer in the atmosphere. As a result the earth faces an increase in exposure to harmful ultraviolet light (chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other similar gases).

Air Pollution and the World Health Organisation

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) air pollution is “contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere. Household combustion devices, motor vehicles, industrial facilities and forest fires are common sources of air pollution. Pollutants of major public health concern include particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. Outdoor and indoor air pollution cause respiratory and other diseases, which can be fatal.“

However, in this climate conscious age, environmental air pollution is something that must not be regarded as someone else’s problem.

In particular, Tahir’s practice includes environmental climate change law, the application and interpretation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) which provides for internationally binding emission reduction targets on State Parties to reduce greenhouse gases, in particular CO₂ emissions. In light of the recent VW emissions scandal, this has seen a sharp focus on fossil fuel emissions and air pollution. For more information and advice on air pollution contact Tahir direct or use the form below.