World Environment Day - Together, We Can Beat Air Pollution

World Environment Day (WED) observed annually on the 5th June aims to spread awareness about the dangers of environmental pollution and is a wake-up call to all of us to do our part to preserve and protect our environment.

Highlights:

World Environment Day is observed annually on the 5^th June
The main aim is to spread awareness about the dangers of environmental pollution and an urgent reminder to each one of us to contribute our mite to protect our environment
The World Environment Day campaign 2019 is being hosted by China and will be focusing on measures to reduce air pollution and improve the quality of the air we breathe

World Environment Day (WED) observed on the 5^th of June aims to create awareness about the dangers of environmental pollution. The theme for this year 2019 is ‘Air Pollution.’

Air Pollution Stands As the Largest Environmental Risk To Population Health In UK
Air pollution has been considered to be the biggest environmental threat to health in Britain with strong evidence that it is contributing to the development of coronary heart disease, stroke and respiratory diseases.

‘China will be hosting World Environment Day 2019, with the theme ‘Air Pollution.’ The campaign this year will focus on measures we should adopt to reduce air pollution and improve the quality of the air we breathe.’
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What We Can Do To Raise Awareness About World Environment Day Campaign

Download posters and logos from the official website and share widely in social media such as Facebook and Twitter to raise awareness about the dangers of environmental pollution and ways to reduce pollution
Make a personal contribution or organize a fundraiser and donate the proceeds to support the campaign
Take part in ‘Wear the Mask’ challenge to tell everyone that we want to breathe clean air
Make and sell ‘Save the Environment’ themed stuff such as T-shirts, mugs, bracelets online and donate the proceeds to support the campaign
Visual and print media should carry programs and reports highlighting the threats posed by environmental pollution and educate the public on measures to save the environment
Local administration should get actively involved and call upon the community to adopt measures to prevent pollution with a heavy penalty and fines for non-conformation
The youth of each community should visit slums and educate the residents about the importance of keeping the environment clean for the sake of their children and families
Youngsters should come together and clean their neighborhood regularly as public service

Indoor Exposure To Air Pollution Also Possible: Study
Air pollution can also be created inside the house, finds a new study. Relatively short-lasting wood and candle burning of a few hours increased residents' daily exposure to potentially hazardous particulate air pollution.

Facts and Figures on Air Pollution

Air pollution refers to chemicals and particulate matter in the atmosphere that is harmful to health
Sources of outdoor air pollution include cigarette smoke, emissions from vehicles and factories, burning of garbage
Indoor air pollution can be caused by smoke from wood or coal used for cooking
When volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) come in contact with the ultraviolet rays the air, the ground level is ozone is formed. This compound is harmful to lungs and causes respiratory disease or aggravates pre-existing lung conditions
It is estimated that 92% of the global population do not breathe clean air
Longterm effects of air pollution are permanent and can affect the heart, lungs, kidneys, nerves and brain
Young children and the elderly are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution
Uncontrolled air pollution due to greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide results in global warming
The Kyoto Protocol, established in Japan, in 1997, is an agreement by 183 countries that they will actively work towards reducing carbon emissions
The WHO has issued new air quality guidelines in 2006 aiming to reduce air pollution-related deaths by 15% per year

Air Pollution Leads to Increased Hospital Visits for Heart, Lung Disease
Outdoor air pollution affects millions of people worldwide. Exposure to air pollutants can lead to increased emergency department (ED) visits for heart and lung diseases, reveals a new study.

Measures to Reduce Air Pollution

Use public transport or decide to carpool, better still walk or cycle
Opt for electrically powered transport and use electric cabs if available
Turn off your vehicle engine at stops and traffic signals
Reduce intake of dairy and meat and help to contain methane emissions
Practice safe garbage disposal; compost organic waste and segregate plastic and other non-recyclable waste
Avoid burning of garbage
Builders must make eco-friendly green homes to reduce the carbon footprint
Opt for high-efficiency home equipment such as cooling and heating systems
Turn off electric gadgets and electricity when not in use
Opt for eco-friendly and non-toxic paints and furnishings

Household Tasks: Hidden Source of Air Pollution
Cooking, cleaning and other routine household activities generate significant levels of volatile and particulate chemicals inside the average home, leading to indoor air quality levels on par with a polluted major city.

History of World Environment Day

World Environment Day is a United Nations-backed campaign to raise and spread worldwide awareness about threats to the environment and measures to protect our environment. Since it began in 1974, the campaign observed annually on the 5^th June has grown to become the major platform working for the cause of saving the environment and is celebrated in over 100 countries.

Each year a theme of environmental concern is chosen as the main focus to address during the campaign and for the rest of the year to preserve the environment.

The event in 2018 was hosted by India with the theme of ‘Beating Plastic Pollution.’

World Environment Day 2019 is hosted by China, and the theme is ‘Beating Air Pollution.’ Each one of us has a responsibility to do our part either alone or as a group, directly or indirectly and show our support and solidarity to protect and preserve our planet.

References:

World Environment Day 2019 - (https://www.greeningtheblue.org/event/world-environment-day)
A healthy environment is the foundation of human life - (https://www.unenvironment.org/environment-you)
Air pollution - (https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/air-pollution/)

Source-Medindia