<
https://www.dw.com/en/4-ways-megacities-are-tackling-air-pollution/a-67645710>
'Air pollution is a major issue around the world: It contributes to around 7
million deaths a year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). People
living in the world's largest cities, from Delhi to Istanbul or Los Angeles,
are among the most affected. But a DW analysis reveals some surprisingly
encouraging news: In many megacities, the air is slowly getting better.
This analysis focused on one measure of air pollution: PM 2.5, fine particulate
matter made of various kinds of solid particles and liquid droplets that are
2.5 micrometer or less in size, much smaller than the width of a human hair.
This is often used as an indicator for pollution levels in general.
"The smaller these particles are, the deeper they can enter the body," said
Sophie Gumy of the WHO's Department of Climate Change, Environment and Health.
She told DW that PM 2.5 is so small it can enter the lungs and bloodstream,
where it can cause respiratory issues, heart disease and lung cancer.
Particulate matter in cities is mainly caused by emissions from cars and other
vehicles. Solid fuels like coal, wood or kerosene, which are used for energy,
heat and cooking, also contribute, along with industrial emissions and waste
burning.
To find out how pollution levels have developed in recent years, DW analyzed
data collated by Swiss data provider and manufacturer of air quality products
IQAir, covering PM 2.5 levels for cities with a population of more than 10
million. Of the 25 megacities with available data, almost all (21 cities) had
improved their air pollution levels between 2017 and 2022.'
Via
Future Crunch:
<
https://futurecrunch.com/good-news-malaria-vaccine-reforestation-china-poverty-india/>
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
