Why urgent action is needed to address pollution crisis
Plastic waste collectors at a plastic crusher in Kakuma town on February 18, 2024.
What you need to know:
- Air pollution remains one of the most critical forms of environmental degradation.
- The World Health Organization estimates that it is responsible for approximately seven million deaths each year due to diseases such as stroke, heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory infections.
The World Pollution Day, marked on December 2, was a poignant reminder of the earth's escalating pollution crisis. As nations confront the urgent need for environmental action, the day, also called the National Pollution Control Day, passed with little to celebrate.
This is particularly evident in light of the recent stalled negotiations in Busan, South Korea, which aimed to establish a legally binding treaty on plastic pollution but concluded without a concrete agreement. This lack of progress leaves stakeholders without firm plans to tackle one of our time's most pressing environmental issues.
Pollution - introducing harmful substances or contaminants into the environment - harms human health and ecosystems. It is recognised as the most significant environmental cause of disease and premature deaths globally, surpassing even tuberculosis and malaria combined. Major forms of pollution include air pollution, water pollution, plastic pollution, soil contamination, radioactive contamination, thermal pollution, noise pollution, light pollution, and visual pollution. Each type presents distinct sources and consequences.
In Africa, specifically, the impact of pollution is acutely felt amid rapid urbanisation and industrialisation. Cities grapple with severe air quality issues due to unregulated emissions from vehicles and industries. Water scarcity exacerbated by polluted sources limits access to safe drinking water for millions across the continent. Plastic waste clogs waterways and landscapes, harming wildlife and livelihoods dependent on clean environments.
Air pollution remains one of the most critical forms of environmental degradation. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that it is responsible for approximately seven million deaths each year due to diseases such as stroke, heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory infections. Air pollution sources include vehicle emissions, industrial discharges and household combustion of solid fuels. Urban areas across Africa and other continents often experience air quality below safe thresholds, exacerbating health crises and straining public health systems.
Water pollution through contaminated water sources can lead to severe health issues, including cholera and other waterborne diseases that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. The World Bank reports that polluted water contributes to over two million deaths annually. Agricultural runoff containing pesticides and fertilisers exacerbates water pollution, leading to toxic algal blooms that further degrade aquatic ecosystems.
Soil contamination is often overlooked in discussions about pollution. Contaminated soils can lead to reduced agricultural productivity and contribute to food insecurity. Heavy metals from industrial activities and chemicals from agrarian practices seep into the ground, posing risks to crops and human health through the food chain.
Plastic pollution is a global crisis in its own right, with the United Nations calling it a planetary crisis. Millions of tonnes of plastic enter oceans every year, devastating marine life through ingestion and entanglement. The recent negotiations in Busan were intended to address this crisis through international cooperation. The United Nations Environment Assembly had promised to conclude the Global Plastic Treaty by 2024 to tackle the world's “high and rapidly increasing levels of plastic pollution. Its postponement reflects the complexities involved in managing plastic waste globally.
A multifaceted approach is urgently needed to combat global plastic pollution effectively. This includes legislative action, technological innovation, community engagement and changes in consumer behaviour.
Transitioning to a circular economy will emphasise reusing materials and designing products for longevity and recyclability. Countries like Sweden are leading efforts with advanced recycling facilities that enhance recycling rates and reduce waste.
Improving waste management systems is vital; governments must invest in infrastructure while educating the public on proper disposal practices. Innovations in recycling technologies can further mitigate plastic waste by developing methods that efficiently process materials.
Legislative measures, including international treaties on plastic pollution and local initiatives like Kenya's ban on single-use plastics, are essential for regulating plastic production. Strategies such as banning single-use plastics, implemented by over 90 countries, have significantly reduced plastic waste.
Community engagement through grassroots movements and clean-up initiatives raise awareness and foster local action against plastic pollution. Changing consumer behaviour to favour reusable alternatives can significantly decrease demand for single-use plastics. Public awareness campaigns and business incentives for sustainable choices can support this shift.
The effects of pollution extend beyond immediate health concerns and threaten biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Habitat destruction caused by pollutants can lead to species extinction and disrupt ecological balance. The interconnectedness of these issues means that addressing one form of pollution often requires tackling others simultaneously.
To combat these challenges effectively, governments should implement stricter emissions regulations while investing in sustainable infrastructure that promotes clean energy and reduces reliance on fossil fuels. Countries must collaborate in international cooperation to share best practices and technologies for reducing pollution locally and globally.
Businesses are critical in this fight against pollution. Companies can significantly reduce their environmental footprint by adopting sustainable practices such as reducing waste production, utilising eco-friendly materials, and implementing recycling programmes. Consumer demand for sustainable products can drive change within industries. Therefore, raising awareness about the impacts of pollution is vital.
Individuals can make conscious choices in their daily lives by reducing plastic usage, supporting sustainable brands, and advocating for policies that protect the environment. Communities must be informed about the impacts of pollution on health and ecosystems to foster grassroots movements demanding change.
