Air Pollution: The Fourth Threat to Human Health

The International Energy Agency, in an analysis of air quality published on Monday, July 7, under the title "Global Energy Outlook," examined the relationship between energy, air pollution, and health. The Energy Agency states that increasing investment in current energy technologies and policies will reduce air pollution—currently the fourth greatest threat to human health—by half by 2040. Approximately six million and 500 thousand deaths occur worldwide each year due to air pollution, and this figure is expected to rise significantly in the coming decades unless effective measures are taken to reduce pollutants. The problem of air pollution is felt worldwide, especially in poor communities. No country is immune to the dangers of air pollution. About 80 percent of the urban population worldwide breathes air that is below the quality standards set by the World Health Organization. The agency predicts that premature deaths due to outdoor air pollution will rise from three million currently to four and a half million by 2040, with most of these deaths occurring in developing Asian countries. Meanwhile, premature deaths from indoor air pollution are expected to decrease from three and a half million to three million in the same timeframe, although a significant portion of these deaths is attributed to poverty and lack of access to modern energy resources. The report outlines ways the energy sector can help reduce air pollution. According to the International Energy Agency, air pollution is the fourth leading threat to human health after high blood pressure, poor nutrition, and tobacco use. The report states that energy production and consumption account for 85 percent of air pollution, while nearly all sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides are produced from fossil fuels. The agency notes that millions of tons of pollutants are released into the atmosphere each year from vehicles, power plants, etc., while still two billion and seven hundred million people rely on fuels such as wood, coal, and other biomass for personal use like cooking. The report mentions global commitments to reduce air pollution rates by 2040 and states that the reduction in pollutants is insufficient; only a seven percent increase in energy investments can significantly change the situation. It adds that the number of users of wood, coal, and other biomass fuels can be reduced to one billion and eight hundred thousand by 2040. In outdoor fuel consumption, policies can be adopted through investments to reduce annual deaths by one million and seven hundred thousand.