Air pollution, responsible for more than 8 million deaths annually, is intensifying globally, highlighting a major health crisis.
Victoria St. Martin reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- Air pollution and fine particulates causes more than 8 million deaths yearly, with roughly 5 million traceable to fossil fuels.
- Toxic air has a disproportionate impact on low-income and marginalized communities.
- COP28 has emphasized the urgent need for environmental justice and action but fossil fuel influences are hard at work protecting their business models and countering meaningful action.
Key quote:
“They’re big, big numbers; we listen to them, and then we forget. But the people that don’t forget are the families who are absolutely devastated by the quality of life of their loved one’s deteriorating, and ultimately their death.”
— Jane Burston, chief executive officer and founder of the Clean Air Fund
Why this matters:
This issue is crucial for planetary well-being and justice, as air pollution's rising toll impacts vulnerable communities most. It's a global problem, requiring urgent action and policy changes to reduce fossil fuel reliance and protect health.
