Air

ISSUES

Air Pollution

2.4 Million Deaths Per Year
According to the WHO, atmospheric pollution is the cause of 2.4 million human deaths in the world. (1) In France, the 11 million tonnes of pollutants emitted into the atmosphere each year are responsible for 30 000 premature deaths. (2) (3) On average, these pollutants represent one year less life expectancy per person, causing heart failure as well as respiratory and reproductive disorders. They also increase the risk of allergic respiratory dieseases (like asthma, which has doubled over the last 20 years). [Debate]
Two Worlds
In industrialised countries, emissions from the main pollutants have greatly diminished as a result of both deindustrialisation and stricter regulations. (4) Since the 1980s, sulphur dioxide (SO2) discharge has decreased by 85%. Since the 1990s, lead emissions have fallen by over 96%, thanks to the introduction of lead-free petrol.

NEWS

US launches air pollution data in Shanghai

Beijing to get rid of 1,200 polluting enterprises

Europe writes off biggest environment satellite

Univers GoodPlanet par Netvibes

DEBATES

Action to Curb 'Soot' and 'Smog' Pollution Could Help Limit Global Temperature Rise

UNEP

Multiple Benefits Include Improved Air Quality and Human Health, Higher Crop Yields, Reduced Rate of Climate Change in the...

China Takes First Steps In the Fight Against Acid Rain

Amid China’s seemingly boundless emissions of industrial...

As China’s Pollution Toll Grows, Protesters and Media Push Back

In recent months, protests over the severe illnesses caused...

FOCUS

2011, year of forests : Acid rain

In the 1970s and 1980s, tens of millions of hectares of forest in Canada and Europe were damaged by a phenomenon about which little was known at the time: acid rain. Even in France, notably in the Vosges Mountains, many trees were affected by this rain as acid as...

VIDEOS

05/04/2012	The feature documentary SHATTERED SKY premieres at the DC Environmental...	30/08/2011	Over 14 years ago, the Aga Khan Planning and Building Service began a...
03/01/2011	bird kill in Argentina and Arkansas occured on same day at the same...	20/09/2010	China's coal-fired power plants dump enough toxic coal ash to fill an...

GREEN TIPS

To avoid indoor air pollution

To avoid VOCs, avoid combustion (smoke from tobacco, candles and incense). Choose green or natural cleaning...

INDICATORS

Ecological footprint

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