We Have to Work Harder to Clean Our Air

Global warming is a hot topic in the political world right now and so it should be. Most are aware of the dangers that mankind is having on our planet. But another area that, in my mind has sort of gone off the radar a bit, is the continuing and growing problem of air pollution.

We really have to put in greater efforts to protect our air. If not for us then for our children. I know that in China where in certain cities there is a lot of smog, most walk around with masks. This is very sensible but it is not really tackling the root causes. The whole world needs to act faster if we want our kids to live in a clean and pleasant environment.

We have to take action to clean our air

In the past year, The House of Lords in the UK passed new laws that set new clean air targets for levels of fine particulate pollution. These new targets must be reached by 2040. Sarah Woolnough, CEO at Asthma and Lung UK, responded to the law change, saying: “Air pollution is a public health emergency which causes 36,000 premature deaths in the UK every year. Having new legal targets to reduce pollution levels puts us on a path toward cleaner air, however, that path is set to be much longer than we had hoped."¹

And the future looks bleak...

Woolnough goes on to add some scary information facing our future. From what I understand, she was saying that these efforts likely won't be enough, and that for approximately the next 17 years people will likely be breathing in toxic pollution. Meaning, this is not a good thing for future generations. ¹

Being at risk because of my asthma

If there was ever a time to act fast it is right now. I imagine myself, and millions of others like me, being born now- with weak immune systems. Asthma sufferers, like myself, are most at risk. We would not stand a chance. It angers me.

I have several nephews and nieces. The idea that they are growing up in a world where they are breathing in toxic air is a major concern. It will no doubt have a profound effect on their health and well-being. And the current government's actions are way too slow. What is worse is that they do not seem to care.

If we have 17 more years of breathing in all this dirty air what will my lungs look like by then? I struggle now. The thought of this is very scary and what is worse is that one is completely and utterly helpless.

It is time to clean our air

Hopefully, this article and many others like this will go to raise awareness and highlight the danger for all if we continue to have a laissez-faire attitude toward our planet. All of our fate rests with the governments of today and the future.

"Tomorrow belongs to those who can hear it coming."- David Bowie