6,5 million people die annually from diseases caused by air pollution
Air pollution is one of the four main threats faced by society, ranking after high blood- pressure, dietary risks and smoking.
According to a report released by the International Energy Agency recently, poor air quality is the fourth greatest threat to our health.
The report stated that unregulated or inefficient production and use of energy is currently the single most important man-made source of air polluting emissions.
85 per cent of hazardous particulate matter, for instance, comes from the energy industry.
Particulate matter, which can contain acids, metals, soil and dust particles, has been linked to lung cancer, strokes and heart disease, among other ill effects.
“Clean air is a basic human right that most of the world’s population lacks,” said Fatih Birol, International Energy Agency Executive Director.
“We need to revise our approach to energy development so that communities are not forced to sacrifice clean air in return for economic growth,” she added.
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