Community initiatives like having a car-free day can help to cut emissions, as well as raise awareness on what individuals can do to help reduce air pollution. — Filepic
Climate change and air pollution often stem from the same sources, such as fossil fuel combustion.
When fossil fuels are burned for energy, transportation and industrial processes, they release various pollutants into the atmosphere.
These include greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane, alongside others that affect our health, such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides, and sulphur dioxide.
Aerosols, including PM, have complex effects on the climate.
Some aerosols can cool the Earth’s surface by reflecting sunlight back into space, others absorb heat and contribute to warming.
Ground-level ozone – a secondary pollutant formed by reactions between nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight – is both a greenhouse gas and a harmful air pollutant.
Rising temperatures can increase the formation of ground-level ozone and exacerbate the frequency and intensity of wildfires, which release vast amounts of PM and other pollutants into the atmosphere.
Changes in weather patterns, such as altered wind directions and precipitation rates, can affect the dispersion and concentration of air pollutants.
For example, prolonged heat waves – a consequence of climate change – can lead to higher energy demand for cooling, thus increasing emissions from power plants.
Impacting our health
More than eight million deaths were caused by air pollution in 2021, according to a recently-released study by the American non-profit corporation Health Effects Institute.
Air pollution affects various systems in the body, leading to both acute and chronic conditions.
The respiratory system is particularly vulnerable; pollutants such as PM and nitrogen oxides can irritate and inflame our airways, leading to coughing and throat irritation.
Long-term exposure to these pollutants can lead to chronic lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer.
Children and the elderly are especially susceptible to these effects, as are individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
In a landmark case, a coroner ruled that the death of a nine-year-old child who died in London in 2013 was due to air pollution exposure.
Philip Barlow said that “the whole of Ella’s life was lived in close proximity to highly-polluting roads.
“I have no difficulty in concluding that her personal exposure to nitrogen dioxide and PM was very high.”
The cardiovascular system is also significantly impacted by air pollution.
PM2.5 (fine particulate matter of 2.5 microns or less in diameter) can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, contributing to cardiovascular (heart) diseases such as heart attacks, hypertension (high blood pressure) and strokes.
Pollutants can cause systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, damaging blood vessels and the heart.
Studies have shown that long-term exposure to high levels of air pollution is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality (i.e. death from diseases of the heart or blood vessels).
There are also studies indicating that air pollution may also affect the central nervous system, contributing to cognitive decline, dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Pollutants like PM2.5 can cross the blood-brain barrier, leading to inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain.
Developmental and reproductive health is another area where air pollution has significant impacts.
Pregnant women exposed to high levels of air pollution are at a higher risk of adverse birth outcomes such as low birth weight babies, preterm birth and developmental issues in their children.
Air pollution can also affect fertility and has been linked to negative reproductive outcomes in both men and women.
Policy matters
National and international policies play a crucial role in reducing air pollution and mitigating climate change.
For example, the introduction of the Clean Air Act 1970 in the US was a seminal move.
It led to the regulation of air emissions from various sources and setting a National Ambient Air Quality Standard to protect public health.
Worsening air pollution had forced China into action.
It was calculated that more than 1.1 million Chinese citizens died because of air pollution, alongside an annual loss of US$37 billion (RM147 billion) due to pollution-induced crop failure.
This led to the release of the Air Pollution Action Plan in 2013, which was focused on controlling PM2.5 levels.
Policies that promote technological innovations are also essential.
Technological advancements are vital for reducing emissions from industrial activities, transportation and energy production.
Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap charts a course for the greater adoption of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydroelectric power.
This reduces reliance on fossil fuels, thereby lowering emissions of both air pollutants and greenhouse gases.
Implementing energy efficiency measures in buildings, transportation and industry further helps reduce emissions.
Together and individually
Local governments and communities can also implement measures that lead to significant changes.
The Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) for example, took the bold step more than a decade ago to implement a car-free morning for certain roads in the city, which is now a permanent weekly feature.
Meanwhile, the Environment Department carries out nationwide daily monitoring of air quality, as well as enforcement actions on vehicles and premises with excessive emissions.
Public awareness campaigns can help educate individuals about the sources and health impacts of air pollution, and promote behaviours that reduce emissions, such as using public transportation, reducing energy consumption and supporting clean energy initiatives.
Individuals can contribute to reducing air pollution and mitigating climate change by making conscious lifestyle choices.
Using public transportation, biking, walking and carpooling helps reduce emissions from personal vehicles.
Energy conservation measures, such as using energy-efficient appliances and reducing electricity use, can also lower emissions.
Supporting policies and products that promote sustainability and reduce pollution can further amplify individual efforts.
Mitigating the adverse effects of air pollution and climate change requires a comprehensive approach, involving policy measures, technological innovations, community initiatives and individual actions.
By addressing the sources of air pollution and promoting sustainable practices, we can protect public health and work towards a more stable and healthier environment.
Dr Helmy Haja Mydin is a consultant respiratory physician and Social & Economic Research Initiative senior policy advisor. For further information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
