Stakeholders urge safer environment as air pollution kills 6.7m prematurely

Stakeholders in the environment sector, yesterday, regretted that air pollution has become one of the biggest threats to human health, resulting in 99 per cent of the world’s population breathing polluted air, 6.7 million premature deaths yearly and 2.4 billion others exposed to dangerous danger.

The experts, including United Nations and others, under the aegis of Professional Women Engineers, therefore, called for sustainable synergy, advocacy and commitment by individuals, communities and governments to tackle the menace.

They observed that every step taken to improve air quality is one more step towards addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.

The experts spoke at an event to mark the International Day of Clean Air (IDCA), celebrated every September 7.United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres, said: “Our air is a common good, and a common responsibility. Let us work together to clean it up, protect our health, and leave a healthy planet for generations to come. We call upon everyone, from governments and corporations to civil society and individuals to ensure this.”

The professionals said air pollution remains the biggest environmental health risk of our time, warning that exposure could lead to stroke, heart and lung diseases, cancer and others.

The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) Lagos chapter, in its goodwill message, urged Nigerians to reflect on the importance of clean air and the profound impact it has on lives, communities and the planet.

Chairman of the chapter, Mrs. Atinuke Owolabi, noted: “The quality of the air we breathe directly affects our health, our environment and the well-being of future generations.

“As engineers, our profession empowers us to design, innovate and implement solutions that can help combat air pollution, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create a healthier, more sustainable world. It is our responsibility to drive change and advocate for cleaner technologies and practices in our workplaces, industries and communities.”