Table of Contents
Champions of clean air: People power in the fight against air pollution
The Global Air Pollution Crisis
Air pollution is a global crisis that poses a severe threat to human health. According to the latest report from the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI), air pollution is the greatest global threat to human health. The World Health Organization (WHO) has revised its air pollution guidelines to reflect the significant damage it can cause to human health. Shockingly, the report found that 99% of the world’s population is breathing unhealthy air. The effects of air pollution can lead to a range of diseases, including lung disease, heart disease, strokes, and cancer.
Despite the clear warnings and health risks, governments and companies responsible for the air pollution crisis are not doing enough to tackle the issue. This has led to a growing global people’s movement advocating for clean air and demanding local solutions to monitor air quality, develop sustainable public transportation, and transition to greener energy sources.
Champions of Clean Air
In the face of government and corporate inaction, there are individuals and communities rising up to fight against air pollution. These champions of clean air are inspiring and empowering others in their communities to take action. Let’s meet some of these remarkable individuals:
Thailand – Involving Indigenous Knowledge in Tackling Air Pollution
Prue Odochao, a farmer and leader of the Ban Samoeng Tai community in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, is fighting against the impact of air pollution. The main source of pollution in the region is seasonal agricultural burning for animal feed, which contributes to existing industrial and motor vehicle pollution in cities. Prue, from the Pgakenyaw Indigenous group, recognizes the importance of including Indigenous knowledge in tackling air pollution. He believes that the wisdom and knowledge of Indigenous Peoples should be taken into account to address this issue effectively.
Thailand – Advocating for the People’s Right to Know
Penchom Saetang, Founding Executive Director of Ecological Alert and Recovery–Thailand (EARTH), has been advocating for the Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) law to reduce pollution from industries. The PRTR law aims to inform the public about the industrial pollutants being released and their potential health impacts. Penchom’s activism began when she discovered elevated levels of pollutants near a coal-powered plant in the Map Ta Phut area. She believes in creating a collaborative environment where the voices and observations of communities are valued, leading to informed decision-making and positive outcomes for all.
Indonesia – Suing for Clean Air
Elisa, a Jakarta resident, filed a lawsuit against the Indonesian President and government members for their inaction on air pollution. Jakarta, one of the most polluted cities in the world, suffers from emissions from transportation, industrial facilities, and coal-fired power plants. Elisa, who was diagnosed with cancer, became concerned about the impact of air pollution on her children’s health. She emphasizes the crucial role of the government in implementing pollution control measures that will provide a better life and better air for future generations.
South Africa – Building Climate Change Resilience at the Grassroots Level
Thabo Sibeko, a Senior Programs Officer at Earthlife Africa, is passionate about building climate change resilience at the grassroots level. South Africa’s dependence on coal for electricity generation has led to severe air pollution in the country. Thabo believes in empowering local communities with information to make informed decisions in response to air pollution and the climate crisis. He aims to establish access to information and facilitate dialogue so that communities can bring about development without destroying the environment.
Malaysia – Putting an End to Transboundary Haze
Dr. Helena Varkkey, an educator and researcher on environmental politics and governance in Malaysia, is focused on tackling transboundary haze caused by peatland destruction and agricultural practices. She filed a complaint along with Greenpeace Malaysia for the recognition of basic human rights to clean, haze-free air. Dr. Varkkey emphasizes the importance of raising awareness and getting enough people to recognize their right to clean air. She believes that clean air is a fundamental issue that deserves attention and action.
Democratic Republic of Congo – Informing the Community on the Importance of Clean Air
Philemon Nzanzu Mulimirwa, a youth activist campaigning for the climate in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is working to create awareness within his community about the importance of clean air. The DRC is among the most polluted countries in West and Central Africa, and poor air quality has had a severe impact on the health of vulnerable populations. Philemon believes in civil participation in climate advocacy and calls for collaboration to address air pollution.
People Power in the Fight Against Air Pollution
These stories of community heroes show us that people power is a crucial part of the solution to air pollution. These individuals are taking action, inspiring and empowering others to demand clean air and work towards local solutions. Their efforts highlight the importance of involving Indigenous knowledge, ensuring public access to information about industrial pollutants, holding governments accountable through legal action, building resilience at the grassroots level, and raising awareness within communities.
Editorial: The Urgency of Government Action
While the efforts of these champions of clean air are commendable, it is clear that governments and companies bear the primary responsibility for tackling air pollution. The examples from Thailand, Indonesia, South Africa, Malaysia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo highlight the need for stronger government action on multiple fronts.
First, governments must recognize and respect the wisdom and knowledge of Indigenous Peoples in formulating strategies to address air pollution. Indigenous practices and traditions have proven to be effective in managing natural resources, and their inclusion is crucial for sustainable solutions.
Second, governments must prioritize the people’s right to know about industrial pollutants and their potential health impacts. The implementation of laws, such as the PRTR law in Thailand, can significantly contribute to informed decision-making and public participation in addressing air pollution.
Third, governments must be held accountable for their inaction. Legal action, as seen in Indonesia, can play a vital role in establishing the responsibility of governments to protect their citizens’ right to clean air. Court rulings should be followed by concrete measures to improve air quality.
Fourth, governments must transition to cleaner and more sustainable sources of energy. South Africa’s dependence on coal and Indonesia’s reliance on coal-fired power plants contribute significantly to air pollution. Governments should prioritize investments in renewable energy sources and support the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Fifth, governments must ensure adequate monitoring and enforcement of air pollution standards. This includes establishing monitoring stations, implementing stricter emissions regulations, and holding polluting industries accountable for their actions.
Advice: Taking Individual Action
While government action is crucial, individuals can also make a difference in the fight against air pollution. Here are some steps individuals can take to contribute to cleaner air:
- Support and engage with local organizations and initiatives that advocate for clean air and environmental justice.
- Reduce personal air pollution by using public transportation, walking, or cycling instead of driving, and opting for clean energy sources at home.
- Educate yourself and others about the causes and consequences of air pollution, and promote awareness within your communities.
- Vote for political leaders who prioritize environmental protection and are committed to taking action against air pollution.
- Support and invest in renewable energy projects and technologies to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Remember, the fight against air pollution requires collective action. By taking individual steps and demanding government action, we can work towards a cleaner and healthier future for all.
<< photo by Obi – @pixel7propix >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
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