Air pollution

Definition

“Air pollution is contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.”

Source: WHO

Explainer

Air pollution is largely caused by the same sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that are contributing to climate change, notably through the use of fossil fuels for power generation, industrial processes, transportation, etc. Air pollution is both a great threat to the environment, and has many negative implications for human health. Of the world’s population, 99% is breathing air that exceeds the WHO’s safety limits. Air pollution is the 4th-largest risk factor for early deaths globally, but the 2nd-largest risk factor in Africa.