Letters | Air pollution is still a silent killer that needs global action

Readers discuss the urgent need to accelerate steps to combat air pollution, Hong Kong’s response to Japan’s release of waste water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant, and the steep rise in food prices in India

Climate change

Letters

Published: 11:30am, 8 Sep 2023

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On Clean Air Day yesterday, the harsh reality of outdoor air pollution and its devastating effects was inescapable.

Whether we live in rural or urban areas, the air we breathe could increase the risks of stroke, heart attack and respiratory diseases, and could even affect our brains, by accelerating dementia, for example.

Air pollution is estimated to cause up to 29 per cent of all lung cancer deaths, and recent research has found that airborne particulate matter, known as PM2.5, can trigger lung cancer even in non-smokers. Areas with high levels of PM2.5 also experience higher rates of other types of cancer.

The sources of these pollutants include burning fossil fuels, waste incineration, industrial operations and agriculture.

The World Health Organization estimates that 99 per cent of the world’s population breathes unhealthy air, and this is associated with 7 million premature deaths annually. The related health damages are estimated to cost US$8.1 trillion, equivalent to 6.1 per cent of global gross domestic product, according to the World Bank.

People living in low- and middle-income countries are particularly vulnerable, as they are more exposed to pollution from not just cooking stoves but also ageing, used vehicles imported from countries where drivers have switched to cleaner vehicles. Indeed, around 90 per cent of the premature deaths related to air pollution occurred in low- and middle-income countries.

Exposure to air pollution also limits our ability to engage in physical activity and lead healthier lives, further increasing the risk of developing diabetes, cancer and other non-communicable diseases.

While progress has been made in some countries, much more needs to be done globally. Transitioning to cleaner energy sources and adopting green urban planning strategies can significantly improve air quality and promote active lifestyles.

Cities such as Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Hangzhou have already implemented innovative solutions, transforming into havens for cyclists, helping reduce their carbon footprints.

The call for cleaner air is not just about eliminating a silent killer; it is a pursuit of social equity and justice, envisioning a world where our children can breathe more easily.

We urge governments, policymakers and citizens to recognise the significant health benefits that come from improving air quality. This requires a collective, resolute stand against air pollution, including curbing emissions, phasing out fossil fuels, and promoting cleaner transport and waste management, particularly in lower-income countries.

The air we breathe should nurture life, not threaten it. Let us work together to create a healthier and safer environment for all.

Jane Burston, founder and CEO, Clean Air Fund, and Dr Cary Adams, CEO, Union for International Cancer Control

Hong Kong should expand Japanese seafood ban

Against the wishes of many nations, Japan insists on releasing treated radioactive water into the sea. While mainland China issued a blanket ban on Japanese aquatic products, Hong Kong chose to restrict its ban to seafood from 10 prefectures.

As far as I can tell, the mainland’s more aggressive action is based on the consideration that ocean currents could carry the contaminated water to different parts of the Pacific coast.

The Japanese government has been offering all kinds of justifications for taking what seems to be most convenient and cheapest option. Its actions could affect not just the current but also future generations.

I don’t think mainland China’s decision is politically motivated, nor is it too aggressive. Hong Kong should follow suit and impose a blanket ban on Japanese marine products. Given that the mainland and Hong Kong are the biggest importers of Japanese seafood, their combined action might make the Japanese government rethink its plan.

Although many Hongkongers are fans of Japanese seafood, they could turn to seafood from elsewhere. We should tell the world that not prioritising environmental issues and failing to adequately safeguard human health will lead to dire consequences. Unfortunately, it is Japanese fisheries that will pay the price.

Randy Lee, Ma On Shan

India’s food inflation requires global attention

India’s rising food inflation requires immediate attention from the global community. The surge in food prices, driven by erratic climate conditions, has far-reaching implications beyond India’s borders. It is essential to address this issue collaboratively to ensure food security and stability in the global food market.

India’s export bans on wheat and rice, and the imposition of an export duty on onions, have disrupted international markets, leading to rising food prices and exacerbating food insecurity, particularly in countries in Asia and Africa where rice is a staple part of the diet. These nations heavily rely on India for their food imports, making them vulnerable to supply shortages and price hikes.

The international community must come together to find sustainable solutions that balance domestic concerns with global implications. It is crucial to engage in dialogue and coordinate actions to mitigate the impact of food inflation on vulnerable populations.

By working together, we can find effective solutions that ensure food security for all and promote stability in the global food market. It is through collective efforts, sustainable practices and addressing climate change that we can build a resilient and secure future for everyone.

Claire Siu Yi Qiao, Tseung Kwan O

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