Air Pollution – An Alarming Health Hazard, Part 2 of 2

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 91% of the world’s population live in places where air contamination exceeds safe limits. They can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, allergies, asthma, type 2 diabetes, and even cancer. The animal-people livestock industry produces large amounts of waste like urine and manure, which emit around 400 different harmful gases into the atmosphere!

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, methane emissions from pig- and cattle- people have increased by up to 50% in the last 15 years. Meanwhile, deforestation for the meat production industry has been accelerating the effect of global warming. It also increases the chance of wildfires, which in turn further aggravates air pollution and global warming. In March 2021, China’s capital, Beijing, took a strong hit from a massive sandstorm sweeping across Mongolia and northwestern China. Beijing’s air quality index at that time reached a record of 999, the hazardous level, whereas the recommended average daily concentration by the World Health Organization is just 25!

In 2020, the United Nations designated September 7 as the first International Day of Clean Air in order to raise awareness about the importance of unpolluted air for our health, productivity, the environment, and the economy.

First and foremost, we should switch to a vegan diet. The researchers found that people who consume more than 100 grams of meat per day, generate up to 7.2 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent daily, whereas vegans generate only 2.9 kilograms. Second, we can lessen air pollution by driving clean-fuel cars. Also, when someone switches from a conventional car to a battery electric vehicle, PM emissions can be cut down by up to 42%. Third, we can protect our health from air contaminants by planting more trees, including in urban areas. Not only do trees help to reduce detrimental air pollutants, but they also act as air purifiers. Finally, until our planet’s atmosphere becomes safer for everyone, we should consider using protective equipment for ourselves and our family members, as a short-term defense. Let us also pray for Heaven’s help and wisdom so that humankind will U-turn to a more viable, vegan way of life.