Today, June 5th, is World Environment Day.
For 2019, the 45th WED’s focus theme is air pollution. Airborne contamination is a challenge in many countries with heavy industrialization and growing populations.
Hosting this year’s official celebrations is China, a country long associated with very high levels of air pollution but now actively working to reduce levels.
How is our air quality at risk?
Back in December 2015, the Australian Government’s Ministers of the Environment introduced the National Clean Air Agreement. This document outlines the steps planned to address and prevent future declines in air quality. Even though by world standards Australia’s air quality is very good, factors like population growth, urbanization, and consequently increased transport and energy demands all challenge our clean air status.
Peak levels of airborne pollutants such as ground level ozone and particulate matter (PM) frequently approach or exceed national air quality standards in some Australian cities (ozone) or nearly all regions (PM). Furthermore, there are specific areas of concern to local communities, including emissions of sulfur dioxide and PM, from a range of sources (for example, industrial activity, heating). – Department of the Environment and Energy
Download a copy of the National Clean Air Agreement here.
So what can we as individuals and organizations do to support World Environment Day?
Regardless of the size of your organization, you can absolutely do your part. There are many ways to demonstrate that you care about our shared breathable air.
Here are just a few, courtesy of worldenvironmentday.global
- Use public transport or car sharing, cycle or walk
- Switch to a hybrid or electric vehicle and request electric taxis
- Turn off your vehicle’s engine when stationary
- Switch to high-efficiency home heating systems and equipment
