Despite this situation, the funding allocated to address this challenge is only a fraction of that allocated to combat infectious diseases, according to research by the University of Chicago Energy Policy Institute (EPIC). According to its annual Air Quality Index (AQLI) report, fine particulate air pollution from vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and wildfires remains the “leading external threat to public health.” .
Data collected through 2021 indicates that if the world were to permanently reduce these pollutants to meet World Health Organization (WHO) limits, average life expectancy would increase by 2.3 years. Fine particles are linked to lung disease, heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
Despite the gravity of the situation, investment in the fight against air pollution is disproportionately low, especially in regions such as Asia and Africa, which face a significant burden of air pollution. Despite the weaker infrastructure in these areas, the funds available to address pollution are minimal. For example, throughout Africa, less than $300,000 is allocated for this purpose.
While there is a Global Fund that allocates 4 billion dollars a year to combat diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis, there is no equivalent fund for air pollution. However, air pollution in places like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Cameroon has a greater impact on average life expectancy than certain serious diseases.
The report highlights that South Asia, in particular countries like Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan, is especially affected by high levels of fine particles. These countries could save years of lives if air pollution could be reduced to the levels established by the WHO.
While progress has been made in some areas, such as China significantly reducing its air pollution, it is clear that the problem persists in many parts of the world. Climate change-related forest fires have raised pollution levels in regions such as North America, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, creating additional challenges in the fight against air pollution.