Air Pollution and UV Radiation

It is estimated that air pollution causes several hundred thousand deaths a year around the world. Although there is some controversy over the magnitude, some highly regarded academic experts have estimated that even with the US Clean Air Act, among the most stringent air quality laws in the world, as many as fifty thousand Americans annually die prematurely as a result of air pollution. Perhaps the leading cause of air pollution related death in both industrialized and developing countries is particulate matter - soot and dirt particles that cause respiratory failure. Another major health concern is ground level ozone often experienced as urban smog. This can cause premature death and is the source of considerable discomfort and lost workdays in cities around the world.

Ultraviolet radiation which will increase as a result of depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer has a number of adverse effects on human health including increased risks of various forms of skin cancer, weakening of the human immune system and increased risk of eye disorders such as cataract problems.

Climate and air quality protection efforts in most parts of the world tend to be undertaken independently of each other. This lack of coordination has a number of drawbacks from both an economic and an environmental standpoint.

By designing, implementing and publicizing an integrated strategy for climate and air quality protection immediate benefits in improved respiratory and cardiovascular health may be achieved for the most vulnerable parts of the population - the elderly, the young and asthmatics of all ages. These policies which will achieve significant carbon reductions and climate protection benefits inuring especially to future generations in all countries may be salable in developing countries as the benefits of enhanced air quality are realized by their inhabitants. Besides addressing the North / South disputes that have bedeviled the climate negotiations so long, a harmonized strategy also addresses intergenerational equity challenges by meeting needs of populations vulnerable to poor urban air quality and at the same time speeding a transition to less carbon intensive energy systems essential for safeguarding the climate of future generations worldwide.

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