What if nature could send us text messages – “SOS, stop deforestation now!” “Alert: The air cannot take any more of your dust and smoke!” “Humans, this relationship isn’t working out, we should break up”. The list goes on…
Unfortunately, nature isn’t going to use technology anytime soon. But we may not even need it—just stopping for a moment and breathing in the air is enough to sense its inaudible cry for help.
Today, Dhaka ranked as the city with the second-worst air quality globally, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 518 at 8:30 am, far exceeding ‘hazardous’ levels. An AQI between 151 and 200 is said to be ‘unhealthy’ while 201 and 300 is considered ‘very unhealthy’, 301 to 400 and above is ranked ‘hazardous’, posing serious health risks to residents.
Just stepping outside today means breathing air as harmful as smoking 15.2 cigarettes. As per Berkeley Earth’s rule of thumb, each cigarette corresponds to a fine Particle Matter (PM) PM2.5 level of 22 μg/m³. The PM2.5 concentration was 66.9 times higher than the World Health Organization’s annual guideline value, posing severe health risks.
Air pollution in Dhaka stems primarily from outdated vehicles, brick kilns, and construction activities. The city’s roads are filled with poorly maintained cars, diesel buses, and motorbikes, emitting harmful pollutants like black carbon. Brick kilns on the outskirts, using unregulated fuels like coal and wood, contribute significantly to particulate matter and toxic chemicals. Construction sites release dust and fine particles such as PM2.5, while open waste burning and widespread use of firecrackers adds more harmful chemicals to the air. Together, these sources create a toxic environment, posing serious health risks and making clean air increasingly difficult to achieve.
According to the WHO, air pollution contributes to seven million deaths annually, with major illnesses including stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory infections. Moreover, State of Global Air claims, preventing air pollution could increase the average life expectancy of people in Bangladesh by more than one year and three months.
It is crucial to act now to combat air pollution in Bangladesh, though many feel cities like Dhaka are beyond saving. However, China’s success in tackling air pollution shows that change is possible. Through measures like shutting down polluting factories, transitioning to cleaner energy, and expanding public transport as well as urban green spaces, China reduced PM2.5 levels by 40%, improving air quality and public health.
What you can do
To reduce air pollution in the country, individuals can adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives. Limiting private car journeys and opting for public transport can significantly cut down vehicle emissions, while turning off engines when idling prevents unnecessary pollution. Reducing energy consumption by switching to energy-efficient appliances and turning off lights when not in use can help lower greenhouse gas emissions. Recycling, reusing materials, and saying no to plastic bags can reduce waste and minimize environmental harm. Planting and maintaining trees not only improves air quality but also creates a greener environment. Avoiding backyard garbage burning and using smokeless alternatives for waste disposal are crucial for preventing harmful emissions.
Communities can take further steps by implementing afforestation programmes and encouraging the use of environmentally friendly products. Industries should install filters on chimneys to reduce particulate matter release, while individuals can limit air conditioner use by opting for fans whenever possible. Avoiding firecrackers and reducing smoking are additional measures that can significantly improve local air quality. By promoting awareness and collective action, it is possible to create a cleaner, healthier atmosphere for everyone.
Together, these efforts can lead to a healthier environment and cleaner air to breathe in. Small actions, when united, can bring a massive change. So get up, switch to energy-efficient technology, avoid single-use plastics, reuse, recycle, educate others about air pollution, and support afforestation drives. What are you waiting for? Nature isn’t going to send you a text!