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Growing Levels of Polluted Air
The Problem
The Problem
The time-travelers were shocked to see so many dirty areas on the beautiful blue gemstone they saw from outer space and the poverty of the people living there. They went in search of another area with more humans to see if these problems persisted everywhere. They reached a large urban area, and immediately they began to have problems breathing, because the atmosphere, which looked so inviting from the distance, was poisoned and filled with smoke and loud noises. People were wearing masks on their faces; it was not a good place to stay.
Background
Background
The problem we are facing is air pollution. Air pollution is causing many issues all over the world. Air pollution creates problems to people of all ages. Even healthy people can have health impacts from polluted air including respiratory irritation and breathing difficulties during exercise or outdoor activities.
Many countries have been affected by air pollution. Air pollution has become so bad in Beijing, for example, that Chinese officials aim to shut down its local coal consumption by 30%. Meanwhile, the US currently ranks eighth on the list of countries with the lowest air pollution this could be headed in the opposite direction.
Air pollution is very dangerous because it can get lodged in the lungs and cause long-term health problems like asthma and chronic lung disease.
Air pollution is caused by cars, buses, planes, trucks, and trains. It is also caused by buildings such as power plants, oil refineries, industrial facilities, and factories. Certain areas are sources too, such as agricultural areas, cities, and wood burning fireplaces. Finally, there are some natural sources, such as wind-blown dust, wildfires, and volcanoes that also pollute the air.
Solutions
Solutions
- Walk or ride a bike when possible
- Take public transportation
- Organise and condense errands into one trip
- Drive less on bad weather days
- Turn lights of when you leave a room
- Recycle
- Don’t heat your home with a gas stove
- Plant a tree, they filter the air and provide shade
- Harness the power of the sun, open the blinds and turn off the lights
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