The way we are treating the planet is not just bad for the environment – we are actively undermining our own health and well-being too. This year’s World Health Day draws attention to this crucial fact with the theme ‘Our Planet, Our Health’. Communications Manager Olivia Nater looks at four critical planetary health issues.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a shocking 99% of the global population are exposed to air that exceeds safety limits, and dirty air causes 4.2 million premature deaths every year. The main sources of air pollution are household and industrial combustion, motor vehicles and agriculture. The growing incidence and severity of wildfires due to climate heating is another major cause of unhealthy air.
