6. Clean Air Our Right 

Air pollution is everywhere – whether we're inside, outside, in cities, or in the countryside. It affects all of us, even if we do not realise it. For a long time, we did not really think about the air we breathe. We just knew there was air; it had smells, sometimes it was cold, and sometimes it was hot.

But now, new studies are showing us some troubling findings about what's actually in the air around us and how it can affect our bodies. The more we find out, the more we see that we really need to take care of this essential element that gives life to our planet. Without air, life wouldn't be possible, but if we keep breathing in dirty air, it could lead to a life with more sickness and shorter lifespans.

Clean air is most suitable for supporting the vital function of sustaining life. Risks to health are significantly increased by air pollution, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes. Breathing clean air can reduce the likelihood of developing diseases like stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, as well as chronic and acute respiratory conditions such as asthma. Opting for lower levels of air pollution is beneficial for maintaining both long-term and short-term heart and respiratory health1.

Pollutants in the air can make it hard for plants to grow. When leaves are exposed to air pollution, it affects how they work and stops the plant from taking in carbon dioxide properly. It also affects the roots and how the plant gets what it needs from the soil. This interferes with the plant's ability to make food through photosynthesis, take in nutrients, and absorb water from the soil. All of these disruptions affect how the plant grows. If air pollution happens along with other problems, like not having enough water, it makes it even trickier for the plant to grow. Overall, air pollution can affect plants in an area and might make it harder for crops to grow and give us the food we need2.

Air pollution has detrimental effects on animals, causing respiratory diseases, weakened immune systems, allergies, and skin irritations, and may even result in poisoning or suffocation3.  Air pollution can contribute to the extinction of certain species. Some animals need fresh air to survive, and exposure to contaminants can lead to death.

Reducing air pollution is crucial for economic growth and future developments. Businesses can boost their competitiveness and success in different sectors by reducing the release of pollutants from their facilities, all the while playing a role in preserving the environment1.

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