Environment at a Glance Dashboard

Air pollution is a world’s leading environmental health risk and a major cause of environmental and ecosystems degradation. Degraded air quality can have substantial economic and social consequences, from increased health costs and a lower quality of life to infrastructure maintenance, reduced agricultural output and forest damage. Some population groups and geographical areas are more exposed than others. Emissions can be reduced by substituting dirty fuels for cleaner ones, changing behaviours and lifestyles by providing incentives to firms and individuals, and implementing effective pollution prevention and control policies and sustainable transport and mobility policies.

Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), is a serious pollutant. Chronic exposure even to moderate levels of PM_2.5 substantially increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, the leading causes of death in OECD countries. It also increases the risk of respiratory diseases, including lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and respiratory infections. Black carbon, a major component of PM_2.5, accelerates global warming and fosters snowmelt.

Emissions of sulphur and nitrogen are transformed into acidifying substances such as sulphuric and nitric acid. When they reach the ground, acidification of soil, water and buildings occurs. Nitrogen oxides (NO_x) also contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and are responsible for eutrophication, reduction in water quality and species richness. They are associated with adverse effects on human health because high concentrations cause respiratory diseases. Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), is a serious pollutant. Chronic exposure even to moderate levels of PM_2.5 substantially increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, the leading causes of death in OECD countries. It also increases the risk of respiratory diseases, including lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and respiratory infections. Black carbon, a major component of PM_2.5, accelerates global warming and fosters snowmelt.

Air emissions can be reduced by substituting dirty fuels for cleaner ones, changing behaviours and lifestyles by providing incentives to firms and individuals, and implementing effective pollution prevention and control policies and sustainable transport and mobility policies. A major policy lever for countries is taxation aimed at discouraging polluting activities and promoting cleaner alternatives.