OECD warns of increasing air pollution deaths

A recent report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has warned that poor air quality could lead to an increasing number of deaths.

The air monitoring report warned that government policies must change in order to stop carbon emissions rising by 50 per cent by 2050, which could see global temperatures rise between three and six degrees Celsius by the next millennium. In turn, the environmental impact of increased air pollution could be devastating.

Losses in wildlife and pressure on natural resources will start to escalate and cause significant strain for global habitats. Additionally, fresh water will be impacted by pollution levels, and while forested areas might increase, there will be more plantations with fewer species.

OECD environment director Simon Upton said: "This is a very grim report. It suggests that we are not steering in the right direction on many fronts." This call for action should be stimulus for both governments and people as a whole to unite in action over pressing environmental issues.

An increasing urbanisation of populations will increase the amounts of early deaths due to particulate matter to 3.6 million a year by 2050. Many of these deaths would be in China and India, but developed countries are also likely to see a steep increase.

Posted by Claire Manning