On occasion of World Environment Day, Minister of Environment Dr Hussain Rasheed Hassan, called on Maldivians to implement best practices in order to " reduce air pollution", which he calls an attainable goal.
This year's theme for the yearly environment day will shed light on the global issue of 'Air Pollution'.
In his statement, the minister highlighted the importance of pondering over negative impacts on human and animal livelihoods caused by toxic chemicals being released into the atmosphere.
According to statistics from United Nations Environment, 92 percent of the population live where the air is unhealthy, while air pollution causes one in eight deaths worldwide. Indoor air pollution kills 4.3 million people annually.
Moreover, he attributed airborne pollutants and harmful gases as evidence supporting climate change, themselves causing adverse changes to our climate, resulting in stronger storm systems, harsher droughts and damages to crops.
In March 2019, the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii, recorded atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels at an alarming 415.26 parts per million (ppm), the highest documented CO2 levels in history.
The Environment Minister requested that citizens take small individual levels steps to reduce their own carbon footprint, which can includes;
- Getting motorized vehicles regularly serviced.
- Opt for walking and cycling.
- Planting trees.
- Switching to renewable sources of energy.
Stating that everyone's involvement and cooperation is needed to ensure a "greener tomorrow", and the minister said he believes "Maldivians can achieve this goal [reducing air pollution]".
World Environment Day was established by the UN General Assembly in 1972. Over 100 countries celebrate the day.
Sign In