The air we breathe, intended to be a source of life, has become a vector of diseases. Behind this silent degradation lies a well-known enemy: fossil fuels. By fueling our economies, they poison our bodies. In the face of the explosion of chronic diseases related to pollution, it is urgent to break this toxic cycle.
Who is affected?
No one is spared from air pollution, a consequence of the extractive industry. The most vulnerable populations are children, pregnant women, and the elderly living in urban and industrial areas. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2019, 99% of the global population breathed air that exceeded the recommended thresholds for fine particles (PM2.5) [1].
What is happening?
A toxic chain between fossil fuel combustion, air pollution, and chronic diseases. Fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) release air pollutants: fine particles, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), tropospheric ozone, sulfur… These pollutants enter the body through the respiratory pathways, reaching the lungs, the heart, and even the brain, leading to chronic respiratory, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases according to Public Health France. WHO estimates that air pollution is responsible for 7 million premature deaths each year [2].
Where is it the most serious?
According to the live ranking of IQAIR, based on the air quality index (IQA*US), the most polluted major cities are: Delhi (India), Beijing (China), Lahore (Pakistan), Dubai (United Arab Emirates), and Kuwait City (Kuwait) [3].
Since when has this situation been worsening?
Since the beginning of the industrial era, but critically over the last 50 years. The widespread use of fossil fuels in the 20th century has transformed the global economy as well as the environment. Since the 1970s, air pollution has exploded with urbanization, rapid industrialization, and growth of the automobile fleet.
Despite local efforts (filters, regulations), economic growth continues to rely heavily on fossil fuels. And with global warming, certain forms of pollution (ozone, wildfires) are becoming even more intense.
Why must we act now?
Because air pollution is a ticking health and climate bomb. The link between pollution and chronic diseases is now firmly established. By not reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, we are sacrificing millions of lives, worsening health systems, and accelerating climate disruption. But solutions exist to face these challenges: It is essential to initiate a gradual phase-out of fossil fuels in favor of renewable energies that are more environmentally friendly. At the same time, the development of soft mobility (such as cycling or walking) and the promotion of energy sobriety can significantly reduce our ecological impact. Stricter regulation of industrial and automotive emissions must also be implemented to limit air pollution. Finally, in the most exposed areas, a reinforced health prevention policy and appropriate medical support are essential to protect vulnerable populations.
For more information, click on the links below
[1] Principaux repères sur la qualité de l’air
[2] Pollution de l’air : les nouvelles lignes directrices de l’OMS
[3] Classement Mondial de l’Indice de Qualité de l’Air (IQA) | IQAir
