Option G - Urban Environments
The Silent Killer: How Air Pollution Impacts Global Health And What You Can Do
Table of content
Buckle up, gang! Today we're diving into the smoggy world of air pollution and its globe-trotting patterns. Ready? Let's go! 🌍💨
Urban jungle of air pollution
Think about this: half of the world's urban population - that's a whole lot of people - are grappling with poor air quality. It's a serious issue. Each year, several hundred thousand people lose their lives because of the air they breathe! As cities grow bigger and more crowded, and as industries keep popping up like mushrooms after rain, air pollution is getting worse. 🏭🚗💨
Population boom & pollution
There's no stopping us humans, right? We're growing by about 95 million each year! With more people, there's more demand for energy, transport, and heating. And guess where most of us are moving? That's right - cities. This rapid urbanization, especially in low-income countries (LICs), is straining city resources and leading to overcrowding. In London, you can find about 4,000 people per square kilometer, but that's nothing compared to Cairo (24,000), Mexico City (34,000), or Calcutta (88,000)!
In developing countries, indoor air pollution is another big baddie, with people burning fuelwood and paraffin for cooking and heating. Up to 700 million folks are at risk, particularly those living in slums. 😷🔥
Economics & air pollution
Economic conditions also play a huge role in air pollution. LICs and newly industrializing countries (NICs) often opt for cheap, inefficient energy sources like lignite and low-grade coal because they don't have the financial muscle to invest in pollution control. On the other hand, high-income countries (HICs), have the capital and technology to clean up their act. They are often able to switch to cleaner energy sources and tackle air pollution more effectively. 💰🌳
Cars & air pollution – a deadly love story
Guess what's a major source of air pollution? That's right, your friendly neighborhood car! While LICs/NICs only have about 10% of the world's motor vehicles, some countries like India and China are zooming up the charts with expanding car industries. However, cars in LICs often produce more pollution due to older technology and poor maintenance. It's a real Catch-22: these nations need the development, but the environment pays the price. 🚗💨💔
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Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Geography HL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟
Option G - Urban Environments
The Silent Killer: How Air Pollution Impacts Global Health And What You Can Do
Table of content
Buckle up, gang! Today we're diving into the smoggy world of air pollution and its globe-trotting patterns. Ready? Let's go! 🌍💨
Urban jungle of air pollution
Think about this: half of the world's urban population - that's a whole lot of people - are grappling with poor air quality. It's a serious issue. Each year, several hundred thousand people lose their lives because of the air they breathe! As cities grow bigger and more crowded, and as industries keep popping up like mushrooms after rain, air pollution is getting worse. 🏭🚗💨
Population boom & pollution
There's no stopping us humans, right? We're growing by about 95 million each year! With more people, there's more demand for energy, transport, and heating. And guess where most of us are moving? That's right - cities. This rapid urbanization, especially in low-income countries (LICs), is straining city resources and leading to overcrowding. In London, you can find about 4,000 people per square kilometer, but that's nothing compared to Cairo (24,000), Mexico City (34,000), or Calcutta (88,000)!
In developing countries, indoor air pollution is another big baddie, with people burning fuelwood and paraffin for cooking and heating. Up to 700 million folks are at risk, particularly those living in slums. 😷🔥
Economics & air pollution
Economic conditions also play a huge role in air pollution. LICs and newly industrializing countries (NICs) often opt for cheap, inefficient energy sources like lignite and low-grade coal because they don't have the financial muscle to invest in pollution control. On the other hand, high-income countries (HICs), have the capital and technology to clean up their act. They are often able to switch to cleaner energy sources and tackle air pollution more effectively. 💰🌳
Cars & air pollution – a deadly love story
Guess what's a major source of air pollution? That's right, your friendly neighborhood car! While LICs/NICs only have about 10% of the world's motor vehicles, some countries like India and China are zooming up the charts with expanding car industries. However, cars in LICs often produce more pollution due to older technology and poor maintenance. It's a real Catch-22: these nations need the development, but the environment pays the price. 🚗💨💔
Unlock the Full Content!
Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Geography HL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟
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