[Air pollution]

         As a little girl, I learned about air pollution in theory, as a grown up, I learned of air pollution by experiencing its effects firsthand. Air pollution is a term we all are familiar with and a reality we all are afraid to face. I believe that the things invisible are the things most powerful whether positive or not. The fact that we cannot see the beginning of pollution causes a disadvantage in terms of timing when to combat and reverse the effects of pollution. By focusing on the things we see, we ignore the things we do not.

 To avoid air pollution is to focus on the thing unseen so that it does not transform to a thing visible. A report by the Ethiopian Ministry of Health shows that more than 800,000 people were affected by respiratory illness in Addis Ababa last year alone due to air pollution. This is a simple example to what happens when the issue that should have been focused on while on transformation did not happen. Although, there are also examples of what could go right if this issue of air pollution were to be taken measures upon without first causing consequences. Countries like China have decided to take issues into their own hands by first avoiding air pollution before it occurs. There are several projects undergoing in the country like the Forest City which is undergoing construction and it is designed to eat its own toxic smog using on million plants from over 100 species and 40,000 trees which will help combat global warming.

Another country that is also doing enormous work to avoid air pollution along with all the other types of pollution is Costa Rica who for the fourth year in a row has generated more than 98% of its electricity from renewable sources. The country also has avoided the use of fossil fuels for over 300 days. Another exemplary country who has been creative towards reducing air pollution is Japan. Although there are countless measures the country has taken to reduce air pollution waste, the most creative so far might be the smoking bells the country introduced to the world years ago. Smoking bells are like personal smoking pods which are often placed in restaurants and are efficient in avoiding cigarette smoke contamination.

What we can all agree on is that this scare of air pollution is real, we know now because we have seen its consequences. There are measures getting implemented so far but are they enough? This should be the question we should all take time to answer.