The issue of Air pollution has permeated our planet at the local and global levels. It is designated as the foremost environmental threat to health, economic and social aspects in the world. Every year, 6.5 million people die from exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollution, and 9 out of 10 people breathe contaminated outdoor air that exceeds the acceptable levels set by the World Health Organization guidelines. 

Heavy dust storms blanketing the UAE have sent pollution levels rocketing and highlighted concerns that people could be making the problem worse.

World Bank figures indicated that the country had the world's most polluted air, with officials saying that dust storm effects should not be lumped together with human-caused pollution.

As per its National Vision 2021 agenda UAE aims to raise air quality from its current level to 90% by 2021. Through various means, Government is working on best practices and state of the art system to develop and enhance the national standards for air pollution and compliance control, the transition to a green economy, and increasing the use of clean energy in different fields, the sustainability of the transport sector, the development of an air quality control network and the reliance on intelligent technologies and solutions in monitoring types of pollutants.

As a UAE resident I also have an important role to mitigate the air pollution by taking small but important steps in my day to day life.

Carpooling can make a huge difference to the environment. It is estimated that if everyone travelling to the same location (within a one-kilometre radius) carpooled instead of travelling alone, the number of cars on the road would be reduced by more than half.  I avoid using car to reach my school, rather I go by school bus. Sometime when required I travel by metro. Other “mantras” that I have learnt from my readings and I would like to quote here to curb air pollution are -

·        Conserve energy - at home, at work, everywhere.

·        Look for the ENERGY STAR label when buying home or office equipment.

·        Follow gasoline refueling instructions for efficient vapor recovery, being careful not to spill fuel and always tightening your gas cap securely.

·        Consider purchasing portable gasoline containers labeled “spill-proof,” where available.

·        Keep car, boat, and other engines properly tuned.

·        Be sure your tires are properly inflated.

·        Use environmentally safe paints and cleaning products whenever possible.

·        Mulch or compost leaves and yard waste.

·        Consider using gas logs instead of wood.

Credit - The National.ae, epa.gov