Dominica joins the rest of the world in observing World Environment Day, today. World Environment Day is the United Nations’ most important day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the protection of our environment.
World Environment Day 2019 is being observed under the theme “air pollution”— a call to action to combat one of the greatest environmental challenges.
As revealed by the United Nations, an estimated nine out of ten people worldwide are exposed to air pollutants that exceed World Health Organization air quality guidelines. This is lowering life expectancy and damaging economies across the planet. Polluted air kills some 7 million people each year, causes long term health problems, such as asthma, and reduces children’s cognitive development. According to the World Bank, air pollution costs societies more than $5 trillion every year.
This year’s World Environment Day provides an opportunity for each of us to combat air pollution. Air pollution is preventable and there are readily implementable solutions.
Here are some ideas in reducing air pollution:
- Use public transport or car sharing, cycle or walk.
- Turn off the car engine when stationary.
- Compost organic food items and recycle non-organic trash.
- Save energy: turn off lights and electronics when not in use.
- Never burn trash, as this contributes directly to air pollution.
- Choose non-toxic paints and furnishings.
- Investment in renewable energy sources
- Plant Trees
Let us all act so we can breathe more easily.
For more information on Dominica, contact Discover Dominica Authority at 767 448 2045. Or, visit Dominica’s official website: www.DiscoverDominica.com, see Dominica’s updates on the tourism sector post Hurricane Maria: www.dominicaupdate.com, follow Dominica on Twitter and Facebook and take a look at our videos on YouTube.
Forgot to say this. Just the lack of commentary on one of the most critical topics, the environment, clearly shows that the environment is of little or no concern for Dominicans. It also indicates that the relevant ministry, agencies and departments have to do much more in terms of public education and sensitization about the fragility and importance of our environment.
We have to become more concerned about the environment for sure. When we pollute our lands, air and water, we are only inflicting harm on ourselves. The destruction of trees, the excessive exhaust from old vehicles, the ubiquitous littering of our land and water sources is contributing to our ill-health and reduction of our life expectancy. We, as a people, have to become more environmentally aware.
Tomorrow is world ‘Do A Lot of Talking But Don’t Actually Do Anything Day’. We might be better prepared for that one.