About air pollution

 

Air pollution refers to the presence of harmful substances in the atmosphere that can have detrimental effects on both human health and the environment. These pollutants can be in the form of solid particles, liquids, or gases, and they often stem from sources like industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and agricultural activities. Among the most common pollutants are carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, all of which can significantly reduce air quality. As urbanization and industrialization increase, so does the volume of pollutants released into the air, exacerbating the problem.

The consequences of air pollution are far-reaching. It poses serious health risks, contributing to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and even cancer. Vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions, are particularly at risk. Beyond human health, air pollution also has environmental impacts, including the deterioration of ecosystems, reduced crop yields, and the acceleration of climate change due to the emission of greenhouse gases. Tackling air pollution requires global cooperation, stricter regulations, and greater awareness about sustainable practices to reduce emissions and improve air quality for future generations.

Describe a time when you became aware of air pollution.

Air pollution is an issue I’ve been aware of for a long time, but there was a particular moment when its impact really hit home for me. This occurred during a trip to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. I had always heard about the air quality there, but experiencing it firsthand was a different story.

As soon as I stepped off the bus at a busy intersection, I was immediately struck by the thick smog that seemed to hang in the air. The city was enveloped in a haze that made it difficult to see the mountains that usually stand proudly in the background. The air had a pungent odor, and I could feel a tightness in my chest, which was a direct result of the pollution. It was almost as if the city itself was suffocating under the weight of all the exhaust fumes, industrial emissions, and dust.

What made this experience even more concerning was seeing how it affected the people around me. Many of them were wearing face masks, and some seemed to be struggling with respiratory issues. It became clear that air pollution wasn’t just an environmental problem—it was a serious public health crisis. I noticed that older people and children seemed particularly vulnerable to the poor air quality.

This experience made me realize how widespread the issue of air pollution is, even in major cities like Kathmandu. It also highlighted how urgent the need for action is. The local government has since taken steps to address the issue, such as introducing cleaner fuels and encouraging public transportation, but it’s clear that more needs to be done to protect both the environment and people’s health.

That day in Kathmandu was a wake-up call for me, reminding me of the importance of maintaining clean air and the role we all play in making that happen.