What caused the 1952 Great Smog of London and how many people died?
The United Kingdom suffered its worst air pollution during the 1952 Great Smog of London with some twelve thousand deaths. This event led to the Clean Air Act 1956.
Questions about Air pollution
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How many people die from air pollution each year according to the World Health Organization?
The World Health Organization estimates that 6.7 million people die from air pollution each year. Four point two million of these deaths result from outdoor air pollution while indoor particulate pollution causes another three point one million deaths annually.
When did scientists discover chemicals causing a hole in the ozone layer?
In 1975 scientists discovered that certain chemicals caused a hole in the ozone layer. The Montreal Protocol phased out harmful ozone-depleting chemicals worldwide after being ratified globally.
Which countries had the highest PM2.5 concentrations in 2019?
In 2019, India and Pakistan had PM2.5 concentrations around fifty micrograms per cubic meter. China recorded levels near thirty-five while Indonesia sat at fifteen and the United States at eight.
What economic cost did PM2.5 pollution impose on the world economy in 2019?
A World Bank study found that PM2.5 pollution in 2019 cost the world economy over eight trillion dollars. This figure represents more than six percent of global GDP with around eighty-five percent of this loss coming from the loss of life.