The figures are alarming. Nearly one in seven children live in a place where the toxicity of the outdoor air exceeds international guidelines by at least six times. Information revealed by Unicef in a report produced using satellite imagery.
Two billion children live in regions where air pollution caused by vehicle emissions, fossil fuel use, dust and waste burning exceeds the minimum air quality standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO). A scourge that greatly contributes to the death of 600,000 children under the age of five each year.
Children living in South Asia are the most affected by this problem, since 620 million of them suffer from air pollution. Africa is also concerned, since it has 520 million child victims of this scourge. These regions are followed by East Asia and the Pacific (450 million) and North and South America (130 million). Europe is no exception, with 120 million children living in areas where outdoor air pollution exceeds international limits. Indoor air quality is also singled out in this report:it is notably due to the use of coal and wood for cooking and heating.
A week before COP22, which will take place in Marrakech, this report raises many concerns. During this event, Unicef also intends to call on world leaders to act to reduce pollution.
