Air pollution kills seven million yearly

A new report has indicated that seven million people die every year from air pollution.

The report further highlights that the situation could become worse as global air quality declines.

According to findings released yesterday at the ongoing United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), global urban air pollution levels increased by eight per cent between 2008 and 2018.

"More and more people around the world are affected by air pollution, and are suffering adverse health effects as a consequence," said UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner.

He said while the current global response to pervasive poor air quality was inadequate, there was hope in some countries and regions that are coming up with effective and cost-effective measures to improve air quality.

97 countries have increased the percentage of households that have access to cleaner burning fuels in an effort to tackle indoor pollution, which claims half of the seven million lives.

More than three billion people still use solid fuels and inefficient cooking stoves.

The report praises Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda for using low-sulphur fuels in their motor vehicles from January 2015.