Environment damage behind a quarter of premature deaths, diseases

Environment damage behind a quarter of premature deaths, diseases

The 6th Global Environment Outlook (GEO-6) was prepared by UN Environment and other operating entities under the UN umbrella, such as UNEP Risoe Centre, UNEP DTU Copenhagen. This report documents the status of various environmental sectors and analyzes the causes for degradation and enhancement of environmental quality throughout the globe.

The United Nations Environment Assembly is the world’s highest-level decision-making body on the environment. It seeks to address critical environmental challenges faced globally. It meets biennially to set priorities for global environmental policies and develop international environmental law.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading environmental authority in the United Nations system. It was established in 1972. UNEP promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as a catalyst, advocate, educator, and facilitator on the environment and sustainable development issues worldwide.

According to the recently released 6th Global environment Outlook, environmental pollution is responsible for the premature deaths of nine million people a year- 25% of total premature deaths in a year. The report has stated that air pollution causes 6-7 million early deaths annually.

The overriding effect of air pollution is to produce a toxic mix that causes lung damage. Among other contributors to air pollution include industry, transport, construction sites, and emissions from chemicals used in agriculture. Air pollution would also cause fatigue as well as increase the respiratory symptoms. As per the report, higher temperatures and drought will increasingly affect crop yields and raise food prices which will further heighten malnutrition.

The Global environment Outlook (GEO) is United Nations Environment Programme’s flagship environmental assessment. The first GEO was published in 1997. The assessment highlights the current state of the environment, illustrates possible future environmental trends and analyses the effectiveness of environmental policies.

The latest GEO analyses the environmental impacts of major challenges that countries around the world face today, such as climate change and unsustainable consumption. It also highlights opportunities and ways to create shared value through addressing these challenges.