Written by: Snigdha Dhungana - 30085, Grade VII
Posted on: 02 July, 2024
The air we breathe is polluted by a mixture of harmful substances. Our earth, water and atmosphere are worsened by man-made pollutants than naturally occurring. Humans advanced their life quality rapidly, but doing so, they affected the environment in a negative way. That effect has been seen in the ecosystem. The fact shows that the health of organisms has been damaged and is increasing.
According to the United Nations, nine out of every 10 people breathe polluted air. As per the report of global air, 42,100 people die annually in Nepal due to the pollution borne diseases.
Beginning in winter until the pre-monsoon, Nepal's air pollution levels are worse. According to the Department of Environment, more than half of the main source of air pollution in Kathmandu valley is by vehicular generation of smoke, while forest fires also have a significant role in degrading air quality.
Dust particles smaller than 10 microns, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and lead contamination in the air of Kathmandu sky are five times more than the standards set by the World Health Organization. And, it is three times more than Nepalese standards.
Scattered garbage around the roads, squares and house premises is spreading diseases by creating harmful microbes. Mixing toxic chemicals and waste into water sources has polluted water. Water pollution does have direct health and ecological impact. People and animals downstream will have to bear the direct impact, even the soil will be contaminated.
Now, it’s understood that the climate change is due to pollution. The earth's temperature has increased faster than anticipated. The earth is our home. It is our duty to protect her surrounding environment. We have to work to save the lives of not only ourselves but all our eco systems. We must also leave Earth safe to new generations. Pollution should be reduced, and it’s the duty of all individuals to make it happen.
