Egypt's Goals for Combating Air Pollution

Air pollution is a type of environmental contamination that could be caused by physical, chemical, or biological agents

Air pollution is a type of environmental contamination that could be caused by physical, chemical, or biological agents, which will lead to changes in the natural characteristics of the atmosphere, which is what we all witness now and one of the major cause/effects of climate change. There are common sources of air pollution that affect people's health and increase the rate of morbidity and mortality. In addition to the environmental problems that affect the agricultural sector, the major common sources are household combustion devices, industrial facilities, forest fires, and motor vehicles; as well as the major pollutants that affect public health viz nitrogen and Sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter.  World Health Organisation (WHO) data reports that majority of low and middle-income countries are suffering from the highest exposure to air pollutants and almost about 99% of global population around the world breathes impure air that exceeds the WHO guidelines. It is worthy of note that these guidelines point with strong evidence how air pollution affects different aspects of health and the environment. So it is significantly important to take action towards air pollution in order to achieve better ecosystem and better livelihood.  Air pollution has been a great issue in Egypt for several years, especially in large cities such as Alexandria and Cairo. Air pollution and climate change are complementary, and both cause serious health problems, so they should be addressed jointly to protect people's health, particularly in developing countries. As indication of poor air qulaity, Egypt ranks one of the highest countries in the world according to the Air Quality Index (AQI); furthermore Egypt’s health ministry says that as many as two million people a year seek medical treatment for respiratory problems relating to poor air quality.   Most dangerous air pollution sources come from human activities, and most pollutants are produced by engines that burn fossil fuels such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, Sulphur dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulates. Egypt has begun to mitigate the effects of both air pollution and climate change by taking action to combat this issue, which is very hopeful and encouraging everyone in the business and educational sectors to participate in solving the problem, this began with the initiation of Egypt (Vision 2030), which was spearheaded by the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development and targeted to reduce particulate matter PM10 concentration by 50% by 2030.   Insightful results have been seen in Cairo, the capital of Egypt, which is considered the highest governorate according to population, where there was a project started to improve air quality and fight climate change in Greater Cairo. We all want to achieve the highest air quality for all communities at least for a better life and for the sake of the next generation. We must assure that they will grow in a healthy and safe environment and as such work to decrease the mortality rates that we have seen for decades because of our own activities. We have everything we need to be better: science, great minds, technology, research, and the power of willingness.