“Air Pollution Still Harming Health across Europe.” — European Environment Agency (EEA). N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Sept. 2014.
http://www.eea.europa.eu/media/newsreleases/air-pollution-still-causing-harm
According to current standards, a majority of people living in Europe do not live in a healthy environment due to air pollution. “Around 90 % of city dwellers in the European Union (EU) are exposed to one of the most damaging air pollutants at levels deemed harmful to health by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This result comes from the latest assessment of air quality in Europe, published by the European Environment Agency (EEA).” This pollution is not restricted to only those living in cities however, as many people living in rural areas have significant amount of air pollution and are over the standard for living. Over the past decade, European cities have taken steps to reduce air pollution by cutting emissions of air pollutants.
This article’s purpose was to inform and scare readers living in European cities that their living in below standard air. Although precautions are being taken to help reduce the air pollutions by cutting emissions of air pollutants among other obvious things such as suggesting carpooling and public transportation, the air in European cities is still in bad shape. This article also states that most European citizens are unaware that they have a pollution problem; by alerting them and gaining their attention many citizens will takes strides to help control the air pollution. Everybody needs to be aware, and everyone needs to play a part in getting the air above the standards for what is healthy to live in.
Interesting article. Smog can be seen and stinks, however I imagine it’s true, many people aren’t aware that they are exposed to less than clean air. As you put it the intent of the article is to inform/scare people. The air is a common resource, however if people aren’t aware it’s being degraded, then others will continue to pollute it. So, the question becomes how polluted is to polluted and how do you manage the pollution. I think what you said in the end is awareness of the public is key.
I agree completely, unfortunately, air pollution isn’t concerning to the average person before it becomes an evident problem and takes away from their respective everyday life. I think the statistic for health of air should be advertised more prominently in all cities, trying to gather more attention from the general public about this clearly evident issue.
Thanks for the comment!