global airborne killers and their victims

December 13, 2018

Even in the age of environmentalism, more people are dying from air pollution than ever.

Recent statistics show that 2017 had the highest global pollutant mortality rate ever recorded, with roughly 451 out of 1 million individuals dying from these dangerous airborne molecules alone. As global warming continues and environmental action slows under Trump, air pollution poses an increasing threat to human lives across the globe.

Map of ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) world mortality rates. Original visualization created in Tableau.

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has recorded national and global mortality rates from ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) since 1990.

According to the World Health Organization, these two pollutants are the deadliest, posing the most significant health effects to all forms of life. Studies have shown the negative health effects of exposure to these airborne molecules, including Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease, decreased lung function, and death.

Though world mortality from ozone and particulates has only grown, some countries have lowered their national rates over time.

Norway and Sweden’s rates have dropped 42.7% and 38.4%, relatively, since 2000. Canada and Australia have dropped by 25.4% and 27.9%—both equivalent to about 70 less deaths per one million individuals.

This mortality data shows that preventing death and disease from air pollutants starts at the source. The countries that have shown lower death rates over the last 20 years are mostly developed nations with federal laws limiting pollutant emissions.

The Norwegian Environmental Agency passed legislation restricting greenhouse emissions in 1980, and updated standards passed in 2000 tightened limits even further on substances like fine particulate matter and airborne heavy metals. Since 2000, Norway has lowered their rate by 157 deaths.

US vs world mortality rates from ozone and PM2.5, 2000 vs 2017. Original visualization created in Tableau.

How does the U.S. shape up? Compared to the OECD, whose 36 member countries have collectively lowered mortality rates by 10%, the U.S. has made more than double the progress. Death rates have lowered by 21.1% in 2017, most likely resulting from the slurry of environmental action during the Obama administration, such as pollution limits on power plants and new fuel efficiency standards for vehicles.

However, recent rollbacks of these environmental laws could increase pollutant-related deaths in the United States. If more environmental protection laws continue to get repealed, the U.S. may be looking at a reversing mortality trend.

On December 6th, the Trump administration lifted some restrictions on carbon dioxide emissions from coal power plants. In October, the Environmental Protection Agency disbanded the Particulate Matter Review Panel, a group of scientists that advised the EPA on safe levels of pollution in the air.

Without protective regulations, greenhouse gas emissions will increase, and ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter levels will rise.

National mortality rates from ozone and PM2.5, 2000 vs 2017. Original visualization created in Tableau.

The Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development has shown promise for the future of air pollution. Focusing on economic growth as well as social and environmental change, developed and developing countries work together on policies for change.

The OECD recently released a report that showed a 44% increase in public climate financing from developed to developing countries. This bodes well for the countries that can’t afford environmental regulations because of their impact on industrial growth, and may contribute to future decreases in pollutant mortality.

Despite this, developing countries remain the most at risk for pollutant-related deaths. Thailand’s rate has skyrocketed 62% since 2000, the largest of any country. Libya and Indonesia are close seconds, with 55% and 47% increases. However, more than half of Africa has seen decreased death rates, mostly between 20-30%.

As the world continues to be affected by airborne pollution, groups like the OECD will become more and more necessary to prevent growing mortality in developing countries.