Three cases of exceptional air pollution across the globe that posed indeterminate danger stand out; the 1952 “Great Smog of London” which left 4,000 persons dead in weeks, the two-decade long air pollution of Beijing and other Chinese cities, and the 2018 New Delhi, Mumbai, and other Indian cities air pollution. Like in Beijing, a State Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan targeted at improving air quality and reducing soot pollution in a defined period must be developed and implemented in the states. The Federal Government, Rivers State and Bayelsa State governments must champion a solution to the soot problem. The laws must include stringent punishment and make individuals and communities vicariously liable for illegal refining in their areas. In conclusion, now is the time to work hard to solve the soot problem.

Source: The Guardian January 03, 2022 11:08 UTC