The burning of fossil fuels not only accelerates global warming<\/b> but also threatens the health of 1.6 billion people<\/b> due to the toxic substances they release. Although carbon dioxide does not directly harm the human body, the combustion of coal and oil releases tiny particles called PM2.5<\/b>, which cause serious health problems when they enter the body through the respiratory tract.<\/p>\n
According to a new, interactive map from the organization Climate Trace<\/b>, PM2.5 particles are circulating near the permanent residences of 1.6 billion people<\/b>. Of those, 900 million<\/b> live close to industrial facilities such as power plants, oil refineries, and ports, which are particularly large emitters of harmful substances. Climate Trace named ten of the most affected cities, including:<\/p>\n Former US Vice President and Climate Trace co-founder, Al Gore<\/b>, notes that the burning of fossil fuels and human health are directly linked. He states that such facilities cause the deaths of 8.7 million people<\/b> annually.<\/p>\n Against this backdrop, US environmental policy under President Donald Trump’s administration has been the subject of criticism. The President canceled federal programs and renewable energy projects. Although his environmental advisor, Ed Russo, claims the administration is ready to fight environmental pollution, ecological groups express concern that the United States’ current policy is too lenient.<\/p>\n The Climate Trace organization has offered the public a new, publicly accessible tool. Using satellites and sensors, this instrument allows people to see how air pollution flows are spreading across more than 2,500 urban areas. The tool clearly shows the direct link between the climate crisis<\/b> and the dangerous air pollution<\/b> threatening public health.<\/p>\n\n