{"id":1152,"date":"2020-12-29T09:43:23","date_gmt":"2020-12-29T09:43:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/?p=1152"},"modified":"2024-02-18T15:59:41","modified_gmt":"2024-02-18T15:59:41","slug":"pollution-statistics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/pollution-statistics\/","title":{"rendered":"42 Alarming Pollution Statistics (2024 UPDATE)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We\u2019ve gathered some of the most frightening and some of the least known pollution statistics. Hopefully, they\u2019ll help you understand what a massive problem pollution has become.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But before we dive into the stats, let\u2019s see some highlights.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='what-are-the-top-10-pollution-statistics-for-2024'><b>What are the Top 10 Pollution Statistics for 2024<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is <a href=\"#more than 600,000 square miles\">over 600,000 square miles<\/a>\u00a0in diameter.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every hour <a href=\"#800 people die from air pollution\">800 people die from air pollution<\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There will be <a href=\"#more plastic than fish\">more plastic than fish<\/a> in our oceans by 2050.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exposure to particulate matter 2.5 <a href=\"#leads to higher mortality\">leads to higher mortality<\/a> from Covid-19.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#85% of beach trash\">85% of beach trash<\/a> is synthetic microfibers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Making electric vehicles causes <a href=\"#23% more emissions\">23% more emissions<\/a> than making gas-powered cars.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There was a <a href=\"#60% reduction in PM\">60% reduction in PM<\/a> in New Delhi during the Covid-19 pandemic.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#8% to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions\">8% to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions<\/a> are from the fashion industry.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <a href=\"#US produces three times\">US produces three times<\/a> the worldwide average of waste.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every year, <a href=\"#$11.5 billion is spent\">$11.5 billion is spent<\/a> to clean litter worldwide.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Everything from the food you buy in grocery stores to the vacation you take (which you&#8217;ve worked so hard for) results in pollution.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pollution will continue to be one of our biggest problems unless we take action and make changes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='general-pollution-statistics'><b>General Pollution Statistics<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pollution comes in many shapes and forms. Some of which we haven&#8217;t even thought about before.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s easy to overlook that tiny plastic wrapper on the floor as you step over it. But, if you knew its effect on the environment and the wildlife, you&#8217;d reconsider your actions and place it in the recycling bin.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Below, you\u2019ll find some general statistics on pollution covering many aspects of it and ways it can affect us in the long run.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='1-the-great-pacific-garbage-patch-is-more-than-600000-square-miles-in-diameter'><b>1. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is more than 600,000 square miles in diameter.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(USA Today)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Great Pacific Garbage Patch sits between Hawaii and California. It is precisely as the name suggests \u2014 a massive collection of plastic. To put things into perspective, it&#8217;s twice the size of Texas.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">World pollution statistics from 2020 reveal the patch comprises approximately 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic. It&#8217;s estimated it weighs about 88,000 tons. The patch was discovered in the 1990s.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Further tracking revealed that it comes from around the Pacific Rim from countries in the Americas and Asia.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='2-every-hour-800-people-die-from-air-pollution'><b>2. Every hour 800 people die from air pollution.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(World Economic Forum)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let&#8217;s break down these pollution facts from 2019 even further.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The data reveals that approximately 13 people die from air pollution a minute. This is three times the number of deaths from malaria, AIDS, and tuberculosis combined for a year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Air pollution directly causes 43% of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease deaths. It also causes 29% of lung cancer deaths and 24% of stroke deaths.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Furthermore, it&#8217;s linked to childhood cancers, low birth weight, obesity, asthma, and many other health defects in children.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='3-facts-about-pollution-reveal-that-the-yangtze-river-carries-333000-metric-tons-of-plastic-into-the-ocean'><b>3. Facts about pollution reveal that the Yangtze River carries 333,000 metric tons of plastic into the ocean.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Our World in Data)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The top 20 rivers contributing to plastic pollution in oceans account for nearly 67% of river input to oceans. Statistics show Yangtze River in China has the most significant impact on plastic pollution.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Ganges River contributes around 115,000 tons of plastic, whereas the Xi River in China comes third with 73,900 tons. What\u2019s more, the vast majority of polluting rivers came from Asia.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='4-some-distressing-china-pollution-facts-in-2018-37-6-of-cities-had-experienced-acid-rain'><b>4. Some distressing China pollution facts: In 2018, 37.6% of cities had experienced acid rain.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Statista)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is even scarier is that 3% of these monitored cities experienced acid rain with a frequency of 75% or above that same year! Seeing how things aren\u2019t getting any better, the figures are probably even worse today.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='5-toxic-air-in-india-killed-a-staggering-1-67-million-people-in-2019'><b>5. Toxic air in India killed a staggering 1.67 million people in 2019.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Al Jazeera, Reuters)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let&#8217;s take a look at the pollution in India. Facts reveal a breathtaking truth: breathing the air there will most likely kill you. Polluted air caused approximately 18% of all deaths recorded in the country in 2019.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is more deaths than AIDS, diabetes, tuberculosis, and cancer put together. It was revealed that in 2020, 15 of the 20 most polluted cities in the world were, in fact, in India.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='6-the-us-pollution-statistics-show-that-the-country-has-low-pm2-5-exposure-levels'><b>6. The US pollution statistics show that the country has low PM2.5 exposure levels.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(SOGA 2020)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The US made it to the top ten list of countries with low PM2.5 exposure levels. These countries have less than 8 \u03bcg\/m3. The US comes right after Australia, Brunei, Canada, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, New Zealand, Norway, and Sweden.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conversely, countries with the highest mortality rates due to air pollution include China with 1.4 million and India with 980,000 PM2.5 exposure-caused deaths.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='air-pollution-statistics'><b>Air Pollution Statistics<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding what causes air pollution is the first step to finding optimal solutions. Air pollution solutions are either already implemented or in the process of being implemented in hopes of improving the air we breathe.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfortunately, in many aspects, the damage is already done. Countless lives have been lost. The statistics below reveal how dangerous the air we breathe can be. As well as the areas where most of the pollution comes from.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='7-outdoor-air-pollution-statistics-and-graphs-show-that-air-pollution-is-responsible-for-more-than-4-2-million-premature-deaths-a-year'><b>7. Outdoor air pollution statistics and graphs show that air pollution is responsible for more than 4.2 million premature deaths a year.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(WHO)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Outdoor air pollution accounts for premature deaths caused by stroke, lung cancer, heart disease, chronic and acute respiratory diseases.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Air pollution affects both developing and developed countries. However, data shows that low and middle-income countries experience the highest impact.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sadly, 91% of the global population lives in areas where the air quality exceeds healthy limits.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='8-one-of-the-positive-facts-about-air-pollution-is-the-implementation-of-the-clean-air-act-in-1970-that-has-improved-the-quality-of-air-ever-since'><b>8. One of the positive facts about air pollution is the implementation of the Clean Air Act in 1970 that has improved the quality of air ever since.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(EPA)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This, combined with the latest technological advances, has shown massive improvements in outdoor air quality in the US. The Clean Air Act had a crucial role in reducing air pollution as the economy grew in size.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The EPA works on the state, local, and tribal levels to improve air quality and reduce the emissions of 187 hazardous pollutants that affect the air we breathe.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='9-when-looking-at-air-pollution-in-los-angeles-statistics-for-2019-show-it-is-once-again-the-city-with-the-worst-ozone-pollution-in-the-us'><b>9. When looking at air pollution in Los Angeles, statistics for 2019 show it is once again the city with the worst ozone pollution in the US.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(SOTA 2020)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the State of the Air 2019 report, Los Angeles remains the undisputed leader of the most polluted cities in the US for 20 years straight.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This had a lot to do with the wildfires that ripped through the Western US, affecting Washington, Oregon, and California.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This resulted in increased PM levels. In 2019, Los Angeles had \u201chazardous\u201d air pollution levels for two days \u2014 the highest and unhealthiest level.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='10-the-city-of-delhi-had-only-two-good-air-days-in-2019'><b>10. The city of Delhi had only two good air days in 2019.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(India Today)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What&#8217;s worse is that this isn&#8217;t a fluke. Pollution statistics from 2020 revealed an improvement from 2018 when Delhi didn&#8217;t have any good air days for the entire year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The average AQI between January 1 and November 4 was 195, which is still lower than 204 back in 2018. This puts the air for that period from \u201cpoor\u201d to \u201cmoderate.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='11-pollution-statistics-from-2020-reveal-a-50-pm-emission-reduction-in-the-eu-between-1990-and-2018'><b>11. Pollution statistics from 2020 reveal a 50% PM emission reduction in the EU between 1990 and 2018.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Eurostat)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There was a considerable decrease in emissions of air pollutants in the EU between 1990 and 2018.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sulfur oxides saw the most significant reduction by 90%.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Non-methane volatile organic compounds and nitrous oxides declined by about 60%.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) saw nearly a 50% reduction over 28 years.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ammonia emissions had the lowest reduction at about 25%.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id='12-u-s-air-pollution-statistics-show-that-air-pollution-from-wildfires-triggers-exacerbations-in-various-diseases'><b>12. U.S. air pollution statistics show that air pollution from wildfires triggers exacerbations in various diseases.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(EPA)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are over 25 million people in the US and more than 6 million children with chronic lung disease. This includes asthma and about 16 million people with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wildfire-statistics\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smoke from wildfires can result in breathing difficulties<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and may worsen the condition. In turn, this increases the number of hospital admissions and emergency department visits for a variety of chronic lung disease complaints.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='13-the-asthma-prevalence-rate-has-increased-by-50-in-developed-countries-as-per-air-pollution-facts'><b>13. The asthma prevalence rate has increased by 50% in developed countries as per air pollution facts.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(SRG)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The State of the World Allergy Report revealed that developing countries and urban living areas had increased asthma prevalence dramatically over the last 40 years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The high industrial activity and development of larger cities expose the population to air pollutants.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Warmer temperatures due to global warming further worsen the situation as it allows plants more time to grow, flower, and produce the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/allergy-statistics\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pollen grains that many people are allergic to<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What\u2019s more, facts about air pollution show that flowers don&#8217;t only pollinate longer, they produce more pollen. That way, they trigger hay fever and many allergic reactions that affect up to 30% of adults and about 40% of children globally.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='14-there-was-a-60-reduction-in-pm-in-new-delhi-during-the-covid-19-pandemic'><b>14. There was a 60% reduction in PM in New Delhi during the Covid-19 pandemic.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(World Economic Forum)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clearer air and less pollution were the silver lining during the lockdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">[visualizer id=&#8221;5792&#8243;]<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although these effects are short-term, many cities around the world saw a decrease in air pollution. New York City had a 25%, S\u00e3o Paulo 32%, and Seoul a staggering 54% PM reduction.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='land-pollution-statistics'><b>Land Pollution Statistics<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many forms of land pollution and many ways that it can harm us. The good thing is that many countries worldwide realize how pollution is affecting the soil, land, and waterways. The results of which can be quite devastating.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Today more and more countries are taking action to limit pollution on many levels. The statistics below will help you better understand every aspect of land pollution.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='15-world-environment-day-tackles-the-facts-about-land-pollution-that-we-can-control'><b>15. World Environment Day tackles the facts about land pollution that we can control.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(UN Environment)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In 2018, World Environment Day focused on plastic pollution affecting the land and waterways. Hosted in India, the first step was to take a pledge to end single-use plastics by the year 2020.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hundreds of millions of people across over 190 countries took part in the events that included zero-waste marathons and beach cleanups.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='16-soil-pollution-facts-reveal-that-82-8-of-soil-in-china-is-contaminated'><b>16. Soil pollution facts reveal that 82.8% of soil in China is contaminated.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Reading Junction)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">China\u2019s soil is contaminated with pollutants such as arsenic, mercury, lead, and copper. One of the main reasons for this is the continuous population growth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cadmium contaminants were found in Guangzhou rice crops. This is a pollutant that causes cancer and kidney failure.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What\u2019s worse, every year, China produces 12 million tons of grain contaminated by heavy metals. This results in serious health issues in the people that consume them.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='17-only-a-third-of-the-6-5-trillion-cigarettes-bought-end-up-in-the-trash-as-per-cigarette-litter-facts'><b>17. Only a third of the 6.5 trillion cigarettes bought end up in the trash, as per cigarette litter facts.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(National Geographic)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smokers around the globe buy about 6.5 trillion cigarettes a year, which is about 18 billion daily.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although a good portion of the cigarette is disintegrated, there is still the filter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Filters, or cigarette butts, rarely make it to the trash can and are instead often thrown on the ground.\u00a0 Overall, cigarette butts are made of cellulose acetate \u2014 a form of plastic.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pollution from cigarette butts doesn&#8217;t only result in plastic pollution. It also causes heavy metals and nicotine pollution. As well as many other chemicals the butts absorb while the cigarette is being smoked.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently, cigarette butts are mistaken for food by animals. They fill their stomachs with plastic and absorb the chemicals.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='18-statistics-on-litter-reveal-that-the-rspca-received-5000-calls-a-year-to-report-litter'><b>18. Statistics on litter reveal that the RSPCA received 5,000 calls a year to report litter.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(RSPCA)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The RSPCA UK receives many calls of people reporting litter. That&#8217;s about 14 calls a day. These calls tend to increase over the summer months when people spend more time outside.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s essential to understand how common everyday litter can harm animals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Everything from plastic bags, single-use containers, elastic bands, Chinese lanterns, and balloons could prove detrimental to a wild animal&#8217;s health if wrapped around their body or consumed.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='19-2018-was-a-record-year-for-paper-recycling-with-a-68-1-rate'><b>19. 2018 was a record year for paper recycling with a 68.1% rate.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Resource Recycling)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/recycling-statistics\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paper recycling statistics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> show the recycling rate went down the following year. It reached only 66.2% recycling rate according to the United States pollution statistics.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The main reason for the drop is the sharp decline in recovered paper exports \u2014 13.6%. China\u2019s import restrictions are the main culprit for the recovered paper exports drop.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='20-the-us-produces-three-times-the-worldwide-average-of-waste'><b>20. The US produces three times the worldwide average of waste.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(ACT Enviro)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On average, the US produces 1704lbs of junk per person. This includes plastic, food, and hazardous waste, according to the plastic waste statistics. This accounts for 939 million tons of garbage per year, or 12% of Earth\u2019s MSW.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But the rest of the world isn\u2019t much better:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Australia<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Austria<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Canada<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">France<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Germany<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Netherlands<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Switzerland<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">are leaders in waste generation. Every year, the world makes enough waste to fill 800,000 Olympic pools. The US may produce the most waste, but it recycles more than the rest of the countries.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='21-every-year-11-5-billion-is-spent-to-clean-litter-worldwide'><b>21. Every year, $11.5 billion is spent to clean litter worldwide.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(iBanPlastic)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">World pollution statistics reveal it costs a lot of money to clean litter. In fact, billions of dollars are allocated annually across the globe to clean it from public places.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If people stopped littering, the funds wasted on cleaning litter would be enough to buy 5kW solar panels for about 300,000 homes. Or solve 40% of the world\u2019s current hunger problem, and so much more.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Imagine the difference several more steps to the nearest trash bin can do.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='water-pollution-statistics'><b>Water Pollution Statistics<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nearly every piece of garbage we throw on the ground will eventually make it to our waterways, and thus, to our oceans.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cycle continues as marine life ingests this garbage. Fishermen catch seafood delicacies. Then they end up on our plates, returning that plastic wrapper we dropped on a sidewalk back to us.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s essential to<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/water-pollution-statistics\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">understand how water pollution affects the environment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, kills marine life, and harms humans.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plastic is the most significant form of pollution in our waterways. But, chemicals and thermal pollution also have devastating results on the environment, animals, and us.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='22-one-of-the-most-frightening-of-all-plastic-pollution-facts-is-that-plastics-affect-more-than-267-marine-species'><b>22. One of the most frightening of all plastic pollution facts is that plastics affect more than 267 marine species.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(iBanPlastic)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plastic litter affects animals both in the short and long term. It is the cause of death of over a million birds worldwide and about 100,000 marine mammals. The animals die either from being tangled in the plastic or from ingesting it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most people know how plastic and litter affect animals. Yet, they continue to throw their trash everywhere except for the one spot it&#8217;s supposed to go.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='23-china-produces-8-8-million-metric-tons-of-waste-resulting-in-3-53-million-metric-tons-of-plastic-in-the-oceans'><b>23. China produces 8.8 million metric tons of waste resulting in 3.53 million metric tons of plastic in the oceans.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Condor Ferries)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ocean pollution statistics reveal that most plastic comes from litter being dropped on land. It&#8217;s also washed down from drains or rivers, thrown on beaches, as well as lousy landfill management.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">China may be the most significant contributor, but everyone plays a hand in adding to the rising amount of plastic in the oceans.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apart from China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Egypt are also responsible for the majority of the plastic that ends up in the oceans.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='24-the-bp-deepwater-horizon-poured-millions-of-gallons-of-oil-into-the-gulf-of-mexico-205-8-to-be-exact-in-2010'><b>24. The BP Deepwater Horizon poured millions of gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico (205.8 to be exact) in 2010.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Biological Diversity)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the most disturbing oil pollution facts in recent history was the BP Deepwater Horizon catastrophe. Apart from the oil, the disaster also resulted in 2 million gallons of toxic dispersants and 225,000 tons of methane spilled into the Gulf.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To date, only 25% of the oil has been recovered, with some 154 million gallons still in the Gulf.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s estimated the catastrophe killed approximately 82,000 birds from 102 different species, about 6,165 sea turtles, and 25,900 marine mammals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is impossible to determine the number of fish, crabs, oysters, corals, and other sea creatures, but the number is vast indeed.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='25-facts-about-ocean-pollution-show-there-will-be-more-plastic-than-fish-in-our-oceans-by-2050'><b>25. Facts about ocean pollution show there will be more plastic than fish in our oceans by 2050.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(iBanPlastic)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If we continue to handle plastics the way we have thus far, the amount of plastic in the oceans will continue to increase. It\u2019s expected that plastic production will increase by four times by 2050.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Only about 5% of plastic produced is appropriately recycled. As much as 40% makes its way to landfills.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The rest of the plastic is responsible for both land and ocean pollution. 33% of all the plastic produced makes its way to the oceans, whereas 22% pollute the land.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='26-even-a-1%c2%b0c-change-in-temperature-can-have-detrimental-effects-on-an-organism'><b>26. Even a 1\u00b0C change in temperature can have detrimental effects on an organism.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Arcadia)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ocean pollution facts show that thermal pollution is a severe issue.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any temperature change, particularly abrupt, can result in fish and other organisms&#8217; mass death in the ocean. Thermal pollution changes water quality via a process that alters the overall ambient temperature of the water.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Usually, industrial manufacturers and power plants cause thermal pollution. However, natural causes such as volcanoes can cause it, too.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='27-85-of-beach-trash-is-synthetic-microfibers'><b>27. 85% of beach trash is synthetic microfibers.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Conservation)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Facts about water pollution show that the fashion industry adds to water pollution more than you\u2019d think. Each time we do laundry, more than 700,000 synthetic microfibers go down the drain and end up in the waterways.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, the fibers from synthetics do not break down as quickly as cotton and wool. As it takes so long for them to decompose, they ultimately reach the oceans. They wash up on shores and beaches, making as much as 85% of all beach trash.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What\u2019s more, animals and fish, many of which we eat, ingest those fibers.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='global-industrial-pollution-statistics-and-facts'><b>Global Industrial Pollution: Statistics and Facts<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our insatiable need for new things (and lots of it) has resulted in increased industrial pollution.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the production of clothes to the food we eat, every form of industrial manufacturing creates unbelievable amounts of pollution in the air, land, and water.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The statistics below will give you just a small glimpse into the massive pollution that industries, factories, and farms cause.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='28-factory-pollution-facts-show-that-8-to-10-of-global-greenhouse-gas-emissions-are-from-the-fashion-industry'><b>28. Factory pollution facts show that 8% to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions are from the fashion industry.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(VOX)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our unquenchable thirst for the latest fashion trends has resulted in dramatic levels of pollution coming from the fashion industry. Today, the fashion industry pollutes more than both the maritime shipping and aviation industries combined.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Currently, the fashion industry produces anywhere from 80 billion to 150 billion garments globally every year. Within years of being manufactured, around three-fifths of the fashion industry\u2019s products end up in landfills.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='29-manure-management-is-responsible-for-14-of-all-agricultural-greenhouse-gas-emissions-in-the-us-alone'><b>29. Manure management is responsible for 14% of all agricultural greenhouse gas emissions in the US alone.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(NRDC)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Air pollution facts reveal that manure from livestock emits ammonia, which is known to combine with other air pollutants such as sulfates and nitrogen oxides.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This combination results in the creation of tiny deadly solid particles. Once inhaled, these particles can cause serious lung and heart disease. It\u2019s estimated they account for about 3.3 million deaths around the world each year.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='30-exposure-to-particulate-matter-2-5-leads-to-higher-mortality-from-covid-19'><b>30. Exposure to particulate matter 2.5 leads to higher mortality from Covid-19.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Air Quality News)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New research suggests some interesting air pollution facts. Scientists believe that a 1 \u00b5g\/m3 increase in PM2.5 leads to a 7% higher Covid-19 mortality rate.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Researchers have also discovered that a 1ppb increase in ozone concentrations also raises the Covid-19 mortality by 2%.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='31-antibiotics-used-in-meat-production-contribute-to-antibiotic-resistance'><b>31. Antibiotics used in meat production contribute to antibiotic resistance.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(NRDC)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">About two-thirds of antibiotics manufactured for human use in the US are sold for livestock use rather than for people.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The drugs are placed into factory farm animals&#8217; water and food, as facts about water pollution reveal. Yet, they barely do anything to help them survive the terrible conditions they are kept in.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This overuse of antibiotics results in the proliferation of antibiotics. It&#8217;s a resistant bacteria that can quickly spread by air and water. About 162,000 people in the US die each year due to antibiotic-resistant infections resulting from the bacteria.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='32-world-pollution-statistics-reveal-that-100000-chemicals-are-produced-commercially'><b>32. World pollution statistics reveal that 100,000 chemicals are produced commercially.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Condor Ferries)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each produced chemical has the potential to pollute oceans. Either through accidents during transport or by leaking into the atmosphere or soil and reaching the waterways.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s scary just thinking about it. Yet, even if we&#8217;re hundreds of miles away from the nearest significant body of water, products we use daily, in the end, reach the oceans one way or another.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Washing your clothes, discarding medicines improperly, using cleaning products can cause pollution. Be conscious of your use of chemicals and find alternatives whenever possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='33-pollution-statistics-reveal-that-the-nylon-production-process-results-in-nitrous-oxide-emission-300-times-stronger-than-carbon-dioxide'><b>33. Pollution statistics reveal that the nylon production process results in nitrous oxide emission 300 times stronger than carbon dioxide.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(EKOEnergy)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nylon and polyester add to pollution as they slowly break down while being washed in washing machines. It results in vast amounts of microplastics in the water systems.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not only do these microplastics pollute water, but they also end up on our plates over time. The consequences of which are still unknown.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cheaper and lower the quality of the clothing, the faster it breaks down into microplastics. Sadly, apparel seems to be getting cheaper and cheaper with each passing year.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='other-types-and-facts-on-pollution'><b>Other Types and Facts on Pollution<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many sources of pollution that many people don\u2019t think about.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many of us don\u2019t realize the amount of pollution airplanes cause. The way noise pollution affects animals near urban communities. Or ask ourselves, \u201chow does light pollution affect animals?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It puts things in perspective and helps us realize that every action we take may result in pollution. Think about the statistics below next time you reserve a luxury cruise or choose your next car.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='34-airport-pollution-statistics-show-that-in-2019-the-flights-departing-us-airports-contributed-an-estimated-85-of-passenger-transport-co2-emissions'><b>34. Airport pollution statistics show that in 2019 the flights departing US airports contributed an estimated 85% of passenger transport CO2 emissions.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(ICCT)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A total of 918 million metric tons of CO2 emissions came from commercial flight operations in 2019. Of the emissions coming from US airports, two-thirds of flights were domestic.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moreover, 37% of all commercial aviation CO2 emissions were linked to narrow-body passenger planes. Further 24% came from wide-body passenger jets.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">[visualizer id=&#8221;5794&#8243;]<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">19% and 15% CO2 emissions came from premium seating and freight carriage, respectively. And the remaining 5% were from regional passenger planes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='35-excess-light-is-killing-tens-of-thousands-of-birds-every-year-in-toronto-recent-light-pollution-facts-show'><b>35. Excess light is killing tens of thousands of birds every year in Toronto., recent light pollution facts show.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(National Geographic)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Fatal Light Awareness Program has estimated that tall buildings in Toronto kill many birds every year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many of these deaths happen during the day when birds mistakenly hit windows or are blinded by the glare. But, many still die at night due to artificial lighting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The majority of these fatalities happen in fall and spring. Artificial lighting in cities affects migratory birds who travel by night and are attracted to urban areas by bright lights.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider the results of this study and apply them to every city in North America. The number of birds dying from excess light pollution could reach millions, revealing that light pollution and animals don\u2019t mix well.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='36-more-interesting-facts-about-pollution-the-dna-of-baby-zebra-finches-change-when-parents-are-exposed-to-excess-noise'><b>36. More interesting facts about pollution: the DNA of baby zebra finches change when parents are exposed to excess noise.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Smithsonian Magazine)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A study of three groups of 263 zebra finch hatchlings was conducted to answer the question, \u201chow does noise pollution affect animals?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the groups of nesting parents was exposed to continuous noise throughout the breeding and birthing process. This continued 18 days after the hatching as well.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The second group of hatchlings was exposed to noise 18 days after hatching and lasted for 100 days.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The last group was exposed to no noise.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ultimately, the findings showed that the second group&#8217;s hatchlings had the shortest telomeres\u00a0 \u2014 a part of their DNA \u2014 of the three groups.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='37-pollution-statistics-reveal-that-in-2017-the-carnival-corporation-emitted-almost-ten-times-more-sox-across-european-coasts-than-the-260-million-cars-in-europe'><b>37. Pollution statistics reveal that in 2017, the Carnival Corporation emitted almost ten times more SOX across European coasts than the 260 million cars in Europe.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Transport Environment)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Furthermore, Royal Caribbean Cruises is the second-largest luxury cruise operator. Yet it still pollutes up to four more than all the cars in Europe.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SOX, or Sulphur oxide, is a form of sulfate aerosols. It increases the number of health risks and contributes to acidification in aquatic and terrestrial environments.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We won&#8217;t go further into details of the other forms of pollution that luxury cruise ships are also responsible for.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='38-electric-vehicle-manufacturing-produces-approximately-23-more-emissions-than-that-of-a-gas-powered-car'><b>38. Electric vehicle manufacturing produces approximately 23% more emissions than that of a gas-powered car.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Green Car Congress)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The US air pollution statistics have revealed that the bigger the vehicle that\u2019s being manufactured, the larger the battery. Or, in other words, the greater the emissions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fortunately, due to battery recycling, the decarbonizing of electrical grids, and an increase in battery energy density, emissions from battery manufacturing could be reduced by a whopping 49%.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What\u2019s more, both BMW and Tesla encourage their battery-recycling programs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They state that even though battery production emissions may be high during production, in the long run, emissions from electric vehicles as a whole are lower than gas-powered cars.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='faq'><b>FAQ<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3 id='39-how-much-does-the-average-person-pollute'><b>39. How much does the average person pollute?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s challenging to get an average of how much one person could pollute annually. But, it&#8217;s estimated that each American emits over 15 tons of CO2 every year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This includes the vast majority of actions such as leisure, travel, domestic energy use, commuting, and overall consumption. Every day we make decisions that contribute to our carbon footprint. Still, some cannot be avoided.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='40-what-causes-the-most-pollution-in-the-world'><b>40. What causes the most pollution in the world?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The burning of fossil fuels such as natural gas, coal, oil, and gasoline is the biggest culprit for air pollution worldwide.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For the most part, though, industrial activities and manufacturing are the biggest polluters of the air, water, and soil.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='41-which-country-is-the-biggest-polluter'><b>41. Which country is the biggest polluter?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/global-warming-statistics\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">China is the biggest contributor to global warming<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> due to having the highest carbon dioxide emissions. They account for about 27.5% of all global CO2 emissions in 2018.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In 2017, the leading countries for CO2 emissions per capita were the US along with Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For overall emissions, China, India, and the US were among the top five biggest emitters, with China in the lead.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='42-how-can-we-minimize-pollution'><b>42. How can we minimize pollution?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first step is to be more conscious of our actions and how they affect the world around us. Other small changes you can make (right now) to reduce your carbon footprint are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Commute smart and drive your vehicle less.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduce or, if possible, eliminate the use of single-use plastics in the household.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buy energy-efficient appliances and don&#8217;t leave electronics and lights on when you don\u2019t need them to save energy.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use environmentally friendly cleaning products.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stay informed and participate in cleanups, sign petitions, and do your part to educate both family and friends.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id='conclusion'><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The above-mentioned pollution statistics are just the tip of the iceberg. With each passing day, more research is being done to reveal the real extent of our impact on the environment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s still a slither of hope that we could fix the damage we&#8217;ve done (thus far).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The very least we could do is to try and cut the damage. We should take a more conscious stand and reduce all forms of pollution that are within our control.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='sources'><b>Sources<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.actenviro.com\/recycling-statistics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACT Enviro<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/airqualitynews.com\/2020\/09\/14\/exposure-to-pm2-5-leads-to-an-increase-in-covid-19-mortality-new-study\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Air Quality News<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aljazeera.com\/news\/2019\/05\/india-pollution-killing-millions-poll-agenda-190507141853621.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Al Jazeera<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.arcadia.com\/15-key-facts-statistics-about-thermal-pollution\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arcadia<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.biologicaldiversity.org\/programs\/public_lands\/energy\/dirty_energy_development\/oil_and_gas\/gulf_oil_spill\/a_deadly_toll.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Biological Diversity<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.condorferries.co.uk\/marine-ocean-pollution-statistics-facts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Condor Ferries<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.condorferries.co.uk\/plastic-in-the-ocean-statistics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Condor Ferries<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservation.org\/stories\/ocean-pollution-11-facts-you-need-to-know\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conservation<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ekoenergy.org\/how-polluting-is-the-fashion-industry\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">EKOEnergy<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/clean-air-act-overview\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">EPA<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling\/national-overview-facts-and-figures-materials\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">EPA<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/wildfire-smoke-course\/which-populations-experience-greater-risks-adverse-health-effects-resulting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">EPA<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ec.europa.eu\/eurostat\/statistics-explained\/index.php\/Air_pollution_statistics_-_emission_inventories#General_overview\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eurostat<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.greencarcongress.com\/2011\/06\/lowcvp-20110608.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Green Car Congress<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ibanplastic.com\/littering-facts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">iBanPlastic<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theicct.org\/publications\/co2-emissions-commercial-aviation-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ICCT<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.indiatoday.in\/diu\/story\/delhi-pollution-falls-by-4-in-2019-compared-to-last-year-1616035-2019-11-05\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India Today<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationalgeographic.com\/environment\/2019\/08\/cigarettes-story-of-plastic\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Geographic<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationalgeographic.com\/science\/2019\/04\/nights-are-getting-brighter-earth-paying-the-price-light-pollution-dark-skies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Geographic<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/stories\/industrial-agricultural-pollution-101\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NRDC<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ourworldindata.org\/plastic-pollution\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our World in Data<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/readingjunction.com\/soil-pollution-facts-types-causes-effect-control\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reading Junction<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/resource-recycling.com\/recycling\/2020\/05\/19\/us-paper-recycling-rate-drops-slightly\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Resource Recycling<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/article\/us-india-pollution\/pollution-deaths-in-india-rose-to-1-67-million-in-2019-lancet-idUSKBN28W158\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reuters<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rspca.org.uk\/adviceandwelfare\/litter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RSPCA<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/science-nature\/noise-pollution-might-cut-birds-lives-short-180970145\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smithsonian Magazine<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stateofglobalair.org\/sites\/default\/files\/soga_2019_report.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SOGA 2020<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stateoftheair.org\/assets\/SOTA-2020.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SOTA 2020<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.srgtalent.com\/blog\/understanding-the-link-between-air-quality-and-allergies\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SRG<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.statista.com\/statistics\/301607\/china-cities-affected-by-acid-rain-by-frequency\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Statista<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.transportenvironment.org\/discover\/luxury-cruise-giant-emits-10-times-more-air-pollution-sox-all-europes-cars-study\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Transport Environment<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.unenvironment.org\/annualreport\/2018\/chapter-00-selected-2018-highlights.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UN Environment<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/eu.usatoday.com\/story\/news\/nation\/2019\/10\/03\/great-pacific-garbage-patch-cleanup-underway\/3854722002\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">USA Today<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vox.com\/the-goods\/2020\/1\/27\/21080107\/fashion-environment-facts-statistics-impact\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">VOX<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/health-topics\/air-pollution#tab=tab_1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WHO<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.weforum.org\/agenda\/2019\/06\/10-facts-about-air-pollution-on-world-environment-day\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">World Economic Forum<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.weforum.org\/agenda\/2020\/09\/pollution-costs-lives-here-are-5-ways-companies-can-clean-up-the-air\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">World Economic Forum<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How much does the average person pollute?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"It's challenging to get an average of how much one person could pollute annually. But, it's estimated that each American emits over 15 tons of CO2 every year.\\n\\nThis includes the vast majority of actions such as leisure, travel, domestic energy use, commuting, and overall consumption. Every day we make decisions that contribute to our carbon footprint. Still, some cannot be avoided.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What causes the most pollution in the world?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The burning of fossil fuels such as natural gas, coal, oil, and gasoline is the biggest culprit for air pollution worldwide.\\n\\nFor the most part, though, industrial activities and manufacturing are the biggest polluters of the air, water, and soil.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Which country is the biggest polluter?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"China is the biggest contributor to global warming due to having the highest carbon dioxide emissions. They account for about 27.5% of all global CO2 emissions in 2018.\\n\\nIn 2017, the leading countries for CO2 emissions per capita were the US along with Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar.\\n\\nFor overall emissions, China, India, and the US were among the top five biggest emitters, with China in the lead.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How can we minimize pollution?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The first step is to be more conscious of our actions and how they affect the world around us. Other small changes you can make (right now) to reduce your carbon footprint are:\\n\\nCommute smart and drive your vehicle less.\\nReduce or, if possible, eliminate the use of single-use plastics in the household.\\nBuy energy-efficient appliances and don't leave electronics and lights on when you don\u2019t need them to save energy.\\nUse environmentally friendly cleaning products.\\nStay informed and participate in cleanups, sign petitions, and do your part to educate both family and friends.\"}}]}<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Pollution statistics reveal this continues to be a major problem around the world in 2022. Learn about the biggest polluters and how you can help. [&#8230;]<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/pollution-statistics\/\">Read More&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> from 42 Alarming Pollution Statistics (2024 UPDATE)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":1154,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1152","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-stats-and-facts"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1152","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/22"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1152"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1152\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1154"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1152"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1152"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1152"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}