#tellyourpollutionstory to the Global Commission on Pollution and Health
Dev Patel, Freida Pinto among others observe a globe signed by the cast of The Newsroom at a Pure Earth event.
Pure Earth, along with the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP) are working on a landmark Report on the impact of pollution around the globe. Authored by 50 expert researchers and policymakers, the Global Commission on Pollution + Health will publish a report in The Lancet in the spring of 2017. The Report will document the combined disease burden from air, water and soil pollution, calculate the economic impact and examine the disproportionate harm pollution causes children and pregnant women.
The research team has so far concluded, that pollution is the leading cause of death in the world, stealing almost 10 million lives a year, 92% of those deaths occurring in low and middle-income countries. And this is still an underestimation because accurate data is missing from many severely effected countries. The Report will also present a range of proven solutions to address the global pollution crisis, and call for increased investment in pollution control from the international community.
How can you help?
The Global Commission on Health + Pollution is not only working to complete this large policy report filled with data, but is also inviting all concerned to tell their story and share your concerns about pollution and health, and describe the needs in your region. To do this, one of the ways it is inviting the world community is through the National Geographic YourShot hashtag challenge.
National Geographic is calling for photographic submissions to #TellYourPollutionStory and show how your community is affected by pollution on a daily basis. Your images, captions and stories will help transform mere numbers into the many visible facets of human life and health impacted by pollution.
A second way to participate is by submitting your story in more detail to the Commission’s Global Pollution map. Go to www.globalpollutionmap.org and click on Tell Your Pollution Story.
The Commission wants to know, through your words and images, how pollution has changed life in your community over the past 30 years. Has globalization, economic and industrial growth brought increased pollution and changed local life? You can share your story on how pollution is impacting you and your local community by clicking here. All entries will be reviewed and displayed to all and shared specifically with leaders of national governments.
Image credit: Pure Earth/Blacksmith Institute