How Does Air Pollution Affect the Government? Understanding the Far-Reaching Impacts

While local authority air pollution control is critical in achieving better air quality, the central government is also affected in the process. Many pollutants in the air have far-reaching consequences that impact the condition of numerous areas overlooked by the national authorities. Therefore, proper cooperation between these two levels is crucial. In this article, we […]

While local authority air pollution control is critical in achieving better air quality, the central government is also affected in the process. Many pollutants in the air have far-reaching consequences that impact the condition of numerous areas overlooked by the national authorities. Therefore, proper cooperation between these two levels is crucial. In this article, we will explain why. How does air pollution affect the government? You will find the answer below!

How does air pollution affect politics?

There are generally two ways how air pollution affects politics: directly and indirectly. The former refers to all the policies which are introduced to prevent this problem from growing, while the latter to initiatives undertaken to battle its consequences.

The indirect approach might often not be associated with air pollution – many of the problems caused by low air quality are not obviously connected to it, yet require counteraction. In order to understand this, we need to look at the direct effects of air pollution on various areas of social and economic life.

How does air pollution affect the government? – The direct consequences that are reflected on the governmental policies

We have already discussed how air pollution affects crops and food security, but this is not the only aspect that it has an impact on. Poor air quality can lead to numerous problems which need to be solved by the central government. These include:

  • deteriorating mental health,
  • longer hospital bed occupation,
  • lower-quality and contaminated food,
  • water pollution and lack of drinkable water,
  • increased energy costs,
  • fewer tourists,
  • higher healthcare costs.

how does pollution affect politics

All of these issues affect the overall quality of life, thus the citizens require central governments to take action. Even if it does not seem so at first glance, the national authorities do battle the results of poor air quality in many seemingly unrelated aspects of life. Thus, they need to work closely with local authorities to combat both the causes and the outcomes of air pollution.

The takeaway

How does air pollution affect the government? By forcing the authorities to pass laws that stop its consequences. Whether it’s the prices on the rise, or worsening health among the citizens – all of these and more are connected to poor air quality and battled by the government itself.

If you are a politician, you might consider taking action. Check our solutions for local governments and see how we can help the local authorities in your country reduce the air pollution in your region!