…Ranked 5th out of 146 countries in the Social Progress Index
BY NNANNA OKERE, VAASA
Finland has the cleanest air in the world, according to a comprehensive analysis by the World Health Organisation (WHO). That means that Finns are largely spared from the debilitating illnesses caused by air pollution.
More than seven million people are prematurely killed each year due to air pollution, the WHO reports. As fine particles from pollutants fill the air, they penetrate the lungs and cause “stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and respiratory infections, including pneumonia,” WHO notes.
The report said that the major sources of pollution in the world are coal-fired power plants, transportation and agriculture sectors, deforestation, and waste burning, among other sources.
All across the world, levels of fine particulate matter indicating the presence of sulfate, nitrates, black carbon, and other contaminants exceed levels deemed safe by WHO.
The easiest way to reduce air pollution is to limit these practices. Finland has such clean air because of strong environmental regulations. The government invests in renewable energy, protects forests and lakes, and promotes the adoption of electric vehicles. The country is also well on its way to reach the goals it set under the Paris Climate Agreement.
Clean air and leading the global fight against climate change — it looks like Finns can sit back and take a deep breath.
Global Citizen campaigns on the United Nations’ Global Goals, calls on countries to provide clean air for their citizens. “You can take action on this issue here”.
In a related development, Finland has also been ranked 5th out of 146 countries in the Social Progress Index.The index is compiled by US-based non-profit Social Progress Imperative to measure the quality of life in a society across three dimensions of social progress: basic human needs, foundations of well-being and opportunity.
It uses scores of indicators to highlight a country’s relative strengths and weaknesses. Finland came in first in the world in terms of the inclusiveness of all members of the society and in providing nutrition and basic medical care to its citizens.
Finns also enjoy the third greatest personal freedom and choice in the world and had the 5th best access to information and communications, according to the index.
Finland slipped three positions from last year’s second place, as Norway claimed the top spot from Denmark this year. The Central African Republic remained last in the index.
Prime Minister of Finland Juha Sipila