Chemical pollution a threat comparable to climate change, scientists warn
GuardianAUG 3
Study: Chemical Pollution Poses Climate-Level Threat to Health
Above: Recyclable plastics in the Citarum River at Batujajar in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia, on June 12, 2024. Image copyright: Timur Matahari/Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
PFAS linger everywhere, from drinking water to fish to humans themselves, mandating urgent action. Governments must enforce regulations, test water supplies, set standards and clean up sites, while individuals can test their own water, install certified filters and avoid buying products that are full of these toxic chemicals. Like climate change, this is a global effort requiring personal, governmental and corporate accountability.
Narrative B
Chemical pollution certainly is the most immediate threat to human health, causing widespread illness and millions of deaths right now, unlike climate change's longer-term risks. Yet, the intense focus on carbon emissions overshadows urgent needs like stricter air quality rules and chemical bans. This imbalance delays critical action on pervasive health dangers, even as fossil fuel use remains largely uncurbed.
Climate-skeptic narrative
Climate change fears indeed overshadow real, immediate threats like pollution, which is killing millions today. More worryingly, however, climate rhetoric is becoming increasingly extreme and apocalyptic, drifting away from science and reason. This shift is both dangerous and distracting.