Guyana was ranked 6th out of 180 countries for air quality in the 2016 Yale Environmental Performance Index report.
One way to measure air quality is through fine particulate matter called PM2.5. These tiny particles enter the air from many human and natural sources, such as dust and vehicle exhaust, and can make the air appear hazy when at high levels. Particles can travel vast distances, meaning air pollution caused in one place may transcend borders to impact people in another region altogether. The decline in clean air is a threat to human health, the environment, greater economic prosperity, and society.
Although Guyana was ranked 6th out of 180 countries for air quality in the 2016 Yale Environmental Performance Index report, Georgetown has high levels of air pollution. This can be significantly attributed to aluminum refining, power generation, vehicle emissions, landfill burning, mining, and forestry. These sources release air pollutants that can be harmful to those living nearby and contaminate natural systems. However, since air pollution can travel long distances, it can also affect those living thousands of miles away. Let your government know that it must take bold strides to reduce Guyana's air pollution by converting to clean energy!