Poor air quality hampers productivity, affects economy, expert warns
"We're witnessing one of the highest health-related out-of-pocket expenditures due to air pollution-induced diseases in Bangladesh," says Economist Prof Sayema Haque Bidisha
Air pollution has extremely detrimental effects on productivity levels and Bangladesh's economy, said an economist during the inaugural session of the Air Quality Research and Environmental Policy Discussion at the Faculty of Science, University of Dhaka this morning (12 January).
"When we are talking about human capital, the issue that comes up is poor air quality, which has an extremely detrimental effect on the efficiency and productivity levels of the people. This situation can have dire implications for GDP," said Economist Prof Sayema Haque Bidisha during the discussion.
Bidisha was a guest of honour in the program organised by the US Embassy in Dhaka. Her comment comes as Dhaka's air was classified as "unhealthy", with an AQI score of 185 at 8:55am this morning.
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She highlighted three primary concerns regarding pollution: environmental, health and productivity, and economic growth impacts.
"It's not only from a micro perspective but also from a global one that we see the negative impacts of environmental and air quality degradation," she said, adding that the negative impact on the climate and the worsening type of climate change that people have been experiencing is concerning.
"We're witnessing one of the highest health-related out-of-pocket expenditures due to air pollution-induced diseases in Bangladesh," Bidisha said, outlining the significant costs to families that affect education and nutrition.
"For example, the education of girls in the family and the overall nutrition of that family, she added.
Bidisha said these health-related costs can have serious consequences when the country aims to achieve sustainable development goals or improve overall well-being.
"I don't want to bore you with numbers, but the rate of premature deaths and the adverse effects of air pollution on children and infants in Bangladesh could also have far-reaching consequences for the nation as a whole," she added.
She said, "Thirdly, we are discussing and optimistic about the demographic dividend and transition we are experiencing due to our large youth population. This young demographic is crucial for the country's development, growth, and GDP."
Bidisha believes the solution to air pollution involves collaboration, increased awareness, and timely governmental intervention.
"Awareness on all sides can lead to a better world, necessitating timely government interventions, budget allocations, strategic decisions, and cooperation between governments," she said.
Bidisha said this type of collaboration should continue into the near future across various scales and levels through research, teaching, academic interaction, and the sharing of different ideas and projects.
Professor James J Schauer from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA, was a special guest in the discussion chaired by Prof Abdus Salam, Dean of Dhaka University's Faculty of Science.
