東アジア・太平洋地域では毎日100人ほどの割合で五歳以下の子供たちが死んでいる

　―という衝撃的な書きようの記事。大気汚染がその理由という。

「More than 100 children under the age of five die every day in East Asia and the Pacific due to air pollution, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warned in a new analysis released on Thursday, calling for urgent action to tackle the crisis.」

　緊急対応が必要だぞ、というわけなのだが。

UN News Toxic air threatens children’s lives across East Asia and the Pacific, UNICEF warns By Vibhu Mishra
6 February 2025

　なんなら生まれる前から影響を受ける―と。

「The analysis underscores the devastating impact of toxic air on young lives, with air pollution now linked to nearly one in four deaths of under fives in the region.

Exposure begins in the womb, increasing risks of premature birth and low birth weight, and continues throughout childhood, impairing lung development, reducing cognitive function, and contributing to chronic diseases such as asthma and cardiovascular conditions.」

　健康問題にとどまらず、学校の閉鎖なり病気対応のための金銭なりでえらく損失が大きいぞ、と。

「High pollution levels force school closures, disrupt learning, and increase medical expenses, straining already overwhelmed healthcare systems.

The World Bank estimates that in 2019, the economic cost of air pollution from PM2.5 in East Asia and the Pacific amounted to $2.5 trillion, or 9.3 percent of the region’s gross domestic product (GDP).」

　曰くサイレント・キラー。

「In response to the “silent killer,” UNICEF called on governments, businesses, healthcare professionals, parents, and educators to take immediate steps to reduce air pollution and protect children’s health.」

　写真で提示されているのはタイ・バンコクやモンゴル。
　…ここ20年程度で発展著しいところ、といったあたりか。
　この点、本邦はかなり改善してきているので、そうした経験・技術の移転も十分立派な国際貢献だと思うんだが、どうなんだろう。