"Earth Sciences": Preserving Air Quality to Protect Human Health and the Environment
Al-Hajjari: The state’s continuous monitoring, oversight, and follow-up constitute a fundamental pillar in environmental protection
Overgrazing, vegetation removal, and poor water resource management are key factors behind Kuwait’s vulnerability to dust storms
Dr. Mubarak Al-Hajjari, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Association, told KUNA on the occasion of the International Day for Clean Air for Our Planet, observed annually on September 7, that the United Nations’ choice of this day aims to raise awareness, strengthen partnerships, and reduce air pollution to protect health and the environment.
Dr. Al-Hajjari explained that Kuwait is among the most affected countries in the region by dust and sand storms due to its geographical location and its arid desert climate. Dry northerly winds laden with dust frequently sweep across the country, particularly during late spring and summer.
He noted that the intensity and frequency of these storms have increased in recent years due to several factors, including record-high temperatures, drying of surface soils, and the decline of natural vegetation cover, which makes the country susceptible to dense dust waves. These waves lead to a sharp deterioration in air quality and, at times, a complete loss of horizontal visibility.
He pointed out that dust storms have environmental, health, and economic impacts. Fine particles suspended in the air, along with accompanying pollen and pollutants, cause a noticeable rise in allergy cases, respiratory crises, and asthma. They also result in material losses due to the encroachment and accumulation of sand on highways and vital national infrastructure.
He emphasized that these storms act as transboundary and transcontinental pollutants, carrying moving dust masses containing bacteria, fungi, viruses, and pollen, as well as industrial pollutants picked up by the storm as it passes over cities. This reduces air quality in areas thousands of kilometers away from the original source.
Regarding the reasons for the country’s vulnerability to these storms, he stressed that overgrazing beyond the land’s grazing capacity, vegetation removal, and poor water resource management contribute to turning vast areas into new sources of suspended dust, even under the slightest wind conditions.
Al-Hajjari praised the efforts undertaken by the State of Kuwait and its relevant institutions to preserve air quality and monitor pollutant levels. He highlighted the country’s network of air quality monitoring stations and systems, which continuously track air components and pollutant levels. This provides essential data for assessing air quality and detecting any changes that may affect public health and the environment.
He affirmed that the monitoring, oversight, and continuous follow-up activities carried out by state institutions form a fundamental pillar of the country’s environmental protection system. He stressed the importance of continuing to support these efforts, developing monitoring and early warning networks, and enhancing data exchange.
He underscored the necessity of cooperation among relevant authorities and scientific and research institutions to enhance Kuwait’s capacity to respond to dust storms and air pollution sources, and to mitigate their environmental, health, and economic impacts.
