Michael S. Kamara has warned that air pollution has become a growing threat to public health and environmental sustainability in Grand Kru County.
Kamara therefore called for urgent action to address practices that contribute to poor air quality.
His statement was contained in the keynote address at this year’s World Environment Day celebration held on Friday, June 5, at the Barclayville City Hall.
Kamara said, clean air must be treated as a public health priority and not merely an environmental concern.
He spoke under the national theme: “Clean Air, Good Health.”
Kamara highlighted the dangers posed by bush burning, illegal mining activities, and the open burning of plastics and other waste materials, which he said, continue to affect communities.
“Protecting the air, we breathe, is a shared responsibility. It requires government action, community participation, and individual commitment.”
Kamara is an environmental advocate.
He said, air pollution has emerged as one of the world’s leading environmental health risks, contributing to millions of deaths annually, and increasing the prevalence of respiratory and cardiovascular (heart) diseases.
Although Grand Kru remains largely rural, Kamara cautioned that environmental practices common in many communities are gradually creating localized pollution concerns that could have long-term consequences if left unchecked.
He specifically pointed to seasonal bush burning, which Kamara described as a major contributor to airborne pollutants during the dry season.
He also raised concerns about illegal mining operations that release dust and potentially harmful substances into the environment.
Kamara said, respiratory illnesses continue to rank among the leading causes of outpatient visits, adding that children, and individuals with existing health conditions, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of polluted air.
Poor air quality, Kamara said, not only affects public health, but also places pressure on the economy through rising healthcare costs, reduced workplace productivity, and increased school absenteeism.
To reverse the trend, he called for stronger environmental education programs, improved waste management systems, promotion of cleaner cooking technologies, and greater investment in renewable energy solutions.
Kamara also proposed the launch of an annual countywide tree-planting initiative to improve air quality while strengthening efforts to combat climate change.
World Environment Day is observed globally every June 5, to encourage awareness and action for the protection of the environment. This year’s international theme: “Climate Actions,” emphasizes the urgent need for collective efforts to address the global climate crisis.
The Grand Kru celebration brought together local government officials, environmental institutions, students, traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and residents, who joined in promoting environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
