Title: Pollution prevention and mitigation - all hands on deck

Authors: Hans-Albert Bachor; Larissa Schneider

Addresses: Research School of Physics, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia ' School of Culture, History and Language, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia

Abstract: Economic and population growth has resulted in a significant environmental pollution issue in the Anthropocene. As the world evolves, new technologies bring more challenges to be faced due to pollution. We discuss different types and forms of pollution in the Anthropocene, resulted as a side effect of many of the technologies which humans have created. The perceived levels of pollution varies across countries and are important predictors of responses towards pollution reduction. Limiting these emissions, including radiation, gases, heavy metals, smoke, dust and CO₂ is a complex task that requires a multi-disciplinary approach with the collaboration of a diverse range of experts and the public. Trusted communicators, who can turn specific knowledge into stories, are key to promote pollution control in the Anthropocene. To this end, trust in science is fundamental, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. This response model should be carried forward to the larger global pollution problems.

Keywords: pollution; collaboration; multi-disciplinary research; metal; PM2.5; PM10; COVID-19; mining; sewage; kerosene; bushfire.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSS.2021.118140

International Journal of Society Systems Science, 2021 Vol.13 No.3, pp.219 - 230

Received: 09 Jun 2020
Accepted: 26 Nov 2020
Published online: 13 Oct 2021 *

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