Minister of Environment Dr. Hussain Rasheed Hassan has stated air pollution poses a threat to the natural reefs that protect the islands of Maldives and the issue of air pollution needs a speedy solution. The minister made the statement in his nationwide address on the occasion of World Environment Day.
Environment Minister Hussain Rasheed said air pollution affects not only humankind, but also the ecosystem. The environment minister added this in turn threatens the Maldives. Noting the biggest threat to the natural reefs that protect the islands of Maldives stems from air pollution, the minister highlighted how the threat has increased by incinerating waste.
Furthermore, the minister added how even in Maldives several cultures are in practice that contribute to air pollution. He noted how much the smoke emitted by vehicles and vessels contribute to decreasing the air quality, in addition to the country's waste management practices.
Every year, June 5 is marked as World Environment Day. The theme for World Environment Day 2019 is Air Pollution.