Watch Unbreathable: Cities on the Verge of Asphyxiation

As a result of rapid urbanization, the air around us has become increasingly difficult to breathe. Unbreathable: Cities on the Verge of Asphyxiation dives into the issue of air pollution in cities, highlighting its dire impacts on the physical and mental health of millions of people worldwide. The documentary takes us on a tour of some of the most polluted cities in the world, including Beijing, New Delhi, and Ulaanbaatar, where the haze is so thick that it often feels like driving through a smoke-filled tunnel. We see people with masks over their faces, and hear them complain about coughing and wheezing all day long.

In India, the filmmakers visit a village where the air pollution level is so high that it has even turned the white walls of homes black. People here are struggling to cope with respiratory issues, which have become the leading cause of death in the country. We hear from a doctor who says that there is a severe lack of awareness and education on the issue, which is causing people to take the problem lightly.

The film also focuses on the various sources of air pollution, which range from industrial emissions to household activities such as cooking on stoves that burn wood or coal. It highlights the role of governments in tackling the problem, with a segment on how Paris has tackled pollution by offering free public transport during peak pollution days.

The documentary speaks to experts in the field of air pollution, including doctors, scientists, and environmental activists, who share their knowledge and insights on the issue. We learn about the invisible nature of air pollution and how it seeps into our bodies, causing long-term damage. In one segment, we see how air pollution can cause premature ageing, with a time-lapse video of a woman’s face showing how it ages over time due to pollution.

Despite the gloomy subject matter, there are glimmers of hope in the film. We see how the Italian city of Milan has been able to reduce its pollution levels by planting trees and creating bike lanes. We hear from an engineer who has created a device that can purify the air indoors, providing a solution for people who cannot step out due to air pollution.

Overall, Unbreathable: Cities on the Verge of Asphyxiation is a sobering reminder of the urgent need to tackle air pollution. It shows us that the effects of air pollution are not just felt by people who live in polluted cities, but by everyone on the planet. It is a call to action, for governments and individuals alike, to take steps towards cleaner air and a healthier planet.