There is no denying how severe pollution on the planet has been in the last few years. According to statistics, complication brought on by pollution is one of the biggest reasons for death worldwide with a death toll of 100 million people. In fact it is estimated that more than 3 million children under five die every year from the effects of pollution. The degradation of the planet is so severe that according to astronauts, pollution can be clearly seen from space.
Last Friday, astronaut Scott Kelly spoke to CNN from the International Space Station. Kelly, who is the commander of the space station, has been in space for a little under a year. He is expected to complete his mission and depart for earth by March along with Mikhail Kornienko, a Russian cosmonaut.
During the interview, Kelly described how the Earth looked like from space. According to him, it was as if astronauts were looking through a thin haze of pollution. He explains that the planet looks like it needs to be taken cared of better.
"There are definitely parts of Asia, Central America that when you look at them from space, you're always looking through a haze of pollution. As far as the atmosphere is concerned, and being able to see the surface, you know, I would say definitely those areas that I mentioned look kind of sick" explained the astronaut.
Scott Kelly has also chimed in on several issues regarding space travel during the interview. He was asked by Dr. Sanjay Gupta on his views on private space travel and according to the astronaut, he is all for the idea. He explains that the whole endeavor of having to live in space is such an amazing feat and it would be wonderful if more people would be able to experience it.