GS Paper 3
Syllabus: Environment Conservation: Air pollution
Source: DTE
Context: The Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) report by the University of Chicago reveals that fine particulate air pollution (Particulate Matter 2.5) reduces the average Indian’s life expectancy by 5.3 years.
- This figure is based on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guideline of 5 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3)
Key Findings:
- Particulate pollution is the primary threat to Indian health, reducing life expectancy by 5.3 years on average.
- Cardiovascular diseases diminish life expectancy by about 4.5 years, while malnutrition reduces it by 1.8 years.
- All 1.3 billion Indians live in areas exceeding the WHO guideline for annual average particulate pollution.
- Approximately 67% of the population lives in regions surpassing India’s own air quality standard of 40 µg/m3
- India contributed over 59% of the world’s increase in pollution from 2013 to 2021.
- The Northern Plains are the most polluted region in India and about 39% of residents may lose eight years of life expectancy compared to WHO guidelines.
Reasons Behind Spike in Air Pollution in South Asia
The surge in air pollution in South Asia stems from rapid industrialization, economic growth, and population expansion. These factors have led to increased energy demand and fossil fuel usage in the region. In India and Pakistan, the vehicle count on roads has quadrupled since the early 2000s, while in Bangladesh, it tripled from 2010 to 2020. Electricity generation from fossil fuels also tripled between 1998 and 2017 in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan combined. While this elevated energy consumption improved living standards and economies, the resulting rise in particulate pollution has had severe consequences.
WHO’s New Air Quality Guidelines
The World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced updated air quality guidelines in 2021 to safeguard population health by reducing levels of key air pollutants
These guidelines offer recommended air quality levels for six pollutants: particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO)
| Suggestions to Improve Air Quality and Health |
| 1. Adopt or revise national air quality standards based on the latest WHO guidelines. |
| 2. Monitor air quality and identify pollution sources. |
| 3. Promote clean household energy for cooking, heating, and lighting. |
| 4. Develop safe public transport and pedestrian-friendly networks. |
| 5. Enforce stricter vehicle emissions and efficiency standards. |
| 6. Invest in energy-efficient housing and power generation. |
| 7. Enhance industry and municipal waste management practices. |
| 8. Reduce agricultural waste incineration and forest fires. |
| 9. Incorporate air pollution in health professional curricula. |
| 10. Provide tools for the health sector to address air pollution. |
About the AQLI report:
Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) Annual Update 2023 translates particulate pollution into life expectancy impact and was developed by the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute.
Insta Links:
Issues with the Air Pollution Control Measures in India
Mains Links:
Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). How are these different from its last update in 2005? What changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve revised standards? (2021)
Prelims Links:
In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of the Air Quality Index? (UPSC 2016)
- Carbon dioxide
- Carbon monoxide
- Nitrogen dioxide
- Sulphur dioxide
- Methane
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Ans: B
