Air & Environment
As air pollution is not restricted to geo-political boundaries, the pursuit of clean air has emerged as a universal concern, transcending borders and cultures. As rapid urbanisation and industrialisation continue to reshape our societies, the imperative to mitigate air pollution has become more critical than ever.
Major sources of air pollution, such as vehicular emissions, industrial processes, and the burning of fossil fuels, have cast a shadow on the health and well-being of communities worldwide. The adverse impact of polluted air on respiratory health, cardiovascular diseases, and even cognitive functions are undeniable, highlighting the need for comprehensive global action.
Particulate matter, composed of minuscule particles suspended in the atmosphere, poses a pervasive threat to Earth’s ecosystems and human lives. These fine particles, such as PM2.5 and PM10, infiltrate respiratory systems, triggering health issues and premature deaths.
To combat this pervasive challenge, nations are uniting under collaborative efforts to establish emission reduction strategies, including promotion of clean technologies and enforce stringent air quality standards. The Paris Agreement, a landmark accord adopted by nearly 200 countries, exemplifies this commitment by emphasizing the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, which play a significant role in air pollution and climate change. Additionally, the Sustainable Development Goals set forth by the United Nations outline targets for improving air quality and reducing the detrimental effects of pollution on human health.
International alliances such as the Clean Air Asia and the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP) underscore the urgency of clean air initiatives. These coalitions encourage knowledge exchange, policy advocacy, and technological innovation to drive sustainable solutions for air quality improvement. Furthermore, the Breathe Life campaign, led by the World Health Organization (WHO) in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), exemplifies the collaborative spirit needed to combat air pollution.
Innovative approaches, including the adoption of renewable energy sources, the implementation of stringent emission standards, and the promotion of sustainable transportation systems, are emerging as cornerstones of global efforts. Through cross-border collaborations, information sharing, and technological advancements, the world is striving hard to collectively usher in a new era of clean air and improved public health. As nations align their agendas to ensure breathable air for generations to come, the global fight against air pollution stands as a testament to the power of international cooperation in safeguarding the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants.
“Air pollution kills 6.7 million people every year, 3.2 million of whom die from household air pollution”
India, home to 1.43 billion people, faces an alarming air pollution crisis with 100% of its population exposed to hazardous levels of ambient PM 2.5 particles. These microscopic pollutants, emanating from various sources, pose a severe threat to public health and the economy. PM 2.5 exposure contributes to deadly illnesses like lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke, leading to an estimated 1.7 million premature deaths in 2019. The economic toll is staggering, with lost labor income due to PM 2.5 pollution ranging from $30-78 billion in 2017, equivalent to 0.3-0.9% of GDP.
Recognising the urgency, the Indian government launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) to combat deteriorating air quality. Covering 132 “non-attainment” cities failing to meet pollution standards, NCAP provides an inclusive framework for air quality management. Additionally, the Commission of Air Quality Management was established for coordinated cross-jurisdictional action in the National Capital Region and adjacent areas.
India’s strides also include revising ambient air quality standards, strengthening emission norms for vehicles and industries, and promoting renewable energy and electric vehicles. The allocation of $1.7 billion, based on the 15th Finance Commission’s recommendations, marks the world’s first performance-based fiscal transfer funding for air quality management.
Gujarat, in its pioneering approach, set an inspiring example with the world’s first Clean Air market for particulate pollution. A visionary emission trading scheme coupled with Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) fostered a market-driven strategy, inducing a 24% reduction in emissions in Surat. This initiative galvanized industries towards energy-efficient practices and low-emission technologies, thereby igniting a culture of innovation.
India’s commitment to air quality resonates globally. The Clean Air initiatives align with international goals, as underscored by participation in coalitions like the Climate and Clean Air Coalition. Embracing cutting-edge technology and pursuing sustainable mobility, India’s journey towards clean air stands as a beacon for the world.
“A microscopic pollutant – PM2.5 – is so tiny that it can pass through many of our body’s protective armours such as mucous membranes and other barriers, to damage our lungs, heart and brain.”
Recognizing toll due to indoor air pollution, especially among rural households, the Indian government launched an LPG connection to every family. This ‘blue flame’ revolution brought clean cooking fuel to millions, positively impacting health, the environment, and gender equality. Vehicular emissions posed another challenge. India’s steadfast promotion of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for automobiles, supported with robust policies, spurred the growth of clean transport. Furthermore, India initiated a paradigm shift in 2015 with the Electric Mobility Mission, driving electric and hybrid vehicles to reduce emissions and stimulate innovation.
Transitioning directly from Bharat Stage BS-IV to BS-VI emission norms in 2017 exemplified India’s commitment to a green trajectory. Stricter norms curbed pollutants, even as we launched the Faster Adoption & Manufacturing of hybrid and Electric vehicles (FAME) scheme to foster electric mobility. By implementing the scheme’s second phase in 2019, public transport adoption surged, while charging stations have sprung up across cities.
International collaborations through initiatives like the India Lighthouse programme (amplifying India’s role as a leader on key global development issues and leveraging its vast experience to provide for two-way learning) enrich the understanding and management of air pollution. The convergence of climate change and air quality management is evident in India’s solar-energy revolution, significantly reducing coal dependence and fostering climate co-benefits. The adoption of known policy measures has the potential to reduce air pollution within a generation.
The Indo-Gangetic Plain, across seven States and Union Territories, often grappling with severe pollution, embraced the Airshed Action Plan, supported by the World Bank. This cooperative framework aims at regional air quality improvement, showcasing India’s collaborative ethos.
While challenges persist, India’s way forward towards clean air demonstrates its unwavering dedication, as we continue fostering collaborations, implementing innovative policies, adopting new technologies and empowering communities, towards a cleaner, healthier planet.
Sankala Foundation, with its vision for promoting climate and environmental sustainability, actively works to contribute to addressing environmental and air pollution-related challenges. Through research, advocacy, and community-based initiatives, the Foundation seeks to raise awareness, contribute towards evidence-based policymaking, and foster sustainable practices. By collaborating with stakeholders, governments, and organisations worldwide, Sankala Foundation strives to forge a path towards a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient planet for future generations. Together, we can effectively share the global responsibility to protect and restore the ambient air quality and the environment that sustains us all.
