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Air Pollution PM2.5
Context:
Study links fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) led to a staggering 135 million premature deaths worldwide between 1980 and 2020.
More on News:
- The study by researchers from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore was published in the peer-reviewed journal Environment International.
- The scientists analysed 40 years of data to provide new insights into the complex relationship between climate and air quality by examining how specific climate patterns affect air pollution in different regions.
More on Study:
- The study estimated that from 1980 to 2020, one-third of premature deaths were associated with stroke (33.3 %), another third with ischemic heart disease (32.7 %) and the remaining deaths were due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lower respiratory infections and lung cancer.
- Reasons for the increase in air pollution as per studies:
- Climate variability phenomena like El Nino-Southern Oscillation, Indian Ocean Dipole and North Atlantic Oscillation exacerbate PM2.5 pollution levels.
- During such weather events, the increased temperature, changes in wind patterns, and reduced precipitation can lead to stagnant air conditions.
- The researchers estimate that the three weather phenomena simultaneously caused approximately 7,000 more global premature deaths annually.
- The need to understand and account for these climate patterns when tackling air pollution to protect the health of the global population
Air pollution in India:
- Facts:
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- India is the world’s third most polluted country per the World Air Quality Report, 2023.
- 67.4 % of the population live in areas that exceed India’s national air quality standard of 40 µg/m3.
- Particulate pollution is the greatest threat to human health in India, taking 5.3 years off the life of the average Indian.
- Causes of Air pollution: As per the study undertaken by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEWW) causes are:
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- Residential Sector: Burning solid fuels like firewood in homes for cooking, heating, and other purposes is the leading source of ambient particulate pollution in India contributing around 27% to 50% of total PM2.5.
- Power Sector: In particular, power emissions are the biggest contributor to SO2 (44% to 62%) primarily coming from the burning of coal for power generation and NOx emissions, contributing around 24% to 43%.
- Industrialisation: The massive industrialisation in India over the last few decades has increased India’s air pollution levels. Industrial emissions account for about 51% of total air pollution in India.
- Vehicular emissions: Major cause of air pollution in urban areas. They contribute 20-30 % of particulate matter 2.5.
- Agricultural Activities: Agricultural activities like the burning of crop residues and the use of pesticides and fertilisers release pollutants like particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and sulphur dioxide into the air.
Initiatives taken by India to control Air pollution:
- National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Launched to improve air quality in 131 cities (non-attainment cities and Million Plus Cities) in 24 States by engaging all stakeholders.
- The target has been revised to achieve a reduction in PM10 level up to 40% or achievement of national standards (60 µg/m3) by 2025-26.
- Leapfrogging from BS-IV to BS-VI fuel standards to control vehicular emissions.
- Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT): Launched as an initiative to set up Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) production plants and make CBG available in the market for use in automotive fuels.
- Commission of Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas: Established for better coordination, research, identification and resolution of problems surrounding the air quality index.
- National Green Hydrogen Mission: It will replace fossil fuels in industry and will clean the transportation system.
- Achieving Net Zero emission target by 2070.