What’s the news?

• According to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the Earth has entered an era of global boiling, marked by scorching heatwaves, devastating floods, and erratic weather patterns.

Central idea

• With scorching heatwaves, devastating floods, and erratic weather patterns becoming the new normal, the urgency to address the triple-planetary crisis of biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution has never been more apparent. Amidst this global turmoil, it’s crucial to recognize that one silent but deadly adversary is among us: air pollution.

The Silent Killer: Air Pollution

• Global health statistics are grim, with lung cancer claiming 10 million lives worldwide in 2020, a number projected to rise by another 3.2 million by 2050, according to a report by the Indian National Institute of Health.
• South Asia, home to two billion people, is a grim example, hosting nine of the world’s ten most polluted cities, with Delhi topping the list.
• Despite some progress in terms of Air Quality Index (AQI) improvements, Delhi remains in the grip of perilous air pollution, especially during the winter months.

The Looming Threat of Air Pollution

• Lung cancer, cardiovascular disorders, respiratory ailments, and mental health issues continue to devastate lives.
• Delhi’s air, laden with sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, high particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and ozone, deprives over 30 million residents of their basic human right to breathe clean air.
• Vulnerable groups like immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, children, and the elderly suffer disproportionately.
• In 2019, a Lancet report attributed 1.67 million deaths in India to air pollution, accounting for a staggering 17.8% of total deaths in the country.

Efforts in Progress to Combat Air Pollution

• PUSA Decomposer: The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) has developed the PUSA Decomposer, which employs biotechnology to tackle agricultural pollution. This innovative solution addresses the burning of crop residues, a significant contributor to air pollution.
• State-level Policies: Many state governments have implemented policies like GRAP 3 (Graded Rapid Action Plan) to monitor air quality in pollution hotspots. The establishment of Green War Rooms represents a proactive approach to managing and mitigating air pollution in these regions.
• Startups and Innovation: Numerous startups, often led by young entrepreneurs, are actively engaged in finding sustainable solutions to air pollution. These initiatives include the conversion of agricultural waste into valuable products, reducing the environmental impact of farming practices.

International Initiatives and Collaborations to Combat Air Pollution

• UNESCO Initiatives: UNESCO has undertaken various initiatives to address air pollution. One notable initiative is the implementation of an internal carbon tax on all flight tickets. This tax aims to reduce carbon emissions from air travel, a significant contributor to global air pollution.
• World Air Quality Project: The World Air Quality Project provides real-time air quality data, allowing residents to make informed decisions about their activities and travel based on current air quality conditions. This empowers individuals to protect their health by avoiding areas with poor air quality.
• Collaboration with UNEP: UNESCO collaborates with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on environmentally conscious practices. For example, the ‘Virtual Meetings’ project promotes digital working to reduce the need for travel and its associated carbon emissions.
• Clean-Air-For-Schools: UNESCO’s Clean-Air-For-Schools program focuses on spreading education and awareness about clean air among students and the wider community. This initiative aims to engage future generations in the fight against air pollution.
• Promotion of Sustainable Practices: International initiatives also promote sustainable practices in various sectors. This includes the adoption of electric vehicles, the replacement of traditional lighting systems with energy-efficient LED arrangements, and the implementation of solar-powered offices to reduce carbon emissions.
• Protection of Historical Sites: Efforts are underway to protect historical and cultural sites from the harmful effects of air pollution. Developing strategies to curb air pollution in the vicinity of these sites is essential for their preservation.
• Green Solutions: UNESCO encourages the development of green solutions, such as urban forests, parks, and green corridors, to mitigate air pollution in urban areas.

Viable solutions to combat air pollution

• Urban Planning and Design: Cities worldwide are adopting innovative urban planning and design strategies to prioritize human health and environmental sustainability. Car-free zones, green spaces, and smart urban layouts can significantly reduce air pollution by promoting alternative transportation methods and reducing traffic congestion.
• Public Transportation: Electrified public transportation systems, including electric buses and trains, offer a sustainable and low-pollution alternative to traditional fossil-fuel-powered vehicles. These initiatives reduce emissions and contribute to cleaner air in urban areas.
• Nature-Based Solutions: Integrating nature-based solutions, such as urban forests, parks, and green corridors, into urban landscapes can help absorb pollutants and improve air quality. These green spaces also provide additional benefits for public health and well-being.
• Biotechnology: Innovative biotechnology, like the PUSA decomposer mentioned earlier, can play a crucial role in reducing agricultural pollution, a significant contributor to poor air quality.
• Renewable Energy: Transitioning to clean and renewable energy sources can significantly reduce the air pollution associated with fossil fuel combustion. China’s shift to clean energy and electrified mobility serves as a prime example of this transition’s positive impact.
• Sustainable Farming Practices: Initiatives like Indonesia’s Carbon Efficient Farming Project and efforts in Thailand and Vietnam to reduce open straw burning demonstrate the importance of adopting sustainable agricultural practices to minimize air pollution.
• International Collaboration: Global initiatives, such as those by UNESCO and the World Air Quality Project, facilitate international cooperation to combat air pollution. These efforts include measures like implementing carbon taxes on flight tickets and promoting environmentally conscious practices.
• Youth-Led Advocacy: Young activists worldwide are actively raising awareness about air pollution and advocating for cleaner air. Their efforts, including real-time air quality data monitoring and environmental education, play a vital role in inspiring change.

Conclusion

• The time for action is now. The problem of air pollution was created by people, and it is people who must find and implement solutions, supported by effective air quality policies and action plans. The choice is ours, and it is one that demands urgency, resolve, and a collective commitment to securing a cleaner, healthier world for all.

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