Context:
A recent study by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) highlights a positive correlation between improved air quality and life expectancy in India. Favorable weather conditions and a slight reduction in emissions from 2021 to 2022 led to decreased PM2.5 levels, which have, in turn, contributed to extending the average life expectancy in India by one year. Moreover, the study suggests that aligning with the World Health Organization’s pollution guidelines could potentially increase life expectancy in Delhi by an additional 7.8 years.
Relevance:
GS III: Environment and Ecology
Dimensions of the Article:
- WHO’s Revised Air Quality Guidelines (2021)
- Key Findings from the “Air Quality Life Index” 2024 Report
WHO’s Revised Air Quality Guidelines (2021)
- WHO updated its guidelines to recommend stricter air quality levels for six pollutants: ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, PM10, and PM2.5.
- The new recommendations mark a significant tightening of the levels from those set in 2005, aiming to further protect public health.
- These guidelines are advisory and are not mandatory for countries to adopt.
Key Findings from the “Air Quality Life Index” 2024 Report
- Publication: Released by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC).
- Purpose: Provides an annual global assessment of air quality, highlighting areas where air quality standards are unmet alongside policy successes and failures.
Specific Highlights
- India’s Air Quality Progress:
- Reduction in Pollution: In 2022, India saw a 19.3% reduction in particulate pollution from the previous year, marking the second-largest decline globally after Bangladesh.
- Impact on Life Expectancy: The reduction in pollution potentially adds an average of 51 days to the life expectancy of Indian citizens.
- Meteorological Influence: Favorable weather conditions and fewer thermal inversions contributed to the pollution decline.
- Life Expectancy Risk: There is a potential loss of 3.6 years in life expectancy for Indians if the WHO’s PM2.5 guideline of 5 µg/m³ is not met. In 2022, India’s PM2.5 level was approximately 9 µg/m³.
- Regional Analysis:
- Notable Improvements: Significant declines in PM2.5 were observed in districts like Purulia and Bankura in West Bengal and several districts in Jharkhand, with reductions exceeding 20 µg/m³.
- Population Exposure: Approximately 42.6% of India’s population resides in areas that exceed national air quality standards.
- National Clean Air Programme (NCAP):
- Overview: Launched in 2019, NCAP aims to reduce particulate pollution by 20-30% by 2024 from 2017 levels, with a more ambitious target of a 40% reduction by 2026.
- Scope: Covers 131 cities that have historically failed to meet set air quality standards, noting a 19% average PM2.5 reduction in monitored cities.
- Innovative Policies and Impacts:
- Particulate Pollution Market: Initiated in Gujarat in 2019, leading to a 20-30% reduction in pollution in cities like Surat, with plans for expansion.
- Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: Credited with reducing emissions from residential cooking by promoting clean cooking facilities.
- Transport Emissions: Declines attributed to reduced diesel use in transport.
-Source: The Hindu
