At COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, experts have emphasized the importance of incorporating clean air standards into climate commitments.
The alarming air quality crises in South Asia, particularly in cities like Delhi and Lahore, have prompted the need for urgent action. Pollution levels in these cities have reached unprecedented heights, leading to drastic measures such as school closures and halting construction activities.
Prominent organizations like the World Bank and WHO agree that improving air quality should be a key component of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. The recent report from the Clean Air Fund supports this initiative, revealing the significant health and economic impacts of air pollution.
Air pollution, including tropospheric ozone, methane, and black carbon, has severe health implications, especially for vulnerable populations like children. Tropospheric ozone is formed when sunlight interacts with emissions from various sectors. It can lead to reduced lung function and worsen conditions like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Experts highlight the need for action, particularly in the current crisis in Delhi where PM2.5 levels have reached alarming heights. They advocate for pragmatic approaches, including setting interim targets to gradually reduce pollution levels.
The air quality crisis in South Asia has prompted a form of diplomacy known as "smog diplomacy." With several of the world's most polluted cities located in the region, cooperation among countries like Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Bangladesh is crucial.
Officials from Punjab, Pakistan have reached out to India to address shared air quality challenges. The World Bank has initiated a multi-hundred billion dollar effort to address the cross-border crisis, focusing on the Indo-Gangetic Plains. They have committed significant resources to clean air management initiatives in India and plan similar programs for Nepal, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
As nations prepare for the next round of climate commitments, integrating clean air standards into these plans is essential. It not only enhances public health but also fosters international cooperation in addressing the pressing challenge of air pollution.