For an expanse of blue, with air so clean – The Era of Global Boiling and Air Pollution: A Call for Action | 7 September 2023 | UPSC Daily Editorial Analysis

What's the article about?

• The article discusses the triple-planetary crisis of biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution with special emphasis on air pollution.

Relevance:

• GS3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment
• Essay

Context:

• UN Secretary-General António Guterres has declared that the earth has entered the era of global boiling, with scorching heatwaves, devastating floods, and erratic weather patterns.
• This article highlights the urgent need to address the triple-planetary crisis of biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution, with a focus on air pollution.
• The article discusses the impact of air pollution on human health, particularly in South Asia, and the efforts being made to combat this crisis.

Analysis:

• The Era of Global Boiling:
  • The UN chief has warned that the era of global warming has ended, and the era of global boiling has arrived.
  • The consequences of climate change are clear and tragic, with children swept away by monsoon rains, families running from the flames, and workers collapsing in scorching heat.
  • We are in dire need of global action on emissions, climate adaptation, and climate finance.
• Air Pollution – A Silent Killer:
  • Air pollution is responsible for lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), respiratory ailments, and mental health issues.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that lung cancer claimed 10 million deaths worldwide in 2020, and this could soar by another 3.2 million by 2050.
  • South Asia, home to two billion people, is also home to nine of the world's 10 most polluted cities, including Delhi, where the air quality continues to pose a perilous long-term threat.
• Air Pollution in Delhi:
  • Delhi's air is a lethal mix of SO2 (sulphur dioxide) and NOX (nitrogen oxides), along with high particulate matter concentrations (2.5 or even 10 g/m3), carbon monoxide, and ozone, depriving over 30 million residents of their human right to breathe clean air.
  • According to some reports, 30,000 Delhites die because of air pollution every year.
  • However, some health experts say that it is a low estimate because it does not account for effects such as higher rates of lung cancer, diabetes, premature births, and even autism.
• Efforts to Combat Air Pollution:
  • State governments, research institutions, and NGOs are pioneering solutions such as the PUSA Decomposer, developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), employing biotechnology to address agricultural pollution.
  • State-level policies such as GRAP 3 (Graded Rapid Action Plan), monitoring air quality in hotspots, and establishing Green War Rooms have shown some potential.
  • Many innovative startups involving young entrepreneurs are turning agricultural waste into valuable products.
• Viable Solutions:
  • Acknowledging the existence of air pollution remains the primary step towards solutions.
  • Next comes a debate on viable solutions and actions, many of which are already known.
  • Eventually, these best practices need to be implemented. Without implementation, the best laid out plans will not lead to any improvement.
  • Globally, cities such as Ljubljana (Slovenia), Accra (Ghana), Seville (Spain), Bogota (Colombia), Medellin (Colombia), epitomize the power of prioritizing human health and environmental sustainability.
  • Car-free zones, green spaces, smart urban designs, electrified public transportation, nature-based solutions, and innovative biotechnology demonstrate positive results.
• UNESCO's Initiatives to Combat Air Pollution:
  • UNESCO's initiatives to combat air pollution include implementing an internal carbon tax on all flight tickets and investing in emission reduction measures.
  • The World Air Quality Project allows residents to make informed decisions by real-time Air Quality data.
  • In collaboration with UNEP, environmentally conscious practices have been introduced such as digital working via the 'Virtual Meetings' project.
  • Clean-Air-For-Schools is spreading education among all for clean air.
  • Other laudable activities include switching to electric vehicles, replacing lighting systems to greener LED arrangements, implementing solar-powered offices, protecting historical sites by developing strategies to curb air pollution, and effective green solutions (urban forests, parks, green corridors).
• Youngsters Taking Charge of Environmental Advocacy:
  • Youngsters around the world are taking charge of environmental advocacy, running marathons, and tracking real-time data of air quality, creating environmental awareness.

Way Forward:

• The absence of a specific Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) for ‘Clean Air to Breathe’ indicates a lack of global attention.
• However, in 2019, laying emphasis on the interest of the international community for clean air, and the need to improve air quality, the UN General Assembly decided to designate September 7 as the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies.
• Clean air remains a long stride in many mega-cities and other places.
• The problem has been caused by people, so it should be people who will find and apply solutions, supported by innovative adequate air quality policies and action plans.
• As we inhale the consequences of our actions, the ultimate question beckons: are we the torchbearers of change for the future of our planet or will we be silent bystanders who let pollution script a tragic ending?