NEW YORK, New York — Air pollution in India is one of the most significant issues that the nation is currently facing. Estimates have determined that more than 90% of India’s population lives in areas that fall below the World Health Organization (WHO) standards of air quality. Vehicle emissions, construction dust and power plants are all contributing factors to the air pollution crisis in India, which has, unfortunately, cost the country both money and lives. The desolation that air pollution causes correlates to the overpopulated nature of the country and negatively affects the living conditions and health of India’s impoverished.
India’s Air Pollution Statistic
To understand how air pollution is negatively affecting India’s lower class it is essential to understand the drastic effects that India’s air pollution has at large. In 2019, it was reported that 1.67 million deaths took place due to air pollution in India.
To put this number into perspective there were 6.67 million deaths worldwide from air pollution that same year. In India, 17.8% of all deaths are related to air pollution in 2019, according to BC News.
The catastrophic pollution in India has made a financial dent. Estimates have stated that Indian businesses lose the equivalent of $95 billion annually from air pollution damages. This makes up close to 3% of the country’s total GDP.
The Relationship Between Poverty and Air Pollution in India
India is a developing country. Typically, air pollution in developing countries tends to be more powerful and widespread, due to the lack of economic sources to decrease pollution, according to a study by Dr. Dewaram A. Nagdeve. Air pollution in India tends to have more negative consequences for poorer citizens, as they have less protection from the effects compared to wealthier citizens, despite having lower consumption levels. Particle Matter (PM2.5) refers to air particles that can travel into the respiratory system and can become lethal. It is common for PM levels to be higher in impoverished areas.
One of the most common catalysts for higher pollution levels in India is solid fuel for cooking use. This method of cooking is known to directly cause indoor pollution and can be attributed to higher PM levels. In poorer Indian communities it is more common for residents to use biomass-burning cook stoves. Food production and waste contribute to on average 70% of a household PM contribution, according to Nature Sustainability.
There is a link between the capita per GDP in Indian states and the economic loss from air pollution. Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh are all states with low per capita GDP and happen to have had the worse economic depletion.
Lastly, it is important to note that an increase in air pollution can also increase the size of the lower class in the country. Natural assets are extremely dependent on luxuriant environments. The higher the air pollution the less supply of natural assets thus increasing poverty, according to a study by Dr. D. A. Nagdeve.
India’s Call to Action
An alarming amount of air pollution in India has not left the country defeated. India has two major proposals enacted to combat pollution. The National Clean Air Program (NCAP) and the City Clean Air Plan (CAPS) focus on enforcing limits on outdoor pollution in more than 100 Indian cities. The goal under the NCAP is the reduction of both PM10 and PM2.5 by 2024 by 20%-30%, from the implementation date in 2019.
India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change provided the initial $41 million funding for both NCAP and CAPS, according to NRDC. Each city receives the money from the State Pollution Control Boards. Cities with higher populations and pollution levels received more funding. Further, into the implementation, the Indian Government granted an additional $600 million to cities falling behind the goal in March 2020, according to NRDC.
Both India’s NCAP and CAPS have yielded some positive results. India has increased the amount of air quality monitoring systems in the country and resources for air quality studies, NRDC reported. The government is also promoting clean energy vehicles through programs such as the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and EV.
One of the most important steps to reach the goals of lower emissions is to raise the pollution limits of power plants. Power plants consist of roughly 60% of electricity, with limited pollution. After delays, the deadline for new implementations is later this year, according to NRDC.
Even though the road to clean air in India may seem long, it is important that the country is taking the initiative to reduce pollution. If the NCAP reaches its goal, not only could air pollution subside but both the living quality of the poor and the Indian economy could improve.
– Luke Sherrill
Photo: Flickr