Rising Air Pollution in South Asia
The region accounts for more than half of the total life years lost globally to pollution, University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute says.
A report has revealed that rising air pollution in South Asia, one of the world’s most polluted regions, can reduce life expectancy by more than five years per person. The University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute (EPIC) published its latest Air Quality Life Index, highlighting the growing burden of hazardous air on health. South Asia, which includes the most polluted countries such as Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan, accounts for over half of the global life years lost due to pollution.
Causes of Declining Air Quality
Rapid industrialization and population growth have contributed to declining air quality in South Asia. Particulate pollution levels in the region are currently more than 50 percent higher than at the beginning of the century, overshadowing larger health threats.
Impact on Life Expectancy
The study, which utilizes satellite data, reveals that people in Bangladesh, the world’s most polluted country, stand to lose an average of 6.8 years of life per person. In comparison, the average life expectancy reduction in the United States is 3.6 months. India is responsible for approximately 59 percent of the world’s increase in pollution since 2013, posing further risks to life expectancy in its highly polluted regions. For instance, in New Delhi, the most polluted megacity in the world, the average life span is reduced by more than 10 years.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The report emphasizes the importance of reducing global levels of lung-damaging airborne particles, known as PM 2.5, to levels recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Achieving these guidelines could raise the average life expectancy by 2.3 years, equivalent to a combined 17.8 billion life years. This aligns with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
Country-specific Impacts
The report highlights that meeting the WHO guidelines of limiting average annual PM 2.5 concentration to 5 micrograms per cubic meter would result in significant gains in life expectancy. An average resident of Pakistan would gain 3.9 years, while someone in Nepal would live 4.6 years longer. These findings underscore the importance of addressing air pollution to achieve SDG 3.
China’s Progress
The report also mentions China’s efforts in reducing pollution by 42.3 percent between 2013 and 2021. This demonstrates the need for governments to generate accessible air quality data and implement measures to combat pollution, thereby bridging global inequalities in accessing pollution control tools.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Related to Air Pollution in South Asia
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article mentions the following indicators:
- Air Quality Life Index: Measures the impact of an increase in airborne fine particles on life expectancy.
- Average life span: Indicates the effect of air pollution on life expectancy in specific regions or cities.
- PM 2.5 concentration: Refers to the level of lung-damaging airborne particles, which can be used to assess air quality.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Air Quality Life Index, Average life span |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | Average life span, PM 2.5 concentration |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | PM 2.5 concentration |
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Source: aljazeera.com
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