30-August-2024-Editorial

AIR QUALITY LIFE INDEX (AQLI) 2024

The Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) recently released the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) 2024, highlighting critical issues regarding air pollution and its impact on global health.

The report highlights the severe consequences of poor air quality, particularly in countries like India, where a significant portion of the population lives in areas with air quality that exceeds safety standards.

Key Findings of AQLI 2024

Impact on Life Expectancy

• Reducing PM2.5 pollution to meet World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines could increase average global life expectancy by 1.9 years, translating to an additional 14.9 billion life years worldwide.
• The recommended annual average for PM2.5 is 5 µg/m³.

Severity Compared to Chronic Diseases

• Air pollution poses a greater health risk than smoking, heavy drinking, and is several times more dangerous than HIV/AIDS or malnutrition.

Unequal Pollution Distribution

• In highly polluted areas, people breathe air that is six times more polluted than that in cleaner regions, leading to an average reduction in life expectancy by 2.7 years.

Compliance and Enforcement

• Although 94 countries have PM2.5 standards, 37 do not meet their own guidelines. Furthermore, 158 countries have not established any PM2.5 standards.

Potential Benefits

• If all countries adhered to WHO pollution standards, it could result in an average increase of 1.2 years in life expectancy globally.

Global Scenario

US, China, and Europe

• China: Air pollution has decreased by 41% since 2014, extending life expectancy by 2 years.
• US: Pollution levels have fallen by 67.2% since 1970, leading to a 1.5-year increase in average lifespan.
• Europe: Pollution reduced by 30.2% since 1998, adding 5.6 months to life expectancy.

South and Southeast Asia

• Recent Improvements:5 levels dropped by 4% in 2022 compared to 2012.
• Ongoing Issues: South Asia remains the most polluted region, with countries like Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan facing significant pollution problems.

Africa

• Pollution Levels: Central and West Africa’s PM2.5 concentrations are 4.4 times higher than WHO guidelines, reducing life expectancy by 1.7 years on average.
• Recent Measures: Countries like Nigeria, Rwanda, and Ghana have begun implementing air quality regulations.

West Asia

• Emerging Hotspot: The MENA region now faces severe pollution issues, reducing life expectancy by 1.3 years. Qatar and Iraq are particularly affected.

Latin America

• Recent Trends:5 levels have increased by 4.8% since 2021 and 3% since 1998. Countries like Bolivia and Guatemala are among the most polluted.

India-Specific Findings

Impact on Life Expectancy in Delhi

• Cleaner Air Benefits: Achieving WHO’s PM2.5 standard of 5 µg/m³ could increase life expectancy in Delhi by 7.8 years. Meeting India’s current standard of 40 µg/m³ could add 4.3 years to life expectancy.

Current Air Quality in Delhi

• Pollution Levels: Delhi, with an average PM2.5 level of 84.3 µg/m³ in 2022, is the most polluted city in India but has seen some improvement.

Air Quality Trends in India

• Recent Improvements:5 levels in India decreased from 49 µg/m³ over the past decade to 41.4 µg/m³ in 2022. This reduction could extend the average Indian’s life by 9 months.

Comparison with Other Health Risks

• Life Impact: Air pollution reduces life expectancy in India by 3.6 years, compared to 1.6 years from malnutrition, 1.5 years from tobacco, and 8.4 months from unsafe water and sanitation.

Strategies to Control Air Pollution

• Prevention: Use less toxic materials, improve industrial processes, and adopt cleaner technologies like BS VI engines.
• Clean Air Technology: Implement technologies such as wet scrubbers, fabric filters, electrostatic precipitators, and condensers to reduce pollution.
• Economic Incentives: Use emissions trading schemes and caps to incentivize reductions in industrial pollution.
• Vehicle Scrapping: Scrapping old vehicles can reduce emissions by 15-20%.
• Work-from-Home: Encourage remote work during high pollution periods to reduce exposure.
• Artificial Rain: Use artificial rain to wash out pollutants from the air.
• Behavioral Changes: Promote public transport, walking, and cycling to lower vehicle emissions.

Government Initiatives

• SAFAR Portal: Provides air quality and weather forecasts.
• Air Quality Index: Monitors and reports air quality levels.
• Graded Response Action Plan (Delhi): Implements measures based on pollution levels.
• New Commission for Air Quality Management: Oversees air quality management efforts.
• National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP): Monitors air quality across the country.

Conclusion

Air pollution remains a critical issue in India, impacting life expectancy more severely than other major health risks. Despite recent improvements, ongoing efforts and stringent policies are essential to further reduce pollution levels. Adhering to WHO guidelines and implementing effective pollution control measures will significantly enhance public health and contribute to a better quality of life.