Air Pollution in India

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What is the problem?

  • India's toxic air is now contributing to nearly 1.1 million deaths a year, and the country is on its way toward standing alone as the site of the deadliest air pollution problem on the planet
  • Four out of the top 10 worst cities for air pollution are in India (according to WHO)
  • Dheli had an average PM2.5 measurement of 122 (this is above set safe levels)
  • Air pollution reduces the life expectancy of 660 million Indians.
  • Cities are large polluters- responsible for 70% of the world's carbon emissions
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What are the causes?

  • Emissions of particulates, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and ozone mainly from motor vehicles, coial-burning power stations and factories
  • Indoor air pollution- (especially in rural areas) dependence on biofuels (e.g. animal dung) for heating and paraffin for cooking and lighting - responsible for 1 million deaths annually
  • Partiuclate pollution- tiny airborne particles released by burning fossil fuiels and penetrate deep into people's lungs causing serious respiratory problems
  • Air pollution levels have increased in recent years
  • Rise in pollution related cancers.
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What are the impacts?

  • Research published in 2015 showed that air pollution reduces the average life expectancy of 660 million Indians by more than 3 years
  • 99% of India's 1.2 billion people breathe polluted air above safe levels
  • As a result of PM2.5 pollution, residents' risks from lung cancer in Dehli are increased by nearely 70%
  • Significant rise in pollution related cancers
  • India's PM levels were set at 40, above set safe levels.
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Local Solutions

  • 14 Indian cities are currently building rapid-transit metro systems
  • Subsidies for petrol and diesel will be scrapped
  • Restrictions will be placed on the burning of stubble in fields
  • In Bihar state, the chimneys of brick- kilns have been retro fitted to reduce smoke emissions
  • The world's first market for trading permits in emissions of particulated has been developed
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National Solutions

  • Policies devised at the global scale to tackle climate change will have benefits for human health
  • The ED has the world's largest carbon-care and trade scheme
  • Other global initiatives draw attention to world cancer day to the current global epidemic
  • Each ED state has targets for expanding ___
  • WHO published a 'Dust Road Map' to address the problem of cancer as an avoidable cause of death.
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