South Asian Air Pollution: Enough Being Done?

South Asian nations are facing a pressing issue with air pollution, which is causing severe health and economic impacts in the region. Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India have been named the countries with the worst air quality globally, with 29 of the 30 most polluted cities in these three countries. South Asia, home to 2 billion people, has experienced a significant increase in heatwaves, and cities like Delhi, Lahore, and Dhaka are facing heightened challenges due to air pollution, leading to a surge in respiratory and cardiovascular health issues. While South Asian countries have made some progress in strengthening air quality management programs, more cooperative action is needed to address the problem effectively. The sources of emissions in South Asia are diverse, and the same pollutants that cause climate change also harm air quality, posing risks to people's rights to life, health, and a clean environment. Urgent strategic actions and international cooperation are vital to tackle the escalating climate risks and air pollution crisis in South Asia.

South Asian countries with the worst air quality

South Asian countries are among those with the worst air quality in the world. According to a report by the Swiss climate group, IQAir, Bangladesh had the worst air quality of 134 countries monitored in 2023. Pakistan and India were close behind, with the report showing that South Asia suffers from the worst pollution in the world overall. 29 of the 30 most polluted cities in the world are in India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh. In 2023, the average air quality in Bangladesh exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) safety guidelines by nearly 16 times, far surpassing the recommended limit of 5 micrograms of PM2.5 particles per cubic metre.

The poor air quality in South Asia is often attributed to "brick kiln and other industrial emissions, agricultural waste burning, and cremation practices". The burning of fossil fuels for power generation, industry, and transport, as well as the burning of biomass for home cooking, heating, and lighting, are also significant contributors. The impact of air pollution on health is significant, with an estimated 2 million premature deaths in the region each year. In India, the average life expectancy is reduced by 5.3 years due to PM2.5 pollution, and in New Delhi, it is cut by 10 years.

While some South Asian governments have made attempts to curb air pollution, such as banning coal burning and older vehicles in Delhi, the overall response has been inadequate. Amnesty International's Climate Adviser, Ann Harrison, called for urgent international cooperation and assistance to address the air pollution crisis in South Asia, stating that there has been little concerted action by the affected countries. Experts recommend several measures that countries in the region can take to reduce air pollution, including implementing clean air strategies and transitioning to renewable energy sources.

The impact of climate change on air pollution

South Asian nations are facing a dual challenge of poor air quality and climate change, with serious implications for the health and well-being of their residents. Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India have been named the countries with the worst air quality globally, with 29 of the 30 most polluted cities in these three nations. The average air quality in Bangladesh exceeded WHO safety guidelines by a significant margin, and India occupied nine of the top 10 spots for the most polluted cities. Nepal also featured prominently on the list of polluted countries.

The climate "red alert" issued by the World Meteorological Organization, along with the toxic air quality in the region, underscores the risks to the life and health of over a billion people. Climate change and air quality are interconnected, as the same pollutants that drive climate change also degrade air quality. The burning of fossil fuels for power generation, industry, and transport, as well as biomass burning for cooking, heating, and lighting, are significant contributors to poor air quality.

The impacts of climate change on air pollution in South Asia are evident in the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves. For example, during late February and April 2022, South Asia experienced five consecutive heat wave periods lasting about 35 days each. Cities like Delhi, Lahore, and Dhaka are facing heightened challenges due to air pollution, resulting in a surge in respiratory and cardiovascular health issues among residents.

Additionally, climate change-induced glacial retreat in the Himalayan region, affecting countries like Nepal and Bhutan, has led to water scarcity and increased risks of glacial lake outburst floods. The urgency of the situation calls for international cooperation and assistance to address the worsening air pollution and climate change impacts in South Asia.

To effectively tackle these interconnected issues, South Asian countries need to develop and implement cross-border pollution action plans. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants from transportation, energy production, and solid fuel combustion. It is also essential to ensure adequate financing and the operationalization of funds to support countries in adapting to climate change and transitioning to renewable energy sources.

The need for cross-border pollution action plans

South Asian nations are facing a significant challenge when it comes to air pollution, which is causing severe health and economic impacts in the region. Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India have been identified as having the worst air quality globally, with 29 of the 30 most polluted cities located in these three countries. The air quality in these countries far exceeds World Health Organization (WHO) safety guidelines, posing risks to the life and health of over a billion people in the region.

A report by the World Bank analyzed scenarios to reduce air pollution in South Asia, with a focus on trans-boundary pollution. The report found that if each state or province were to cut exposure below the next lower WHO Interim Target, mean exposure in South Asia would decline by 40% compared to 2018 levels. This scenario is also the most cost-effective, with additional annual costs of US$5.7 billion per year, or 0.11% of GDP annually through 2030. The health benefits of improved air quality are significant, ranging from reduced respiratory infections to lower rates of chronic diseases and premature mortality.

Furthermore, the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, supported by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), is working to improve air quality and protect the climate by reducing short-lived climate pollutants. This coalition operates in the Asia-Pacific region, supporting capacity-building and the development of National Action Plans for nearly 20 countries. Such initiatives provide a framework for South Asian countries to develop and implement their own cross-border pollution action plans, leveraging the support of the international community.

In conclusion, the dire situation in South Asia, with its high levels of air pollution and resulting health and economic consequences, underscores the urgent need for cross-border pollution action plans. By collaborating across sectors and jurisdictions, addressing common sources of air pollutants, and leveraging global initiatives, South Asian nations can make significant strides in improving air quality and safeguarding the health and well-being of their citizens.

The role of international cooperation and finance

South Asian nations are facing a significant challenge when it comes to air pollution, which is causing severe health issues and economic losses. The region is home to nine of the world's ten cities with the worst air pollution, with 29 of the 30 most polluted cities located in India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh. The average air quality in Bangladesh exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) safety guidelines by a significant margin, and the other two countries followed closely behind. This toxic air quality poses a risk to the life and health of over a billion people in the region.

To address this crisis, there have been calls for urgent international cooperation and assistance. Amnesty International has emphasized the need for affected South Asian countries to create and implement cross-border pollution action plans. This includes calls for international funding to help these countries adapt to climate change and ensure the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund. High-income fossil fuel-producing states are particularly responsible for providing financial support and ensuring a just transition to renewable energy.

The World Bank has also highlighted the importance of cooperation across jurisdictions in South Asia to effectively reduce air pollution. The diverse sources of emissions in the region, including transportation, energy production, solid fuel combustion, and waste burning, require collaboration between different sectors and regions. The World Bank's report proposes a roadmap with three phases that may overlap depending on local progress and circumstances.

Additionally, the development of robust health data collection systems and collaborative ecosystems involving public health bodies, researchers, and civil society organizations is crucial. This can provide localized insights to inform policy decisions and address the specific challenges faced by each country. Filling knowledge gaps and fostering partnerships can lead to more effective solutions.

Furthermore, funders and philanthropists have a role in supporting the development of essential infrastructure in South Asia to improve health outcomes. This includes initiatives like the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, which brings together governments, people, and the private sector to improve air quality and protect the climate. Regional initiatives, such as the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia, can also foster collaboration and shared understanding among participating countries.

Strategies to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions

South Asian nations are facing a severe air pollution crisis, with nine out of the world's ten cities with the worst air pollution located in the region. The average air quality in Bangladesh exceeded WHO safety guidelines by 16 times in 2023, making it the country with the worst air quality globally. India and Pakistan are not far behind, with India occupying nine of the top ten spots for the most polluted cities. As a result, air pollution is responsible for millions of premature deaths in the region each year, incurring significant economic costs.

To address this issue, South Asian countries need to develop strategies to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Here are some approaches they can consider:

• Cross-border collaboration: South Asian nations should work together to create and implement a cross-border pollution action plan. This is essential as air pollution travels long distances in the region and gets trapped in large "airsheds". By coordinating interventions with other upwind regions, countries can effectively manage air quality and reduce pollution levels.
• Focus on common sources: Transportation, energy production, solid fuel combustion for cooking and heating, small industries like brick kilns, and the burning of agricultural and household waste are common sources of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in South Asia. Strategies that address these sources can significantly improve air quality and reduce emissions.
• Phase out fossil fuels: There is a need for a full, fast, fair, and funded fossil fuel phase-out, accompanied by a just and equitable transition to renewable energy. This is crucial as the burning of fossil fuels is a major driver of poor air quality and climate change.
• Improve air quality monitoring: There is a lack of air quality monitoring stations in South Asian countries. By investing in monitoring infrastructure, countries can better understand the sources and extent of air pollution, which will inform effective policy-making.
• Strengthen local capacity: Local officials need support to strengthen their capacity to collect and access health data related to air pollution. This can be achieved through fostering collaborative ecosystems with public health bodies, researchers, and civil society organizations.
• Implement cost-effective solutions: Some solutions, such as the "Toward the next lower WHO Interim Target" scenario, can significantly reduce air pollution levels at a relatively low cost. This scenario involves each state or province cutting exposure below the next lower WHO Interim Target, resulting in a 40% reduction of 2018 levels.

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