India's Lessons From China's Pollution Battle

India and China have both struggled with air pollution, but China has made strides in tackling the problem. In 2017, three-quarters of the world's most polluted cities were in China, while 17 were in India. Now, China has just 16 of the top 100 most polluted cities, while India has 65. India's pollution crisis is absent from its climate and environmental ambitions, despite the fact that it is a problem for the health of its 1.4 billion residents and its economy, which is the fastest-growing of any major nation. India can learn from China's example of how to clean up its air pollution problem.

How to clean up the air

India can learn from China's experience with pollution to clean up its own air. In 2017, China dominated the list of the world's most polluted cities, with about three-quarters of the tally. However, China has since made strides in scrubbing the once-foul air that had become a fact of life in its major cities and industrial towns. India, on the other hand, continues to struggle with air pollution, with 65 of the 100 most polluted cities in the world in 2022.

India's pollution crisis is conspicuously absent from its climate and environmental ambitions, both on the world stage and at home. It is also not a top priority for the coming national election, despite the fact that it is a problem for the health of India's 1.4 billion residents and its economy, which is currently the fastest-growing of any major nation. A World Bank report published in June 2023 estimated that India’s annual increase in fine particle pollution shaves 0.56 percentage points off its annual GDP growth every year due to reduced worker productivity and capital formation. Air pollution in India also reduces the productivity of a range of business assets – blocking sunlight from solar panels, degrading electronic circuitry and reducing crop yields, according to a 2021 report commissioned by the Clean Air Fund.

To clean up the air, India can take several steps. Firstly, it can prioritise pollution reduction in its climate and environmental ambitions, both domestically and internationally. This includes setting targets for reducing fine particle pollution and holding industries accountable for their emissions. Secondly, India can invest in clean energy sources such as solar power, which can help reduce air pollution and improve the efficiency of solar panels. Thirdly, India can implement policies to reduce the burning of crops, which is a major source of air pollution during the winter months. Finally, India can learn from China's successful initiatives, such as the implementation of air quality standards and the promotion of electric vehicles. By taking a comprehensive approach that addresses both the sources of pollution and the health and economic impacts, India can make significant progress in cleaning up its air.

How to reduce hazardous microparticles

India can learn from China's success in tackling air pollution. In 2017, China dominated the list of the world's most polluted cities, but it has since made significant improvements. India, on the other hand, is facing a pollution crisis that is impacting the health of its 1.4 billion residents and its economy, which is currently the fastest-growing of any major nation.

• Implement measures to reduce the burning of crops: In northern India, farmers often set their fields ablaze during the winter, contributing to the high levels of hazardous microparticles in the air. By providing alternative methods for crop burning or enforcing regulations to prevent it, India can reduce the amount of pollution in the air.
• Improve air quality monitoring and enforcement: India can invest in air quality monitoring systems and enforce stricter regulations on industries and vehicles to reduce the emission of hazardous microparticles.
• Promote clean energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels: India can encourage the use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, and provide incentives for businesses and individuals to transition to cleaner energy options.
• Increase investment in pollution control technologies: India can provide incentives or subsidies for industries to adopt pollution control technologies, such as scrubbers and filters, to reduce the emission of hazardous microparticles.
• Raise awareness and educate the public: By raising awareness about the impacts of air pollution and promoting sustainable practices, India can encourage individuals to take action to reduce their contribution to air pollution.

By learning from China's success in tackling air pollution and implementing targeted measures, India can significantly reduce the levels of hazardous microparticles in its cities and improve the health and well-being of its citizens.

How to improve air quality in cities

India can learn from China's success in tackling air pollution. In 2017, China dominated the list of the world's most polluted cities, but now, huge swathes of northern India continue to choke on clouds of polluted air, especially during the winter period.

China has made strides in scrubbing the once-foul air that had become a fact of life each year in major cities like Beijing and industrial towns across the country.

To improve air quality in cities, India can take the following steps:

• Address the root causes of air pollution, such as industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and crop burning.
• Implement stricter emission standards and regulations for industries and vehicles.
• Encourage the use of public transportation, carpooling, and electric or hybrid vehicles to reduce vehicle emissions.
• Promote renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
• Improve waste management practices to reduce open burning and landfill emissions.
• Collaborate with neighbouring countries to address transboundary air pollution issues.
• Raise awareness about the health and economic impacts of air pollution to build public support for mitigation measures.
• Invest in air quality monitoring systems and research to better understand the sources and impacts of pollution.
• Implement targeted policies and action plans at the city, state, and national levels to reduce emissions and improve air quality.
• Encourage public participation and engagement in air quality improvement initiatives.

How to reduce the impact of pollution on the economy

India can learn from China's success in tackling air pollution, which has been a problem in both countries. In 2017, three-quarters of the world's most polluted cities were in China, but by 2023, China had just 16 of the top 100 most polluted cities, according to IQAir. In the same year, India had 65 cities in the top 100.

China's success in reducing air pollution can offer lessons to India on how to mitigate the economic impact of pollution. Air pollution in India reduces the productivity of a range of business assets, including solar panels, electronic circuitry, and crops. A 2021 report commissioned by the Clean Air Fund found that air pollution in India blocks sunlight from solar panels, degrades electronic circuitry, and reduces crop yields.

A World Bank report published in June 2023 estimated that India's annual increase in fine particle pollution reduces its annual GDP growth by 0.56 percentage points due to reduced worker productivity and capital formation.

To reduce the impact of pollution on the economy, India can take several measures:

• Implement policies to reduce air pollution, including regulating industrial emissions, promoting clean energy sources, and improving waste management practices.
• Encourage the use of public transportation and promote sustainable mobility options to reduce vehicle emissions.
• Invest in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and decrease air pollution levels.
• Develop and enforce stricter environmental regulations and standards, including emission limits and air quality guidelines.
• Promote energy efficiency measures, such as improving insulation in buildings and encouraging the use of energy-efficient appliances, to reduce energy consumption and associated emissions.
• Collaborate with the private sector to develop innovative solutions for reducing pollution and mitigating its economic impact, such as investing in research and development for cleaner technologies.

How to improve the productivity of business assets

India can learn a lot from China about how to clean up its air pollution problem, which is currently affecting the productivity of its business assets. In 2017, three-quarters of the world's most polluted cities were in China, while 17 were in India. However, China has since made great strides in improving its air quality, while India's pollution crisis is still largely absent from its climate and environmental ambitions.

China's success in tackling air pollution can be attributed to a number of factors, including the implementation of stricter emission standards and the promotion of renewable energy sources. For example, China has introduced policies to phase out coal-fired power plants and encourage the use of electric vehicles. As a result, levels of hazardous microparticles known as PM2.5 have decreased significantly in major cities like Beijing.

India can follow China's lead by taking a more proactive approach to addressing its pollution problem. This includes setting more ambitious targets for reducing emissions and investing in renewable energy infrastructure. Additionally, India can learn from China's experience in enforcing environmental regulations and ensuring compliance from industries and individuals alike.

By taking these steps, India can improve the productivity of its business assets by reducing the negative impacts of air pollution. This includes increasing crop yields, improving the performance of solar panels, and reducing the degradation of electronic circuitry. In turn, this can contribute to India's economic growth and help it achieve its ambitions of becoming a major global economy.

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