A bigger threat than cigarettes: How air pollution is cutting short lives by up to five years in South Asia
A bigger threat than cigarettes: How air pollution is cutting short lives by up to five years in South Asia The Indian ExpressDirty air is biggest external threat to human health, worse than tobacco or alcohol, major study finds CBS NewsPolluted Air Shortens Human Lifespans More Than Tobacco, Study Finds The Wall Street Journal
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Air Pollution in South Asia
A new report reveals that air pollution is significantly reducing the life span of people living in South Asia by 5.1 years. This region, which includes Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan, is home to some of the most polluted countries in the world and accounts for more than half of the global life years lost due to high pollution.
Air Pollution in India
The report highlights that poor air quality in India, on average, reduces a person’s life expectancy by 5.3 years. In comparison, cardiovascular diseases decrease the average Indian’s life expectancy by around 4.5 years, while child and maternal malnutrition reduce life expectancy by 1.8 years.
The report, titled ‘Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) Annual Update 2023’, was published by the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute. The AQLI measures the impact of particulate pollution on life expectancy, and the latest report analyzed particulate matter data from 2021 to determine its impact on life expectancy.
South Asia and Air Pollution
Air pollution poses a major threat to South Asians, particularly those living in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. The impact of air pollution on life expectancy in these countries is significantly greater than other prominent health threats.
- Tobacco use reduces life expectancy in these countries by as much as 2.8 years.
- Unsafe water and sanitation reduce life expectancy by as much as 1 year.
- Alcohol use reduces life expectancy by half a year.
Currently, the average person living in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan is exposed to particulate pollution levels that are 51.3% higher than at the beginning of the century. If pollution levels had remained constant since 2000, residents in these countries would be on track to lose 3.3 years of life expectancy, rather than the 5.2 years they stand to lose in 2021.
Air Pollution in Bangladesh and India
Bangladesh remains the most polluted country in the world, with pollution levels about 14 to 15 times higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline for the past decade. The average person in Bangladesh stands to lose 6.8 years of life expectancy.
In India, all 1.3 billion people live in areas where the annual average particulate pollution level exceeds the WHO guideline. Additionally, 67.4% of the population live in areas that exceed India’s own national air quality standard. Over the years, air quality levels have been declining across India, with average annual particulate pollution increasing by 67.7% from 1998 to 2021. The PM2.5 level in India is 10 times higher than the WHO guideline.
Effects of Air Pollution
Particulate matter (PM) 2.5 is one of the most harmful atmospheric pollutants. These particles, sized at just 2.5 micrometers, can easily enter the circulatory system through the nose and throat. PM 2.5 can cause chronic diseases such as asthma, heart attacks, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems.
Causes of Air Pollution
The report attributes the increase in air pollution in South Asia to rapid industrialization, economic development, and population growth. These factors have led to increased energy demand and fossil fuel use in the region. The number of vehicles on the road has also significantly increased, and electricity production using fossil fuels has tripled between 1998 and 2017.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses the impact of air pollution on human health, which is directly related to SDG 3. It also mentions the increase in energy demand and fossil fuel use, which connects to SDG 7. The focus on specific countries and cities affected by air pollution relates to SDG 11. Finally, the article highlights the role of rapid industrialization and population growth in contributing to air pollution, which aligns with SDG 13.
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 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
- 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 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
The targets identified are directly related to the issues discussed in the article. They focus on reducing deaths and illnesses caused by air pollution, increasing the share of renewable energy, improving air quality in cities, and strengthening resilience to climate-related hazards.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Particulate pollution levels
- Average life expectancy
- Annual average concentrations of PM 2.5
- Percentage of population living in areas exceeding air quality standards
- Percentage increase in pollution
The article mentions several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include particulate pollution levels, average life expectancy, annual average concentrations of PM 2.5, the percentage of the population living in areas exceeding air quality standards, and the percentage increase in pollution over time.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | – Particulate pollution levels – Average life expectancy |
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | SDG 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. | – Annual average concentrations of PM 2.5 – Percentage of population living in areas exceeding air quality standards |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 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. | – Particulate pollution levels – Percentage of population living in areas exceeding air quality standards |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | – Percentage increase in pollution |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: indianexpress.com
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