Air Pollution: A Threat To Human Sustainability With Special Reference To Delhi NCR

Lead, sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and ground-level ozone are the six main air pollutants according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The consequences of these pollutants on the air, soil, and water are widespread. They worsen global warming, have an influence on human health, and contribute to climate change and the greenhouse effect. Because of air pollution, acid rain, global warming, the greenhouse effect, and climate change have a substantial impact on ecosystems.

Following exposure to these contaminants, neurological consequences are seen in both adults and children.

Global air pollution is a result of the damage that human activity is doing to the air, water, and land. Because of the serious consequences that these pollutants have for both the environment and human health, this study concentrates exclusively on them. The natural, physical, chemical, and biological components of our surrounds are all included in the environment. Every living thing adjusts to its own surroundings according to what is appropriate. Pollution-related environmental damage, however, is a developing worry.

Pollutants are substances that cause considerable harm to the environment and human health. They might take the shape of liquids, solids, gasses, sediments, dust, or other materials. The leftovers or results of human activity are frequently the source of these contaminants. Air pollution is one of the main forms of pollution among others. Air pollution, especially in metropolitan areas, has increased due to factors such as industrialization, population growth, and vehicle emissions.

Cities like Delhi, which struggle with serious air quality problems, such as dangerously high pollution levels, are prime examples of this decline. The severity of the issue is highlighted by the increase in the Air Quality Index (AQI) and the health concerns that are linked to it, including respiratory infections and asthma. The government has taken steps to reduce air pollution and enhance the quality of the air for the sake of public health.

Introduction

The introduction of hazardous chemicals into the environment that have a negative impact on living things is referred to as “pollution”. When this phenomena happens in larger quantities, life quality is considerably reduced. The issue of environmental pollution is a complex global health hazard that is mostly caused by human activities, urbanization, and population expansion. All these things add to air pollution, which is one of the biggest threats to global public health and kills about 9 million people a year.

Developmental activities have a negative influence on vital environmental elements like water, air, and soil even as they propel human growth through scientific and technical breakthroughs. The industrial revolution has caused significant environmental damage in addition to its well-known revolutionary effects on society and technical advancement. Large amounts of dangerous pollutants have been released into the environment as a result of the expansion of industrial activity, posing serious health dangers to people. In emerging nations, when issues with excessive population growth, fast urbanization, and industry spread worsen air pollution, the situation is more dire.

Legally speaking, combating environmental pollution necessitates an all-encompassing framework that includes legislative, regulatory, and enforcement tools. International treaties and agreements are essential for coordinating worldwide pollution control activities. These agreements frequently provide rules and specifications for waste management, pollution emissions, and environmental protection measures. To reduce pollution and protect the environment and public health, national governments pass laws and regulations. Statutes pertaining to land use planning, hazardous waste management, water pollution control, and air quality regulations are a few examples of these legal tools. Enforcing these regulations, keeping an eye on compliance, and levying penalties for infractions are the responsibilities of regulatory bodies.

Harmful Effects of Air Pollution:

Air pollution is a serious problem, especially when it comes to environmental and health issues, especially in poor countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) said that ambient air pollution was a contributing factor in approximately 3 million deaths globally in 2012. Anthropogenic activity is the main cause of this widespread problem. Air pollution has a devastating effect on people’s health, causing a wide range of conditions from respiratory infections to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as higher hospitalization rates. Extended exposure to air pollutants aggravates lung and cardiovascular problems. Research suggests that prolonged exposure to air pollutants increases the risk of diabetes.

In addition, the increasing release of greenhouse gases, particularly CO2, has become an urgent worldwide issue. Global warming is fueled by the growth in carbon emissions, which is a contribution from almost every country. As a result, CO2 emissions rise, which raises temperatures and exacerbates environmental problems including smog, acid rain, respiratory illnesses, and a depleted ozone layer. All of these factors ultimately contribute to global warming. While long-term exposure increases the risk of chronic asthma, pulmonary conditions, and cardiovascular disorders, short-term exposure causes symptoms including coughing, shortness of breath, and asthma.

Air pollution damages the ecosystem in ways that go beyond harm to human health. Because of the nitric and sulfuric acid emissions that cause acid rain, ecosystems are seriously threatened. Plants and marine life are corroded, and infrastructure is damaged. Ground-level ozone interferes with photosynthesis and the transfer of CO2 in plants, and it is well known for its detrimental impacts on human health as well as plant life. The greenhouse effect is driving global climate change, which puts biodiversity, agriculture, and animals at serious danger. Development efforts also increase greenhouse gas emissions.

Animals are also heavily affected by air pollution, since excessive pollutant levels can lead to birth abnormalities and reproductive failures. Eutrophication is a serious hazard to aquatic ecosystems, reducing fish populations and productivity. It is an ecological imbalance brought on by nitrogen runoff that stimulates algal blooms.

The effects of air pollution are, in essence, ubiquitous across the ecosystem, with far-reaching implications for human health. Global warming threatens biodiversity, acid rain damages ecosystems, and ground-level ozone depletes photosynthesis. Understanding the complex effects of air pollution highlights the pressing need for all-encompassing regulatory frameworks to address this persistent issue. Strong environmental laws are essential to protecting human health and ecological integrity in a world that is becoming more and more polluted. They should regulate emissions and promote sustainable behaviors, among other things.

Legislative Measures pertaining to Air Pollution

International Law:

• Often referred to as the “Magna Carta of the Environment,” the Stockholm Conference of 1972 represents a turning point in the history of the environment. This historic occasion committed the world to tackling urgent environmental issues by emphasizing sustainable development and environmental conservation. The creation of Agenda 21, a comprehensive action plan intended to prevent environmental deterioration and promote sustainable behaviors, was one of the conference’s main results.
• A coordinated effort to confront the growing threat of climate change was signaled in 1994 with the establishment
  

  SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

  SDGs	Targets	Indicators
  SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination	Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution
  SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	Target 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	Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5) in cities (population weighted)
  SDG 13: Climate Action	Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning	Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer
  SDG 15: Life on Land	Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements	Indicator 15.1.2: Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type

  Analysis

  1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

  The issues highlighted in the article are connected to the following SDGs:
  – SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
  – SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  – SDG 13: Climate Action
  – SDG 15: Life on Land

  2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

  Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets can be identified:
  – Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination (under SDG 3)
  – Target 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 (under SDG 11)
  – Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning (under SDG 13)
  – Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements (under SDG 15)

  3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

  Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
  – Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution (under Target 3.9)
  – Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5) in cities (population weighted) (under Target 11.6)
  – Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer (under Target 13.2)
  – Indicator 15.1.2: Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type (under Target 15.1)

  These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets and assess the impact of efforts to address air pollution and environmental degradation.

  SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

  SDGs	Targets	Indicators
  SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination	Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution
  SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	Target 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	Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5) in cities (population weighted)
  SDG 13: Climate Action	Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning	Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer
  SDG 15: Life on Land	Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements	Indicator 15.1.2: Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type

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  Fuente: legalserviceindia.com

   

  

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