India is Third Most Polluted Country in the World, Reveals Study on Air Quality
India is Third Most Polluted Country in the World, Reveals Study on Air Quality The Mooknayak English
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New Delhi: India Ranked Third Most Polluted Country in the World
India has been ranked as the third most polluted country in the world, according to the 2023 World Air Quality Report by IQAir, a Swiss air quality monitoring group. This is a significant decline from its previous ranking as the eighth most polluted nation in 2022.
Air Pollution Challenges in India
- The country’s air quality has worsened due to rapid industrialization and insufficient enforcement of environmental laws.
- Lax regulation of industries and non-compliance with pollution control measures contribute to the escalating pollution levels.
- The rapid pace of construction activities also contributes to air pollution, generating various types of pollutants such as dust, particulate matter, emissions from equipment, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released during painting and sealing.
These pollutants have detrimental effects on the environment, ecosystems, and human health, causing respiratory problems and other illnesses.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The issue of air pollution in India is directly linked to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Air pollution poses a significant threat to human health, leading to respiratory problems and other illnesses.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Rapid urbanization and construction activities contribute to air pollution, highlighting the need for sustainable urban planning and development.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Lax regulation of industries and non-compliance with pollution control measures emphasize the importance of responsible production practices.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Air pollution is closely linked to climate change, emphasizing the need for measures to reduce emissions and mitigate the impacts of pollution.
Air Quality in India
According to the IQAir report, India’s average concentration of PM 2.5, fine particulate matter known to obstruct lungs and contribute to various illnesses, measured at 54.4 micrograms per cubic meter. Globally, air quality is considered safe for breathing when PM 2.5 levels range between 12 to 15 micrograms per cubic meter. Levels surpassing 35 micrograms per cubic meter are classified as unhealthy.
Delhi, the capital city of India, has particularly poor air quality, with a PM2.5 level of 92.7 micrograms per cubic meter. Traditional construction activities contribute significantly to air pollution in Delhi, accounting for 30% of the city’s pollution. During severe air quality episodes, non-essential construction activities are restricted to mitigate pollution levels.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination | Average concentration of PM 2.5 (fine particulate matter) in micrograms per cubic meter |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 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 | Air quality levels measured in micrograms per cubic meter |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment | Levels of pollution generated by construction activities |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article discusses the harmful effects of air pollution on human health, particularly respiratory problems caused by pollutants such as PM 2.5. SDG 3 aims to reduce deaths and illnesses from air pollution and contamination.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article highlights the air pollution issues faced by several Indian cities, including Delhi, due to rapid industrialization and insufficient enforcement of environmental laws. SDG 11 focuses on improving air quality and reducing the environmental impact of cities.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
The article mentions that construction activities contribute to pollution, including dust, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds. SDG 12 aims to achieve environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes, including reducing their release into the air, water, and soil.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
The article emphasizes the need to address air pollution to reduce respiratory problems and other health issues caused by pollutants.
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.
The article highlights the adverse environmental impact of rapid industrialization on air quality in Indian cities, particularly Delhi.
Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
The article mentions the pollution generated by construction activities, indicating the need for environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes to minimize their adverse impacts.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article provides specific indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Average concentration of PM 2.5 (fine particulate matter) in micrograms per cubic meter
- Air quality levels measured in micrograms per cubic meter
- Levels of pollution generated by construction activities
These indicators can be used to assess the reduction of air pollution, improvement in air quality, and the effective management of chemicals and wastes.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination | Average concentration of PM 2.5 (fine particulate matter) in micrograms per cubic meter |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 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 | Air quality levels measured in micrograms per cubic meter |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment | Levels of pollution generated by construction activities |
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: en.themooknayak.com
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