Study reveals why residents of this major city are losing an average 12 years off their life expectancies — and it’s likely not what you think
Study reveals why residents of this major city are losing an average 12 years off their life expectancies — and it’s likely not what you think Yahoo News
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Air Pollution in Delhi Reducing Life Expectancy by Nearly 12 Years, Study Finds
Air pollution can have a dramatic effect on human health. Living somewhere with heavily polluted air leads to long-term health problems.
A recent study examining the toll taken by pollution concluded that residents of Delhi, India, were losing almost 12 years from their life expectancy due to tiny particulates in the air, The Weather Channel reported.
What’s happening?
The study used satellite data from 2021 to determine the amount of PM2.5 pollution in different areas. PM2.5 refers to particulates under 2.5 micrometers in size. Particulates this small can be inhaled deep into the lungs, causing breathing and cardiovascular issues, according to one report in the Journal of Thoracic Disease.
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The recent study found that Dehli had the highest levels of PM2.5 pollution worldwide, The Weather Channel reported. Residents there were exposed to 126.5 micrograms per cubic meter of air — more than 25 times the World Health Organization’s recommended maximum of five micrograms per cubic meter.
Across India as a whole, the average was 58.7 micrograms per cubic meter, or almost 12 times the recommended level, The Weather Channel reported.
This might sound like a faraway problem, but some cities in the United States also suffer from particulate pollution. Statista reported that as of 2022, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, had a PM2.5 level of 33.5 micrograms per cubic meter, over six times WHO’s recommended level.
Why are these numbers concerning?
According to The Weather Channel, pollution numbers this high have a measurable and dramatic impact on human lifespans. The study found that Delhi residents have their life expectancies shortened by 11.9 years compared to someone living with the clean air that the WHO recommends. The average
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: Life expectancy |
| 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: PM2.5 pollution levels |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Indicator: PM2.5 pollution levels |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article highlights the impact of air pollution on human health, specifically on life expectancy. This aligns with SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article discusses the high levels of PM2.5 pollution in Delhi and other cities, emphasizing the need to address air quality in urban areas. This relates to SDG 11, which focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities.
SDG 13: Climate Action
The article mentions the need to reduce PM2.5 pollution, which is a contributor to climate change. This connects to SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
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 highlights the impact of air pollution on life expectancy, indicating the need to reduce deaths and illnesses caused by air pollution.
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 emphasizes the high levels of PM2.5 pollution in cities like Delhi, highlighting the need to address air quality issues in urban areas.
Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
The article mentions the need to reduce PM2.5 pollution, which contributes to climate change. This target emphasizes the integration of climate change measures into policies and planning.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article mentions two indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
– Life expectancy: The study found that residents of Delhi have their life expectancies shortened by almost 12 years due to air pollution. Monitoring changes in life expectancy can indicate progress in reducing deaths and illnesses caused by air pollution (Target 3.9).
– PM2.5 pollution levels: The article provides data on PM2.5 pollution levels in Delhi and other cities. Monitoring and reducing these pollution levels can measure progress in improving air quality and reducing the adverse environmental impact of cities (Target 11.6 and Target 13.2).
By tracking these indicators, policymakers and stakeholders can assess the effectiveness of interventions and policies aimed at addressing air pollution and improving public health.
4. 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: Life expectancy |
| 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: PM2.5 pollution levels |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Indicator: PM2.5 pollution levels |
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: news.yahoo.com
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