The smog choking this Indian city is visible from space
Delhiâs air quality hits extremely unsafe levels The Washington Post
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Seasonal Fires and Air Pollution in Northern India
Introduction
Seasonal fires and a slew of air pollutants are obscuring skies across northern India, registering “very unhealthy” air quality in New Delhi and causing schools to shut down. Advisories recommend residents avoid spending time outside in the city, which has experienced toxic smog from around the beginning of November.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Goal 13: Climate Action
Air Quality Issues in Northern India
According to Hiren Jethva, an aerosol scientist at Morgan State University and NASA, the smoke from seasonal fires has spread all over to the Bay of Bengal. Although the fire activity is lagging behind other years, the number of fires is still sufficient to create air quality issues in the burning region.
The thick plume of smoke pollution across northern India is visible on NASA satellite imagery.
Impact on Air Quality
The air quality index in New Delhi for PM2.5, a hazardous pollutant known as particulate matter 2.5, reached 285 or “very unhealthy” on Thursday, which is the second most severe level. These tiny pollutants can travel into our lungs and bloodstream, causing heart disease or lung cancer.
Causes of Air Pollution
This dip in air quality, especially around New Delhi, occurs every year in the months ahead of winter. Farmers in northwestern India burn off excess paddy straw after rice harvest to clear the land for the next crop, a practice known as stubble burning. The smoke spreads across the region, including New Delhi, which is home to almost 35 million people.
The level of smoke pollution is primarily due to farm fires in the northwest, particularly in Punjab and Haryana. Other sources of hazardous pollution in the area include vehicles, industrial activities, fires for heating and cooking, and dust from the Thar Desert.
Impact on Education and Society
Due to the hazardous air quality, schools in the region, including Pakistan, have been forced to close. Local governments have extended winter breaks and some have implemented virtual learning as an alternative.
Delayed Burning Season and Diwali Festival
This year, the burning season peak appears to be occurring later than usual. Monsoon rains arrived later, causing farmers to delay their rice harvest and subsequently the burning season. However, this delay could spell more trouble as the Hindu festival of Diwali approaches. The air pollution from crop fires and celebratory fireworks during Diwali could further deteriorate air quality.
Efforts to Mitigate Air Pollution
Officials in New Delhi are trying to find ways to mitigate the poor air quality. After Diwali, local authorities will implement the “odd-even” vehicle rule, allowing only certain vehicles on the road on certain days to reduce pollution from tailpipes. Scientists are also planning to induce rain by spraying overhead clouds with salts to wash out some of the pollution in the city.
Conclusion
The peak of the biomass burning season is expected to occur in the next couple of weeks. The combination of crop fires and Diwali fireworks poses a significant challenge for the big cities in northern India. However, it is expected that the air quality will eventually improve.
SDGs, Targets, and 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: Air quality index (AQI) measurements for PM2.5 levels
-
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: Air quality index (AQI) measurements for PM2.5 levels
-
SDG 13: Climate Action
- Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
- Indicator: Satellite imagery showing smoke pollution from seasonal fires
Table: 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. | Air quality index (AQI) measurements for PM2.5 levels |
| 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. | Air quality index (AQI) measurements for PM2.5 levels |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | Satellite imagery showing smoke pollution from seasonal fires |
Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are:
– Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
– 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.
– Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
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. The article mentions the air quality index (AQI) measurements for PM2.5 levels as an indicator for measuring progress towards reducing deaths and illnesses from air pollution (Target 3.9) and reducing the adverse environmental impact of cities, specifically air quality (Target 11.6). Additionally, satellite imagery showing smoke pollution from seasonal fires can be used as an indicator for measuring progress towards strengthening resilience to climate-related hazards (Target 13.1).
The AQI measurements provide a quantitative assessment of air pollution levels, specifically PM2.5, which is a hazardous pollutant known to cause health issues. The satellite imagery shows the extent of smoke pollution from seasonal fires, indicating the presence and impact of climate-related hazards.
Overall, these indicators help track progress in improving air quality, reducing pollution-related illnesses and deaths, and building resilience to climate-related hazards.
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: washingtonpost.com
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