International Day Of Clean Air For Blue Skies

Relevance: GS3 - Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation

(Source: The Hindu, 09/07/2023)

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Why in the news?

• The International Day of Clean Air for blue skies is commemorated annually on 7 September in recognition of the fact that clean air is important for the health and day-to-day lives of people.
• Hence, the urgency of addressing a triple-planetary crisis of biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution was highlighted.
• Air pollution emerges as a silent killer alongside climate change, with severe health consequences, particularly in regions like South Asia.

About International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies

• In 2019, recognizing the global demand for cleaner air and the imperative to enhance air quality, the United Nations General Assembly established September 7 as the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies.
• This year's focal point revolves around the theme 'Together for Clean Air,' emphasizing the pressing requirement for reinforced collaborations, greater financial commitments, and a collective commitment to combat air pollution.
• The theme also underscores the immediate consequences of air pollution on both human well-being and the environment, emphasizing our joint obligation to safeguard the atmosphere and guarantee clean and healthy air for all.

What are the concerns raised?

• Health Impacts: The significant health impact of air pollution, particularly in terms of lung cancer, cardiovascular disorders, respiratory ailments, and mental health issues was highlighted. It underscores the devastating consequences of air pollution on public health, with millions of deaths attributed to it.
• Air Quality in South Asia: South Asia is depicted as a hotspot for air pollution, home to many of the world's most polluted cities. The mention of Delhi being at risk due to hazardous air quality is illustrative of the severe conditions faced by residents in this region.
• Specific Pollutants: It was pointed out that some of the key pollutants contributing to air pollution in Delhi, including SO2, NOX, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide, and ozone. These pollutants are known to have adverse health effects.
• Vulnerable Populations: Certain populations, such as immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, children, and the elderly, are particularly vulnerable to the health risks associated with air pollution. This underscores the importance of addressing this issue for the well-being of these groups.

Other Reports

• As per a Lancet Report, 1.67 million pollution-related deaths were attributed to air pollution in India in 2019, accounting for a staggering 17.8% of the total deaths in the country.
• A report by Swiss firm IQAir, released on March 14, revealed that India's annual average PM2.5 level in 2022 decreased slightly to 53.3 μg/m3 from the 2021 average of 58.1.
  • In 2022, 12 out of the 15 most polluted cities in Central and South Asia were in India, with Bhiwadi ranking as the most polluted city in the country.
• Recently, the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) report for 2023 by the University of Chicago, showed that the world’s 50 most polluted regions belong to the Northern Plains of India.

Efforts to Combat Air Pollution

• Pioneering Biotechnology Solutions: Efforts to combat agricultural pollution involve innovative approaches like the PUSA Decomposer, developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), which employs biotechnology to address the issue.
• State-Level Policy Initiatives: State governments are implementing policies such as GRAP 3 (Graded Rapid Action Plan) to monitor air quality in pollution hotspots. Green War Rooms are being established as a part of these initiatives to coordinate and respond to pollution-related challenges effectively.
• Global Exemplars: Globally, cities such as Ljubljana (Slovenia), Accra (Ghana), Seville (Spain), Bogota (Colombia), Medellin (Colombia) showcase effective strategies such as car-free zones, green spaces, electrified public transportation, nature-based solutions, and biotechnology. China's clean energy transition, Indonesia's 'Carbon Efficient Farming,' and efforts in Thailand and Vietnam to reduce straw burning offer hope for environmental progress.
• UNESCO's Initiative: UNESCO combats air pollution through an internal carbon tax on flight tickets, emission reduction investments, and the World Air Quality Project. They promote eco-friendly practices like virtual meetings, Clean-Air-For-Schools education, electric vehicles, LED lighting, solar offices, historic site protection, and green solutions (urban forests, parks, green corridors).
• Youth-Led Environmental Advocacy: Global youth are leading environmental advocacy efforts, running marathons, and monitoring real-time air quality data to raise awareness. However, the absence of a dedicated Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) for 'Clean Air to Breathe' highlights a lack of global focus on this critical issue.

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FAQs

MCQ

Question: Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2017)

1. Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to Reduce Short Lived Climate Pollutants is a unique initiative of G20 group of countries.
2. The CCAC focuses on methane, black carbon and hydrofluorocarbons.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Question: In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of the Air Quality Index? (UPSC 2016)

1. Carbon dioxide
2. Carbon monoxide
3. Nitrogen dioxide
4. Sulphur dioxide
5. Methane

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(c) 1, 4 and 5 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5