Delhi Air Emergency: Capital bending the curve but more action needed https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/pollution/delhi-air-emergency-capital-bending-the-curve-but-more-action-needed-80380
there is no one factor for the foul air and there is no point in squabbling over the exact percentage of who is responsible for it. So, pollution management needs a cooperative approach—it needs to be understood that everyone is responsible. We need information on the sources to develop the agenda for action, not to transfer the need to act to someone or something else.
In the past few years, the number of ‘satisfactory air’ days is up (from 101 in 2018 to 174 in 2020) and more importantly, the number of ‘severe air’ days is down (from 28 in 2018 down to 20 days in 2020). It is not enough, not by a stretch...But the fact is we are bending the curve.
Winter shutdown of coal plants based on flawed logic, won’t improve Delhi’s air https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/pollution/winter-shutdown-of-coal-plants-based-on-flawed-logic-won-t-improve-delhi-s-air-80397 The coal power plants that stay shut during the peak pollution season in Delhi are fully operational in summer (depending on the demand). The emissions from these plants, in the absence of appropriate emission control, travel in plumes and get converted into secondary particles due to photochemical, oxidation and adsorption reactions, according to experts. These secondary particles stay in the atmosphere for a long time and disperse to longer distances. This particularly holds true for gaseous pollutants — sulphur dioxide (SO2) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) — that gets converted into sulphates and nitrates in the atmosphere. The sulphates and nitrates linger in the air far longer than SO2 and NOx, and spread even beyond 300 kilometres from the coal thermal power plant.
Time for transition: NGT flags air pollution from diesel generators https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/pollution/time-for-transition-ngt-flags-air-pollution-from-diesel-generators-79867 It is important to implement 24*7 power supply and undertake other measures to initiate the transition into cleaner fuel. This may include permission of only gas / cleaner fuel-based generators for new installations.
Combatting an invisible killer: New WHO air pollution guidelines recommend sharply lower limits https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/pollution/combatting-an-invisible-killer-new-who-air-pollution-guidelines-recommend-sharply-lower-limits-79170 In some places, like India, the yearly average PM2.5 concentration is nearly 12 times higher than the new WHO levels. Moreover, no country has legal air quality standards that meet the new WHO recommendations.
Globally and locally, the people who bear the greatest burden of exposure to air pollution are generally those producing the least amount of air pollution... The disparities in air pollution exposure are often linked to structural racism, such as historic redlining and locating polluting industries and freeways in low-income or predominantly Black or Hispanic neighborhoods. The result shows up in the communities’ health. The new WHO air quality guidelines could help governments set limits on average air pollution exposure that better protect everyone’s health.
The past about to return https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/pollution/the-past-about-to-return-79071 Some 30 years ago, when India ushered in economic reforms, it did so knowing fully well that an increased pace of economic growth would have adverse impacts on the environment. Growth would intensify the use of natural resources and add to the pollution of our waterbodies and air. ...
Today, the new world leader is a country that has a different model of economic growth. Its constitution is to do everything that needs to be done, through untrammeled power of its leadership, in furtherance of its national agenda. The objective is to increase its economic standing in the world; through manufacturing, trade and global commerce. If this means there will be more pollution and more greenhouse gas emissions, then it is part of the long game...
These 30 years have also taught us that we cannot ensure sustainable growth unless it is affordable and inclusive.
Dealing with the discarded: E-Waste management in India https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/pollution/dealing-with-the-discarded-e-waste-management-in-india-78667
India is the third-largest producer of e-waste after China and the United States. More than 95% of this waste is handled by informal sector. ...E-waste releases harmful chemicals, such as lead, on burning, which adversely impacts human blood, kidney and the peripheral nervous system. When it is thrown in landfills, the chemicals seep in the ground water affecting both land and sea animals. Decomposing e-waste is an expensive process and only a few developed countries can afford to do so. ..
There is a need to break consumerist patterns. Another unique solution to the problem can be offered by tech giants through conditional selling. All tech companies should mandate their customers to buy new technology only after exchanging old electronic products for the new ones.
How India can face the tidal wave of marine plastic https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/pollution/how-india-can-face-the-tidal-wave-of-marine-plastic-77819
The problem of marine plastic pollution can — and must — be tackled from various perspectives. This article discusses some of them
Our children are at risk of air pollution. Now is the time to act https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/pollution/our-children-are-at-risk-of-air-pollution-now-is-the-time-to-act-77790
Children’s health can be affected by air pollution even before they are born. As they grow up, pollution stunts their lung growth