URBAN AIR POLLUTION – IS THERE A WAY OUT?

Urban air pollution refers to the air pollution in and around cities. Denser populations experience more urban air pollution. Urbanization and rapid industrialization have benefited mankind and made the life of humans easier and comfortable. However, both urbanization and industrialization also pose harm to mankind, the top of which is air pollution. According to World Health Organization (WHO) 4.2 million deaths every year occur as a result of exposure to ambient (outdoor) air pollution. Although there are some natural sources of urban air pollution, most of the sources are anthropogenic and largely depend on the activities of people.

 

Urban air pollution is caused by burning fossil fuels, industrialization, power generation, combustion and agriculture. Nature has a relatively smaller contribution in the form of volcanic eruptions, thunders, dust from the earth’s surface and naturally occurring particulate matter. The quality of urban air is indicated by the quantity of certain pollutants in the air, like Ozone (O₃), Particulate Matter (PM₁₀, PM₂.₅), Sulfur Oxides, Nitrogen Oxides, Carbon monoxide (CO) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

 

Sources of Urban Air Pollution

Transportation

The use of private vehicles (particularly older, diesel models) is the major source of urban air pollution. The Government of India (GOI) has cancelled the registration of all private vehicles that are more than 15 years old. Bharat Stage or BS Emission Standards are government-instituted emission standards that all motor vehicles have to comply with if they are to be sold and driven in India. Currently, all new vehicles sold and registered in India should be compliant with the BS-VI iteration of emission standards. About one-quarter of particulate matter in the air is due to vehicles.

Domestic use of fossil fuels

Half of the world population still relies on solid fuels for cooking and heating. These fuels, including wood, charcoal and coal, are burned in inefficient stoves that release large quantities of health-damaging particulate matter and climate warming pollutants into the nearby environment. In addition, it is estimated that 1.2 billion people light their home with kerosene lamps additionally contributing to air pollution and increasing risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. GOI’s Ujjwala Yojna by which cooking gas cylinders are being provided to poor households to wean them out of firewood cooking is a small step in that direction.

Industrialization

Industrialization is also a major contributor to urban air pollution as the area having industries particularly show poor air quality. Factories release many toxic gases due to the burning of fossil fuels and the use of chemicals. These gases react with each other and with other atmospheric constituents. It is estimated that around 80 different toxins can be found in the air emitted by factories, from asbestos and dioxin to lead and chromium. For developing countries like India development is non-negotiable but by making a purposeful thrust towards clean energy – solar, wind and hydro, the GOI hopes to achieve its bit of the main goal of the Paris Climate Accord which is to limit global warming to well below 2° Celsius and preferably limit it to 1.5° Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.

Power generation

With increased population, there is an increased energy demand. To fulfill that demand, fossil fuels are tremendously being used to generate energy as they are cheap and readily. The coal powered power plants are a major source of urban air pollution. Continuing urbanization and development means more power requirement but the challenge is to get this additional power from clean sources like the sun, wind and water, and safe nuclear energy instead of fossil fuel.

Combustion and agriculture

Combustion of material is an activity that releases toxic gases in the atmosphere and contributes to urban air pollution. Combustion releases CO2 and incomplete combustion releases CO. Both of these gases lead to urban air pollution. Agriculture activities also release other gases in the atmosphere such as Nitrous Oxide and Methane. In North India this is a yearly menace which raises its ugly head as the winter approaches. The farmers indulge in stubble burning. This is a process of setting on fire the straw stubble, left after the harvesting of grains, like paddy, wheat, etc. It is usually required in areas that use the combined harvesting method which leaves crop residue behind.

The major reason behind the stubble burning is the short time available between rice harvesting and sowing of wheat as delay in sowing wheat affects the wheat crop. This is the cheapest method to prepare the field for the next crop but it does incalculable harm to the soli, to the environment and to our health. Stubble burning emits toxic pollutants in the atmosphere containing harmful gases like Carbon Monoxide (CO), methane (CH4), carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds (VOC). These pollutants disperse in the surroundings and eventually affect air quality and people's health by forming a thick blanket of smog. Respiratory infections and asthma take a yearly toll as does the quality of urban life. The soil fertility too suffers. Soil becomes less fertile and its nutrients are destroyed when the husk is burned. Stubble burning generates heat that penetrates into the soil, causing an increase in erosion, loss of useful microbes and moisture.

Social Customs

Fire is associated with all Hindu customs right from birth to death. A survey by the United Nations shows that 400-500 kg of wood is required to cremate one body, and according to a report in CNN, 50 to 60 million trees are burned during cremations every year in India. More than seven million Hindus die each year. New Delhi has about 400 traditional cremation grounds, while Mumbai has around 300 so you can imagine the amount of pollution this custom contributes to. GOI has set up electric crematoriums in all cities but the traditional Hindu still stays away from them.

Beauty Products

A recent study suggests that the use of beauty products also contributes to urban air pollution. Most of the cosmetics and perfumes contain VOCs, which are released during their use and contribute to urban air pollution. With more population, the use of these beauty products is increasing and so the pollution.

 

How to address this problem?

As the causes of urban air pollution are multi-factorial, this battle has to be fought at multiple fronts. The answer does not lie exclusively in legal actions as the society has to understand the problem and bring about some behavioral changes and a conscious change in certain customs. The governments too will have to boldly go for what is the safer and unchartered road and leave the easy and the harmful path.

 

Encourage Sustainable / Public Transportation

In urban cities due to importance of time people choose to travel from their personal vehicle than public transport. Encouraging the use of sustainable transportation options can significantly reduce pollution levels. Melbourne and Vienna, the two most livable cities of the world have trams plying the roads as the common man’s transport! Investing in public transportation systems, promoting cycling infrastructure, and incentivizing the use of electric vehicles can all play a important role in reducing air pollution. Carpooling and ride-sharing initiatives can help reduce the number of vehicles on the road, leading to improved air quality.

Enhance Industrial Emission Controls

Implementing stricter emission control regulations and standards for industrial activities can help mitigate the impact of their emissions. Encouraging the adoption of cleaner technologies, regular environmental monitoring and enforcement of emission standards are vital to ensure compliance and protect air quality in urban areas.

Promote Sustainable Construction Practices

Encourage sustainable construction practices that minimize dust and emissions during building projects. Implement measures to control construction dust, such as using water sprays, covering construction sites, and properly managing construction waste.

Promote Energy Efficiency

Energy production and consumption are major contributors to air pollution. Promoting energy efficiency measures can help reduce emissions from power plants and residential buildings. Encouraging the use of energy-efficient appliances, promoting renewable energy sources, and implementing building codes that prioritize energy efficiency can all contribute to reducing air pollution in cities. By adopting sustainable energy practices, we can not only improve air quality but also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.

Implement Green Spaces and Urban Planning

Green spaces, such as parks and gardens, play a vital role in mitigating air pollution in cities. Trees and plants act as natural air filters, absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen. Incorporating green spaces into urban planning initiatives can help create a healthier urban environment. We have discussed the importance of the Third Place in one of our previous blogs: https://surajitbrainwaves.blogspot.com/2023/10/the-third-places.html

Urban planners can also prioritize the development of pedestrian-friendly zones and promote mixed-use developments, reducing the need for extensive vehicular transportation and improving air quality in city centres. I have, in one of my previous blogs discussed the importance of  Pedestrian friendly zones: https://surajitbrainwaves.blogspot.com/2022/11/the-pleasure-of-walking.html

Improve Vehicle Efficiency

Implement stricter emission standards for vehicles and support the adoption of cleaner technologies. Incentivize the use of electric and hybrid vehicles, and promote the development of charging infrastructure. Encourage regular vehicle maintenance to ensure optimal performance and reduced emissions.

France has Crit’Air stickers on cars. The stickers identify a vehicle’s emissions levels and, in some cases, restrict access in the quest for less polluted cities. France’s zones à faibles émissions mobilite (ZFE-m), its clean air scheme for vehicles. All of Paris is now a Low Emission Zone (LEZ). Only vehicles with a Crit’Air 3, 2 or 1 sticker are allowed to enter. Similarly in 2023, more than 70 German cities have Umweltzones, low-emission zones where vehicles need an Umweltplakette emissions sticker to enter. Antwerp, Brussels and Ghent in Belgium have low emission zones. Registration is required for foreign-registered vehicles entering Brussels’ LEZ. Vehicles entering the Brussels LEZ without registering in advance are liable for a fine of €150. Several Italian cities now have LEZs, including Rome, Naples, Milan, Bolzano, Bologna, Florence, Modena, Parma and Ravenna. Between Monday and Saturday, only petrol vehicles that meet the Euro 3 standard and diesel powered vehicles that comply with Euro 4 are allowed to enter the city. All major cities in Spain now operate LEZs. Windscreen stickers are mandatory to drive a vehicle in a controlled zone, with fines for non-compliance.

Raise Awareness and Educate

Public awareness and education are key elements in the fight against air pollution. Informing citizens about the health risks associated with air pollution and the actions they can take to reduce it can drive positive change. This should start from school level. Educational campaigns, workshops, and community engagement programs can help raise awareness about sustainable living practices and encourage individuals to make environmentally conscious choices. By empowering citizens with knowledge, we can foster a collective responsibility towards reducing air pollution.

Strengthen Waste Management Practices

Improper waste management contributes to air pollution through the release of toxic gases and the burning of waste. Implementing effective waste management systems, including recycling programs, waste segregation, and controlled waste disposal facilities, can help minimize pollution from solid waste. Encouraging composting and reducing single-use plastics can also contribute to reducing waste and, subsequently, air pollution.

Collaborate and Advocate for Change

Addressing air pollution requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including government bodies, organizations, businesses, and citizens. Advocacy groups can play a crucial role in driving policy changes and promoting sustainable practices. By working together, sharing knowledge and resources, and advocating for stricter regulations, we can create a collective impact in reducing air pollution in cities.

Implement Air Quality Monitoring

Develop comprehensive air quality monitoring networks to track pollution levels in real-time. Install monitoring stations throughout the city to gather data on various pollutants. This information can guide decision-making, help identify pollution hotspots, and evaluate the effectiveness of pollution control measures.

 

Reducing air pollution in cities is a complex challenge that requires a multi-faceted approach. By implementing sustainable transportation options, enhancing industrial emission controls, promoting energy efficiency, integrating green spaces, raising awareness, strengthening waste management practices, and fostering collaboration, cities can make significant strides in improving air quality. 

It is our collective responsibility to prioritize the health and well-being of urban populations by taking action against air pollution and creating cleaner, more livable cities for generations to come.