Daily Current Affairs : 1-September-2023
In recent news, the University of Chicago’s Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) for 2023 has shed light on a critical environmental issue plaguing the Northern Plains of India. This region, home to the world’s 50 most polluted areas, faces a dire air quality crisis that demands immediate attention. In this essay, we will delve into key details regarding this alarming situation and explore the significance of the AQLI in understanding the impact of air pollution on life expectancy.
The Affected Region and Health Burden
The Northern Plains of India encompass seven states and union territories: Bihar, Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Unfortunately, these areas not only suffer from severe air pollution but also bear the greatest health burden due to particulate pollution in the entire country.
Life Expectancy at Stake
In northern India, fine particulate air pollution, specifically particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5), is responsible for shortening the lives of residents by an alarming eight years. This staggering statistic underscores the urgent need for effective pollution control policies to mitigate this health crisis. Implementing such policies could potentially grant the people of north India an additional 4.2 billion life years collectively.
Delhi’s Alarming Status
Delhi, the capital city of India, has the dubious distinction of being not only the most polluted city in India but also in the entire world. Its air quality situation is dire, with residents facing severe health risks due to pollution.
A Widespread Problem
What’s even more alarming is that all 521.2 million people living in the Northern Plains, constituting nearly 39% of India’s population, reside in areas where the annual average particulate pollution level is a staggering 17.3 times higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline. This leaves millions of individuals exposed to hazardous air quality on a daily basis.
Causes of Particulate Pollution
Several factors contribute to the exacerbation of particulate pollution in the Northern Plains. Geological and meteorological factors play a role, but human activity is a significant contributor. The region’s population density is almost three times higher than the rest of the country, leading to increased pollution from various sources such as vehicles, residential areas, and agriculture. This dense population also means that more lives are impacted by each source of pollution.
Understanding the AQLI
The AQLI, developed by the University of Chicago, is a crucial tool for comprehending the impact of particulate air pollution on life expectancy. It is rooted in extensive research that quantifies the causal link between long-term exposure to air pollution and life expectancy. The index combines this research with hyper-localized satellite measurements of global PM2.5, providing invaluable insights into the true toll of pollution on communities worldwide.
Important Points:
- The Northern Plains of India are home to the world’s 50 most polluted regions, as per the 2023 Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) report by the University of Chicago.
- This region includes seven states and union territories: Bihar, Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
- These areas bear the greatest health burden due to particulate pollution in India.
- Fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) in northern India shortens lives by a shocking eight years.
- Implementing effective pollution policies could potentially add 4.2 billion life years to the people of north India.
- Delhi is not only the most polluted city in India but also the world.
- All 521.2 million people living in the Northern Plains, constituting nearly 39% of India’s population, live in areas with pollution levels 17.3 times higher than WHO guidelines.
- Particulate pollution in the Northern Plains is exacerbated by both natural factors (geological and meteorological) and human activity.
- Human activity, including high population density, plays a key role in generating severe particulate pollution in the region.
- The AQLI is a crucial tool developed by the University of Chicago that translates air pollution into its impact on life expectancy.
- The AQLI combines research on the link between air pollution and life expectancy with hyper-localized satellite measurements of PM2.5.
- Urgent measures and policies are needed to combat air pollution and protect the health and well-being of millions living in the affected regions.
Why In News
According to the 2023 Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) report from the University of Chicago, the Northern Plains of India have earned the dubious distinction of being home to the world’s 50 most polluted regions. This alarming revelation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive environmental measures to combat air pollution in this critical area.
MCQs about Air Pollution Crisis in Northern India
-
Which region in India is highlighted as having the world’s 50 most polluted areas according to the 2023 Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) report by the University of Chicago?
A. Southern Plains
B. Eastern Himalayas
C. Northern Plains
D. Western Ghats
-
How much does fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) shorten lives in northern India?
A. Two years
B. Four years
C. Six years
D. Eight years
-
Which city is identified as the most polluted in both India and the world ?
A. Mumbai
B. Kolkata
C. Chennai
D. Delhi
-
What is the primary purpose of the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI)?
A. Measuring temperature fluctuations
B. Estimating the economic impact of pollution
C. Translating air pollution’s impact on life expectancy
D. Evaluating wildlife habitat loss
Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions
