In a surprising development for 2022, South Asia saw a significant reduction in air pollution, contributing to a global decline in pollution levels. The latest report from the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute (EPIC) indicates an 18 percent drop in particulate matter (PM2.5) across South Asia, except Sri Lanka. This marks a stark contrast to the region’s historical trend of increasing pollution over the past two decades.
The report attributes the decline to favorable meteorological conditions, including above-average rainfall in the region. Such conditions may have played a crucial role in reducing PM2.5 levels, which are tiny particulates capable of penetrating deep into the respiratory system and causing significant health issues.
Despite this positive trend, South Asia remains the region with the world’s most polluted air. Residents in the area still face a significant health burden, with life expectancy reduced by over 3.5 years on average due to air pollution. The region continues to experience air quality that is eight times worse than the World Health Organization’s safety standards.
The decline in South Asia’s pollution levels contributed to a nine percent drop in global air pollution. However, air quality worsened in other regions, such as the Middle East and North Africa, where pollution levels increased by 13 percent from the previous year. The report highlights that many countries lack sufficient air quality data, which hampers effective policy-making and implementation.
To address these challenges, EPIC has launched a $1.5 million fund to install air quality monitors and provide open data globally. Despite the progress in South Asia, the report underscores the need for continued monitoring and enforcement of pollution control policies. The goal is to sustain the improvements and address the ongoing challenges in air quality.
China’s efforts to combat air pollution have yielded notable results, including a 41 percent reduction in pollution since 2013. Measures such as restricting cars, reducing industrial capacity, and banning new coal plants have improved air quality and increased life expectancy. However, pollution levels in China remain more than five times higher than WHO guidelines, with benefits unevenly distributed across regions.
The report emphasizes the importance of addressing air pollution as a critical public health issue, with substantial impacts on life expectancy and overall well-being. Continued investment in data collection, policy enforcement, and pollution control measures will be essential for further progress.
