GS3 – Environment
Context
- Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) 2025 by EPIC, University of Chicago.
- Based on 2023 PM2.5 data.
Key Findings – India
- Nationwide Exposure – Entire population exposed to PM2.5 above WHO safe limit (5 µg/m³).
- North India Worst – Northern plains (Delhi, Ghaziabad, Kanpur) → 544.4 million people exposed.
- Even Indian Standards Breached – 46% population lives where PM2.5 > India’s own limit (40 µg/m³).
- Life Expectancy Loss –
- Delhi: Could gain +8.2 years if air met WHO levels.
- Even cleanest areas: Could gain +9.4 months.
South Asia
- Pollution is regional & transboundary (India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh).
- Bangladesh – Most polluted country; 2023 PM2.5 = 12× WHO limit.
- Life expectancy: +5.5 years (avg), +7.1 years (Gazipur) if cleaned.
Global Picture
- Global PM2.5 in 2023 → 1.5% higher than 2022, almost 5× WHO limit.
- Called the biggest external threat to life expectancy (worse than tobacco, unsafe water).
- China’s Example – Despite +2.8% rise in 2023, PM2.5 is still 40.8% lower than 2014 due to strict policies:
- Car restrictions in big cities.
- Steel capacity cuts.
- Ban on new coal plants in key regions.
- Shift to gas/electric heating.
Implications for India
- Public Health – Major loss of life years, rise in heart, lung, brain diseases.
- Governance Gap – India’s PM2.5 limit (40 µg/m³) is lenient; weak enforcement.
- Regional Issue – Needs South Asia-wide cooperation.
- Lesson from China – Strong policy + enforcement can reduce pollution.