All of India Breathes Bad Air – AQLI 2025 Report

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 Breached46% 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
  1. Public Health – Major loss of life years, rise in heart, lung, brain diseases.
  2. Governance Gap – India’s PM2.5 limit (40 µg/m³) is lenient; weak enforcement.
  3. Regional Issue – Needs South Asia-wide cooperation.
  4. Lesson from China – Strong policy + enforcement can reduce pollution.
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