Ultimate Cost of Delhi's Pollution

The poor air quality of the capital has now become a new normal for the citizens and the Delhiites. New Delhi's air quality has perpetually been poor to very poor with each passing season. Delhi's air pollution is a dual threat, simultaneously a health crisis and a climate issue, as greenhouse gases are not only pollutants but also contribute to the climate crisis.

The Health Crisis:

Delhi's air consistently records dangerously high levels of pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide, and sulphur dioxide, causing significant health problems. Delhiites show a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms and reduced lung function as compared to rural centres.

Air pollution has emerged as a major cause of premature deaths in India, with Delhi's air ranked among the most harmful globally.

Pollutants trapped by climate effects penetrate deeply into the bloodstream, leading to inflammation, high blood pressure, and a higher risk of heart-related diseases.

Climate Issue:

Air pollutants in Delhi don't just endanger health but also exacerbate climate change. Fossil fuel combustion releases GHGs, contributing to climate change, which in turn worsens air quality by creating atmospheric conditions that trap pollutants, especially in winters, creating severe smog conditions known as the "Winter Syndrome."

Addressing the Issues – A Holistic, Health–Climate-Centric Approach

• Creating green spaces in the city to improve air quality and mitigate some of the causes leading to climate change.

• Implementing pollution control measures in various sectors that cause air pollution like transport, industry, and energy.

• Raising awareness among residents about the climate–health costs of air pollution.

Solving Delhi's pollution problem means thinking beyond this—thinking about climate, health, and justice together.