Smog solutions bridging Pakistan India environmental divide

South Asia faces a severe air pollution crisis, with smog emerging as a significant health and environmental challenge. Pakistan and India, neighboring countries with shared geographic and climatic conditions, consistently rank among the world’s most polluted nations.

This article delves into the causes of smog in the region, highlights the associated socio-economic impacts, and examines the potential for collaborative smog diplomacy to mitigate the crisis. Accurate data, references, and actionable solutions are provided to encourage joint action.

Smog, a blend of smoke and fog, has become a defining environmental challenge in Pakistan and India. Rapid urbanization, unchecked industrial activities, vehicular emissions, and agricultural practices have created a toxic air quality crisis that transcends borders.

According to IQAir’s World Air Quality Report 2023, Lahore (Pakistan) and Delhi (India) ranked as the most polluted cities globally, with annual PM2.5 levels of 97.4 µg/m³ and 98.6 µg/m³, respectively. This shared burden offers a unique opportunity for the two nations to collaborate under “smog diplomacy.”

Understanding the Smog Crisis – Causes and Consequences

Crucial Causes

Agricultural Practices

Farmers in Punjab, spanning India and Pakistan, rely on burning crop residue to clear fields for the next planting season. This practice releases enormous amounts of particulate matter and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The NASA Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) reported over 50,000 fire incidents in the Indo-Gangetic Plain during the 2023 post-harvest season.

Industrial and Vehicular Emissions

The proliferation of unregulated industries and outdated vehicle engines exacerbates emissions. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), transportation accounts for 30% of PM2.5 emissions in Pakistan, while India’s industrial sector contributes 22% to its pollution levels.

Urbanization and Construction Activities

Rapid urban expansion and lax regulation of construction practices release dust and fine particles into the air. The UN-Habitat 2022 report highlights that urban populations in South Asia are projected to grow by 40% by 2035, intensifying air pollution.

Energy Production

Both nations rely heavily on coal-based energy, a significant contributor to smog. As of 2023, coal accounted for 70% of India’s power generation and 40% in Pakistan, according to the Global Energy Monitor.

Health and Economic Impacts

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution contributes to 2 million premature deaths annually in South Asia. The economic toll is equally staggering: the World Bank reported in 2022 that air pollution costs Pakistan $47 billion annually in lost labor and healthcare expenses, while India’s losses amount to $95 billion.

Potential for Smog Diplomacy

Existing Collaboration Frameworks

SAARC Environmental Cooperation: The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has an environment-focused action plan that can serve as a foundation for bilateral collaboration on air quality.

Track II Diplomacy: Academic and policy-level discussions between Pakistani and Indian researchers, facilitated by organizations like the Asia Foundation, can foster data sharing and joint strategies.

Cross-Border Technology Sharing: India’s advancements in renewable energy technologies and Pakistan’s agricultural innovations can mutually benefit both nations.

Challenges to Collaboration

Political Tensions: Historical conflicts and territorial disputes hinder the trust needed for environmental cooperation.

Lack of Unified Monitoring Systems: Discrepancies in air quality monitoring and reporting standards prevent accurate data comparisons.

Resource Constraints: Limited funding for environmental initiatives and lack of technical expertise exacerbate the crisis.

Also Read: Role of technology in the Israel-Palestine conflict

Proposed Solutions

Policy-Level Initiatives

Bilateral Air Quality Agreement: Like the 2002 China-Japan-South Korea Tripartite Environment Ministers Meeting, Pakistan and India could institutionalize an annual dialogue focused on improving air quality.

Crop Residue Management Programs: Subsidized equipment like Happy Seeders and Rotavators can help farmers adopt sustainable practices. India’s National Thermal Power Corporation’s program to procure crop stubble for energy production could be adapted for Pakistan.

Emission Standards Harmonization: Both countries should standardize and enforce vehicular and industrial emission limits. Introducing Bharat VI-equivalent fuel standards in Pakistan can significantly reduce pollutants.

Technological Interventions

Air Purification Systems: Large-scale air purifiers, like those deployed in Beijing, could be installed in major cities.

Renewable Energy Transition: Increasing investments in solar and wind energy could reduce reliance on coal. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Pakistan and India have vast untapped solar potential.

Satellite Monitoring: Joint satellite-based air quality monitoring can provide real-time data to guide interventions.

Community Engagement and Awareness

Educational Campaigns: Programs should be prioritized to educate farmers about the health impacts of stubble burning and alternatives.

Citizen Science Initiatives: Mobile apps allowing residents to report pollution hotspots can supplement official monitoring systems.

Cross-Border NGO Collaboration: Organizations like Greenpeace could facilitate community-level partnerships to combat air pollution.

Case Studies of Effective Smog Control

China’s Air Pollution Action Plan: Between 2013 and 2017, China reduced PM2.5 levels in Beijing by 35% through strict industrial regulations, vehicle bans, and coal replacement initiatives.

California’s Smog Reduction Policies: Implementing catalytic converters and clean fuel standards has helped reduce smog in Los Angeles by over 70% since the 1970s.

Conclusion

Smog diplomacy between Pakistan and India is not just an environmental necessity but a moral imperative. The shared air crisis demands a unified approach that transcends political divides. By adopting joint policies, leveraging technology, and engaging communities, the two nations can turn the smog crisis into an opportunity for collaboration. Addressing air pollution together would improve health outcomes and catalyze broader peacebuilding efforts in South Asia.