The revised WHO Global Air Quality Guidelines prioritize stricter standards for pollutants like PM2.5 and ozone. Differing from the 2005 guidelines, these emphasize health protection, especially for vulnerable populations. India’s National Clean Air Programme needs enhanced measures to align with these stringent guidelines, requiring robust policies for air quality improvement.
Approach
- Start with a brief introduction of keywords “Global Air Quality Guidelines”.
- Explain the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
- Describe how these guidelines are different from its last update in 2005.
- Discuss changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme required to achieve revised standards.
- Conclusion accordingly.
Answer
Introduction
- The Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) are a set of recommendations issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) to establish air quality levels aimed at protecting public health. These guidelines provide standards and limits for various air pollutants, including particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and carbon monoxide.This update marks the first revision of the WHO guidelines since 2005.
Body
The key points of the Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) by the World Health Organisation (WHO): The key points of the Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) are as follows:
- Pollutant Coverage: The AQGs provide recommendations for six major air pollutants, namely particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone (O₃), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), and carbon monoxide (CO). These pollutants have significant impacts on human health and are widely monitored.
- Recommended Limits: The guidelines outline specific air quality levels for each pollutant to protect public health. For example, the annual average for PM2.5 should not exceed 5 micrograms per cubic metre, while PM10 should not exceed 15 micrograms per cubic metre. Limits are also established for 24-hour averages of these pollutants.
- Health Protection: The primary objective of the AQGs is to safeguard human health by reducing exposure to harmful air pollutants. The recommended limits are based on extensive scientific research and aim to minimise adverse health effects associated with poor air quality.
- Global Applicability: The AQGs serve as a global reference for governments, organisations, and individuals in assessing and improving air quality. While the guidelines are set by WHO, they are intended to be adapted and implemented by countries according to their specific contexts and air quality challenges.
These guidelines are different from its last update in 2005: Differences between the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) and the previous update in 2005:
- (1) Expanded coverage of pollutants (2) Updated and more stringent air quality limits (3) Increased focus on health impacts and protection (4) Consideration of regional variations in air pollution (5) Integration of new scientific knowledge.(6) Enhanced support for policy development and implementation (7) Emphasis on communication and public awareness.
Changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme required to achieve revised standards: Changes required in India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) to achieve the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) standards include:
- Strengthening Emission Reduction Targets: The NCAP needs to set more ambitious targets for reducing particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) concentrations in line with the revised AQGs. For example, aiming for a 30% reduction in PM2.5 concentrations by 2024 compared to the 2017 baseline.
- Implementation of Stringent Pollution Control Measures: The NCAP should focus on implementing stringent pollution control measures across sectors, including industries, transport, construction, and biomass burning. This may involve stricter emission standards, enhanced monitoring, and effective enforcement mechanisms.
- Promoting Renewable Energy Transition: Encouraging the adoption of renewable energy sources and reducing dependence on fossil fuels can significantly contribute to improving air quality. The NCAP should prioritise policies and incentives to accelerate the transition to cleaner and sustainable energy alternatives.
- Strengthening Regional Cooperation: Air pollution does not adhere to administrative boundaries, and regional cooperation is crucial for effective air quality management. The NCAP should emphasise collaboration with neighbouring states and countries to address transboundary pollution sources and coordinate efforts in mitigating air pollution.
Conclusion
- The revised AQGs focus on stricter limits, updated scientific knowledge, and regional considerations. India’s NCAP needs to set ambitious targets, implement pollution control measures, promote renewable energy, strengthen cooperation, improve monitoring and data reporting, raise public awareness, and enhance enforcement and compliance to achieve the revised standards. These efforts will contribute to improving air quality and safeguarding the health of the population.
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