Kashif ALi
A new report by the University of Chicago has found that the average lifespan of Lahore residents is expected to decrease by seven years due to the effects of smog. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a record high of 409 in November, prompting the Punjab government to take immediate action. Smog is a mixture of air pollutants, including sulfur dioxide, nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, and fog. During the winter months, from November to February, these pollutants become trapped in the air and are inhaled by the population. Inhaling smog can irritate the airways and contribute to respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, lung cancer, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Smog can also lead to cardiovascular diseases by impairing blood vessel function. In addition to these health effects, smog can cause symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, eye irritation, and breathlessness. Smog also has negative environmental impacts, such as acidifying rivers and reducing soil nutrients. It can also cause acid rain, stunt plant growth, and make plants more susceptible to disease. Smog can also damage leaf tissue and cause crop failure. Smog can also reduce visibility, leading to more frequent traffic accidents.
The poor air quality and reduced visibility associated with smog create challenging driving conditions, increasing the risk of road accidents. To mitigate the adverse effects of smog, individuals can take steps such as wearing a mask, using an air purifier at home, and keeping windows closed. It is also advisable to avoid areas with high concentrations of smog and to limit outdoor activities on days with heavy smog. To reduce smog levels, policies must be implemented to reduce air pollution. For example, in May 2023, Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change introduced the National Clean Air Policy. This policy aims to reduce harmful emissions over the next 10 years by introducing interventions in the transport, industry, agriculture, waste, and household sectors. The specific objectives of the initiative are to convert wood stoves and biomass cooking into cleaner and more fuel-efficient cooking and heating methods; remove the worst-emitting vehicles and implement Euro fuel standards in the transport sector; stop open burning in the agricultural sector; stop open burning of waste; and properly regulate industry emissions.
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Pakistan relies heavily on private transportation, such as rickshaws, cars, and motorcycles, which contribute significantly to air pollution. To address this, the government should prioritize improving public transportation for the general population and establish ‘low-emission zones’ for transport. Additionally, the government should implement policies for the automobile industry, encouraging the production and adoption of hybrid vehicles. Hybrid vehicles incorporate advanced technology that is environmentally friendly, reducing carbon and nitric oxide emissions. In the brick kiln industry, air pollution control equipment should be integrated, including mechanical feeders and cleaner technology like vertical shaft kilns. These technologies ensure the most efficient burning of coal, thereby lowering emissions. Replacing conventional fossil fuels in the brick kiln sector should also be a priority. The government should also create awareness programs for the public about the harmful effects of smog. Online media content apps and news channels can be used to warn the public about the effects of smog. Finally, the government should take immediate action to create large industrial mechanisms to curb the destructive and devastating impact of smog. There are many examples to learn from China, and the government should declare a ‘National Smog Emergency’.
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