FILE PHOTO: The early morning worship of the Sun God amidst heavy smog during the Chatth Puja festival in New Delhi, India, in October 2022. REUTERS/File Photo.
NEW DELHI — A report published on Tuesday highlights the impact of rising air pollution on life expectancy in South Asia, one of the world’s most polluted regions. According to the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute (EPIC), air pollution can reduce life expectancy by more than five years per person in this region. The report also reveals that South Asia is responsible for more than half of the total life years lost globally to pollution, with the most polluted countries being Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan.
The decline in air quality in South Asia can be attributed to rapid industrialization and population growth. The levels of particulate pollution in the region are now over 50% higher than they were at the beginning of the century, surpassing other health threats. People in Bangladesh, which is the most polluted country in the world, are expected to lose an average of 6.8 years of life per person, compared to 3.6 months in the United States. India alone is responsible for 59% of the global increase in pollution since 2013.
The report also emphasizes that reducing airborne particles, known as PM 2.5, to levels recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) could increase average life expectancy by 2.3 years, resulting in a combined gain of 17.8 billion life years. For instance, meeting the WHO guidelines in Pakistan and Nepal would allow residents to live 3.9 years and 4.6 years longer, respectively. In contrast, China has made significant progress in reducing pollution levels by 42.3% between 2013 and 2021.
The findings underscore the need for governments to provide accessible air quality data and take action to combat pollution. By addressing this urgent issue, it is possible to alleviate the adverse effects on public health and bridge global inequalities.
Related Stories:
– The impact of polluted air on global life expectancy
– Air pollution disproportionately affects children in South Asia
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