In recent times, researchers have published a study in the journal Nature titled “Machine learning-based country-level annual air pollutants exploration using Sentinel-5P and Google Earth Engine”. This study revealed that, during the period from 2018 to 2021, India experienced the highest levels of human-induced air pollution globally.
Research Methodology
The study used machine learning to monitor annual air pollution at the country level relying on data provided by the Sentinel-5P satellite and the Google Earth Engine (GEE). The European Sentinel-5P satellite tracks global air pollutant levels, while the GEE, a cloud computing platform, was utilized to analyze these factors between 2018 and 2021.
Key Findings
The Air Quality Index (AQI) displayed significant changes in 2020 and 2021 compared to the relatively low AQI found in 2018 and 2019. The AQI includes eight pollutants: PM2.5, PM10, Ammonia, Lead, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, ozone, and carbon monoxide. Indian cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune, and Chennai recorded major fluctuations in air pollution levels during the studied time frame.
Notably, high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide were found in seven AQI monitoring stations in Kolkata, with notably high levels in 2018 and 2021. Delhi also recorded substantial variations in NO2 levels during this period.
Causes and Implications
The surge in air pollution throughout this period links up with several phases of the Covid-19 pandemic and can be attributed to factors such as increased transportation, proliferation of industrial power plants, changes in green space dynamics, and unregulated urbanization. Human activities, notably in India, have significantly contributed to atmospheric changes and climate conditions.
In rural areas, agricultural waste burning is a major contributor to air pollution. These pollution levels are resulting in a rise in health problems and diseases like Asthma, Respiratory disease, Lung cancer, and skin-related diseases.
Government Initiatives Against Air Pollution
To combat the growing issue of air pollution, a series of government initiatives have been implemented. These include the Graded Response Action Plan (Delhi), Smog Tower, National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), and the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). Other initiatives involve the use of BS-VI vehicles, establishing a new Commission for Air Quality Management, implementing the Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) dashboard for monitoring air quality, and enacting the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
Recommendations
Increasing awareness and effective planning are critical steps towards environmental protection. Development strategies, proper management, and planning can all contribute to a healthier environment. For instance, the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) released by the World Health Organization (WHO) call for significant changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme to meet new standards.
Last Modified: February 20, 2024