Recent developments have brought into light the urgent need for India and Pakistan to collaborate on tackling environmental challenges, particularly air pollution and climate change. As pollution levels soar, with Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching alarming heights, the call for joint efforts has become more pressing. This situation puts stress on the necessity of addressing transboundary environmental issues that affect millions across both nations.
About Transboundary Pollution
Transboundary pollution refers to pollutants that cross borders, impacting air quality and health in neighbouring countries. In South Asia, the shared airshed between India and Pakistan means that emissions from one country can affect the air quality in the other. For instance, during crop burning seasons, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) from Indian fields can drift into Pakistani cities like Lahore, exacerbating local pollution crises. This phenomenon illustrates how environmental issues transcend political boundaries and necessitate cooperative solutions.
Health Implications of Air Pollution
Air pollution poses severe health risks, leading to respiratory diseases and other health complications. In Lahore, citizens reportedly lose an average of five years of life expectancy due to poor air quality. The economic impact is also ; India alone incurred losses of approximately $37 billion due to pollution-related health issues. This economic burden marks the urgent need for effective measures to mitigate pollution and protect public health.
Urban Heat Islands and Climate Change
Rapid urbanisation in both countries has led to the formation of urban heat islands, where cities experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas. This phenomenon is exacerbated by the proliferation of impervious surfaces that trap heat. The resulting heat waves not only affect urban areas but also have a spillover effect on rural regions, further complicating the environmental landscape. Moreover, increasing energy demands for cooling systems contribute to higher emissions, creating a vicious cycle of pollution and heat.
Glacier Melting and Water Security
The melting of glaciers in the Hindu-Kush and Karakoram ranges poses a critical threat to water security in the Indus River basin, which serves millions in both India and Pakistan. As glaciers recede, the availability of freshwater diminishes, jeopardising agriculture and food security. With projections indicating an 80% reduction in glacier mass by the century’s end, the implications for irrigation and crop production are dire. The region’s dependency on water-intensive crops makes this issue even more pressing.
Rising Sea Levels and Coastal Vulnerability
Alongside glacier melt, rising sea levels present an important threat to coastal areas, particularly in the Indus Delta. The delta has already lost considerable coastline, and communities face increasing risks from storm surges and saline intrusion. Fishing livelihoods are jeopardised, and agricultural productivity is compromised as saltwater contaminates freshwater supplies. This situation necessitates urgent action to mitigate the impacts of climate change on vulnerable coastal populations.
The Path Towards Cooperation
Despite historical tensions, collaborative efforts in environmental diplomacy could pave the way for improved relations between India and Pakistan. Initiatives such as data sharing, joint ventures, and technological cooperation in renewable energy could encourage trust and lead to effective solutions for shared environmental challenges. As younger generations grow increasingly aware of these issues, there is potential for a renewed focus on collaboration that transcends past grievances.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss the implications of transboundary pollution between India and Pakistan.
- Examine the health and economic impacts of air pollution in South Asia.
- What strategies can be implemented to address urban heat islands in rapidly urbanising regions?
- Analyse the effects of glacier melting on water security in the Indus River basin.
- Evaluate the challenges posed by rising sea levels to coastal communities in Pakistan.
