World Environment Day is a significant event that takes place every year on the 5th of June to raise global awareness and drive action for the protection of our environment. Established in 1974, it has evolved into a widely recognized platform for public outreach, celebrated in more than 100 countries worldwide. Each year, a different theme lies at the heart of World Environment Day to highlight various environmental concerns. In recent years, themes like “Air Pollution” by China in 2019 and “Plastic Pollution” by India in 2018 have been tackled. This article examines the impacts of air pollution, as highlighted in 2019, and explores the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981.
World Environment Day: Themes and Celebrations
World Environment Day serves as an opportunity for nations to focus on ecological issues and implement necessary changes. For instance, World Environment Day 2019’s theme of “Air Pollution,” hosted by China, focused attention on the ongoing issue of air pollution and its impact on the environment and human health. On the other hand, India’s 2018 theme was “Plastic Pollution,” aiming to prevent this increasingly widespread environmental concern.
These events also witness innovative practices to engage the public in environmental efforts. An example is India’s #SelfiewithSapling campaign, where people were encouraged to plant a sapling and post a selfie with it on social media as part of the celebrations.
Understanding Air Pollution
Defined in the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, an “air pollutant” encompasses any solid, liquid, or gaseous substance in the atmosphere that may potentially harm human beings, living creatures, plants, property, or the environment. The magnitude of air pollution’s threat is evident in the fact that it is responsible for about one-third of deaths from stroke, chronic respiratory disease, and lung cancer. It also accounts for one-quarter of heart attack fatalities.
Aside from health implications, air pollution significantly impacts our climate, affecting the planet’s health. Shockingly, about 92 percent of people worldwide are exposed to polluted air. The economic consequences are alarming as well, with air pollution costing the global economy $5 trillion annually in welfare costs. Furthermore, ground-level ozone pollution is projected to decrease staple crop yields by 26 percent by 2030.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Air Pollution Deaths | 1/3rd of deaths from stroke, chronic respiratory disease, and lung cancer |
| Economic Cost of Air Pollution | $5 Trillion per year in welfare costs |
| Population Exposed to Polluted Air | 92% |
| Projected Reduction in Crop Yields | 26% by 2030 due to ozone pollution |
India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
To combat the rising issue of air pollution, India has initiated the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). The program aims at prevention, control, and abatement of air pollution and enhancing the air quality monitoring network.
The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
The Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act was sanctioned by the Parliament in 1981, aiming to prevent, control, and reduce air pollution. This act provides for the creation of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on a national level and State Pollution Control Boards on a state level. These boards are meant to advise the government on matters related to air quality improvement and prevention and abatement of air pollution. CPCB also has the role of setting standards for air quality and providing technical assistance to State Pollution Control Boards.