This podcast explores the urgent issue of air pollution in major Asian cities and its impact on lives and livelihoods. It discusses the causes of pollution, experiences of individuals living in polluted cities, challenges in Jakarta, the economic costs in India, and potential solutions for air pollution.
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Quick takeaways
Air pollution in Delhi and Lahore has severe health and economic impacts, requiring long-term solutions.
Taipei has successfully managed air pollution through recycling plants, while Jakarta lacks comprehensive government action.
Deep dives
Air Pollution in India: Impact on Lives and Livelihoods
Air pollution in India, particularly in the capital city of Delhi, is a severe problem that affects millions of people every year. During the winter season, pollution levels rise due to various factors such as crop stubble burning and firecrackers. Many residents have adapted to the pollution and do not wear masks, despite the negative health effects. People suffer from breathing problems and eye irritation, but feel helpless as they need to work and earn a living. The government has implemented measures like the graded response plan to restrict activities, but long-term solutions are needed.
Air Pollution in Pakistan: Challenges and Economic Impact
Pakistan, specifically the city of Lahore, also faces severe air pollution problems. Dust particles called PM2.5 cause respiratory and heart diseases, leading to a significant impact on public health. The government has struggled to address the issue, blaming traffic, small industries, and crop burning for the pollution. In an attempt to mitigate the problem, the government is considering closing schools and promoting work-from-home arrangements. However, these measures have economic implications, affecting industries and hampering the country's economy.
Taipei and Jakarta: Efforts to Combat Air Pollution
Other countries have implemented solutions to tackle air pollution. Taipei in Taiwan successfully tackled pollution caused by garbage burning by establishing recycling plants and implementing green policies. However, the city still faces challenges with occasional worsening air quality. Jakarta, on the other hand, continues to struggle with poor air quality, leading to discussions about relocating the capital city due to pollution-related migration. Although some individuals have taken measures like installing air purifiers, there is a lack of comprehensive government action to address the issue.
It’s the week of the Climate Change Conference or COP28, and as leaders from around the world meet in the UAE to talk about how to tackle global warming, we take a look at one urgent issue: air pollution.
According to World Health Organisation data, nearly seven million lives are lost prematurely each year due to harmful air.
In this edition. Devina Gupta explores the air problem affecting major cities in Asia - to the cities of Delhi, Lahore, Taipei and Jakarta - to find out how lives and livelihoods are being impacted, and what can be done.
(Picture: The Swaminarayan Akshardham temple under a thick layer of smog in Delhi, India. Credit: Harish Tyagi/Shutterstock)
Presented and produced by Devina Gupta.
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