The Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) released the AQLI 2024, highlighting the global impact of air pollution on life expectancy.
Global Key Findings:
Impact on Life Expectancy: Meeting WHO’s PM2.5 guidelines (5 µg/m³) could increase average global life expectancy by 1.9 years, adding 14.9 billion life years.
Health Risks Comparison: Air pollution surpasses risks from smoking, heavy drinking, and is significantly more deadly than diseases like HIV/AIDS and malnutrition.
Pollution Disparity: Residents in the most polluted areas face life expectancy reductions of 2.7 years compared to those in cleaner regions.
Compliance Issues: Of 94 countries with PM2.5 standards, 37 do not meet their own guidelines. A total of 158 countries lack any PM2.5 standards.
Potential Benefits: Globally, achieving WHO pollution standards could boost life expectancy by 1.2 years.
India-Specific Findings:
Delhi’s Air Quality: Cleaner air meeting WHO standards (5 µg/m³) could extend Delhi’s life expectancy by 7.8 years. Current adherence to India’s PM2.5 standard (40 µg/m³) could result in a 4.3-year increase.
Current Air Quality Trends: Delhi, the most polluted city in India, had an average PM2.5 level of 84.3 µg/m³ in 2022, though improvements are noted.
National Trends: India’s average PM2.5 levels decreased from 49 µg/m³ to 41.4 µg/m³ over the past decade. Continued reduction could increase the average Indian’s life expectancy by 9 months.
Comparison with Other Risks: Particulate pollution reduces Indian life expectancy by 3.6 years, compared to malnutrition (1.6 years), tobacco (1.5 years), and unsafe water/sanitation (8.4 months).
Global Air Quality Scenario: Key Insights
United States, China, Europe:
China: Achieved a 41% reduction in air pollution since 2014, increasing average life expectancy by 2 years.
United States: Reduced pollution by 67.2% since 1970, extending lifespan by 1.5 years.
Europe: Saw a 30.2% reduction since 1998, adding 5.6 months to life expectancy.
South and Southeast Asia:
Notable 4% decline in PM2.5 levels from 2012 to 2022.
Still the world’s most polluted region, contributing to 45% of global life years lost due to pollution.
Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan are among the most polluted. Myanmar experiences a reduction in life expectancy by 2.9 years.
Africa:
Central and West Africa saw minimal change in pollution levels in 2022.
Average PM2.5 concentration is 22.2 µg/m³, 4.4 times above WHO guidelines, reducing life expectancy by 1.7 years.
Nigeria, Rwanda, and Ghana have started implementing air quality regulations.
West Asia:
Emerging Hotspot: The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, including Qatar and Iraq, now has significant pollution levels, reducing life expectancy by an average of 1.3 years.
Latin America:
PM2.5 levels increased by 4.8% from 2021 and 3% from 1998.
Bolivia is the most polluted; in Guatemala, air pollution decreases life expectancy by 2.1 years. Cities like Bogota, Mexico City, and Quito are taking steps to mitigate pollution through driving restrictions and improved public transport.
Air pollution remains a critical threat to public health in India, reducing life expectancy more than other major risks. Despite recent improvements, achieving sustained progress requires rigorous policies, enhanced enforcement, and commitment to meeting WHO air quality standards. Addressing these issues could substantially improve public health and life expectancy across the nation.
