air pollution Archives - Disasters News

Apr172025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

India First Pollution Trading Market in Surat Cuts Emissions by 30%

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

A ground-breaking cap-and-trade programme to control industrial air pollution in Surat, Gujarat, has led to a significant 20–30% reduction in particulate matter emissions while lowering costs for factories and boosting regulatory compliance a new study has revealed. Published in the May 2025 issue of The Quarterly Journal of Economics, the study evaluated the Surat Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) the world’s first market-based initiative for trading in particulate matter emissions and India’s first pollution trading scheme of any kind. Developed by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) in partnership with the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago, the Surat ETS required 318 large coal-based industrial plants to install real-time emissions monitoring systems. Instea...

Apr82025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Cutting Air Pollution May Raise Heat Risks India Needs Smarter Policy, says expert

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India is walking a fine line. while efforts to reduce air pollution are crucial for public health, cutting certain types of pollution especially aerosols might actually increase the risk of extreme heat, warns bhargav krishna an environmental governance expert from the sustainable futures collaborative. In a conversation with down to earth Krishna explained that aerosols, which come from burning fossil fuels, industrial emissions and biomass, can cool the atmosphere by reflecting sunlight. but when we reduce these pollutants it can speed up surface warming, making already hot summers worse. Data from nasa shows that india has warmed less than other parts of the northern hemisphere since 1951. this could be due to heavy aerosol pollution and widespread irrigation, both of which suppre...

Apr82025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

wildfire Smoke Linked to Surge in Mental Health Emergencies harvard study finds

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Exposure to fine particulate air pollution from wildfire smoke is not only damaging to lungs and hearts it’s also harming mental health. according to a new study led by researchers at the harvard t.h. chan school of public health, short-term exposure to wildfire-specific pm2.5 has been linked to increased emergency room visits for mental health conditions across california. kari nadeau study’s senior author and chair of the department of environmental health “wildfire smoke isn’t just a respiratory issue it affects mental health, too our study suggests that smoke itself, in addition to the trauma wildfires cause, may directly worsen conditions like depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.” Study to isolate the specific effects of wildfire-related pm2.5 on mental health. while previou...

Apr82025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Heat and Pollution Hit Delhi Outdoor Workers Hard on World Health Day

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New Delhi — As the world observes World Health Day with the theme “my health, my right,” thousands of outdoor workers in Delhi from auto drivers and rickshaw pullers to fruit sellers and vendors are facing a growing health crisis caused by extreme heat and worsening air pollution. On Sunday, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 38.2°C over 3 degrees higher than the seasonal average. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for the coming days, warning that the heatwave will continue until Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Air Quality Index stayed in the ‘poor’ category at 209. The blazing sun isn’t just uncomfortable it’s dangerous. Santosh Hazra, an auto-rickshaw driver, said, “Skin burns in this heat. There’s plenty of water available, but nowhere to sit and r...

Mar292025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Haryana Steps Up Pollution Fight Plans Long-Term Clean Air Project

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Chandigarh, March 29, 2025 – Haryana is tightening its grip on air pollution with a series of strict regulatory actions including industrial closures, heavy fines, and pollution-control initiatives. Environment Minister Rao Narbir Singh, addressing the State Assembly emphasized the government's focus on air quality improvement through inspections, penalties, and awareness campaigns. 480 Industries Shut, ₹35 Crore in Fines The Haryana State Pollution Control Board has been actively inspecting industries, leading to the closure of 480 non-compliant units and the imposition of environmental fines worth ₹35 crore. While these efforts have led to some improvement in AQI, pollution hotspots like Faridabad and Gurugram continue to experience poor air quality. To combat seasonal pollution...

Mar172025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Delhi Sees Best Air in Three Years Heatwave Alert for Karnataka

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Delhi recorded its lowest Air Quality Index (AQI) in three years with an average of 85 on Saturday, marking a rare 'Satisfactory' air quality level for the first quarter of the year. The Commission for Air Quality Management confirmed that this was the first time since 2023 that Delhi achieved such clean air during this period. Meanwhile, temperatures are soaring in Karnataka, with the Kalaburagi district’s Ainapur Hobli village hitting 42.8°C in the past 24 hours. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts further temperature increases of 2 to 4 degrees Celsius in northern interior Karnataka from March 15 to 17, with a heatwave warning in place for March 18-19. Southern Karnataka will also see a rise of 2-3 degrees Celsius. In Delhi-NCR, light rain was reported in some area...

Mar122025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

India Air Pollution Crisis Damaging Despite Slight Improvement

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Despite a 7% drop in PM2.5 levels India remains the world's fifth most polluted country, with six of the ten most polluted cities globally. The 2024 IQAir World Air Quality Report reveals that India’s annual PM2.5 average fell to 50.6 µg/m³ from 54.4 µg/m³ in 2023, yet pollution levels remain alarmingly high. New Delhi, a pollution hotspot, recorded an annual PM2.5 average of 91.6 µg/m³, showing little change from the previous year. Northern states continue to suffer from severe pollution spikes, with Baddi in Himachal Pradesh reporting a shocking PM2.5 level of 165 µg/m³ in January. Stubble burning contributed to 60% of PM2.5 levels in Punjab, Haryana, and surrounding regions, worsening air quality in November. Air pollution remains a major public health crisis, reducing life expect...

Feb132025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Climate & Maternal Health Curtin Study Links Air Pollution to Prolonged Pregnancy

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New research from Curtin University reveals that exposure to outdoor air pollution and extreme temperatures during pregnancy may increase the risk of prolonged pregnancies, offering fresh insights into the effects of climate change on maternal health. The study, which analyzed nearly 400,000 births in Western Australia, found that higher exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) and biothermal stress a combination of temperature, humidity, wind speed, and human physiology was linked to pregnancies lasting beyond 41 weeks. Dr. Sylvester Dodzi Nyadanu, the study’s lead author from Curtin’s School of Population Health, explained that while preterm births have been studied extensively, this is the first research to explore the impact of environmental factors on prolonged pregnan...

Jan172025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Wildfire Smoke Crisis in Los Angeles Millions Exposed to Toxic Air as Fires Rage

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Los Angeles, January 2025 – A wildfire crisis is gripping Los Angeles as fires sweep through homes, vehicles, and neighborhoods, blanketing millions in hazardous smoke. The blazes, which have already consumed thousands of structures, are not only destroying property but releasing a cocktail of toxic chemicals that pose severe risks to public health. As homes and urban infrastructure burn, materials like furniture, plastics, paints, and electronics ignite, emitting harmful substances into the air. According to a 2023 study, wildfire smoke from urban-wildland interfaces contains dangerous compounds, including hydrogen chloride, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and dioxins. It also carries heavy metals like lead, chromium, cadmium, and arsenic elements known to damage vital organs, includ...

Dec272024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Delhi experiences rain and foggy morning, slight relief from pollution but air quality remains very poor

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Delhi witnessed light rain and dense fog early Friday, creating a refreshing yet chilly atmosphere across the city. However, air quality remained in the 'very poor' category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 371 recorded at 7 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded a minimum temperature of 12°C, with highs expected to reach 20°C. A "thunderstorm with rain" has been forecast for Friday and Saturday, signaling more showers over the weekend. Residents embraced the weather change, calling it a welcome relief. “It feels like Kashmir,” said Deepak Pandey, a local resident. Tourists also appreciated the pleasant weather, with Raman Kushwaha from Madhya Pradesh saying it was ideal for sightseeing despite the chill. ...