Lahore: The World’s Most Polluted City and Its Impact on Public Health and Policy

Lahore, Pakistan, recently recorded the world’s highest Air Quality Index (AQI), reaching 1,900, an extreme figure that has serious implications for its 14 million residents. This pollution level surpasses global standards, prompting a local health crisis and fueling calls for regional climate diplomacy. The government has responded with emergency measures like school closures, remote work mandates, and bans on polluting vehicles. The situation, which experts attribute partly to cross-border winds and seasonal conditions, underlines the need for collaborative action on air quality in South Asia.

Health Risks and Environmental Impact

The harmful PM2.5 levels in Lahore have reached 610 µg/m³, more than 40 times the World Health Organization's safe limit. Such conditions increase respiratory issues, eye irritation, and other health complications. This pollution could shorten life expectancy by an estimated 7.5 years, as reported by the University of Chicago. UNICEF has also noted that high pollution levels affect around 600 million children in South Asia, linking half of childhood pneumonia deaths to poor air quality.

Regional Climate Diplomacy and Solutions

With environmental concerns crossing borders, Pakistan’s climate minister, Raja Jahangir Anwar, highlighted the importance of regional cooperation with India. Such diplomacy could help address the pollution that intensifies in winter when colder air traps emissions. Lahore's situation serves as a reminder for all regional leaders to work collectively for lasting solutions in air quality management.

Refrence From: www.ndtv.com