Recent findings reveal that Pakistan ranks as one of the top five most polluted countries globally, with air quality far below WHO standards. The closure of US air quality monitoring programs further complicates the situation, highlighting an urgent need for effective pollution control measures amid rising climate challenges.
Pakistan remains one of the most severely affected countries by air pollution, ranking among the top five globally according to recent data. The air quality is considerably below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended levels, with hazardous particulate matter (PM2.5) levels that drastically exceed safety limits. In 2024, Pakistan was listed alongside Chad, Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and India as one of the nations most affected by pollution.
The average concentration of PM2.5 in Pakistan is alarmingly high, far surpassing the WHO’s safe limit of 5 micrograms per cubic meter, which was achieved by only 17% of cities worldwide last year. This chronic smog predicament represents a significant health threat and undermines the country’s efforts to improve air quality. Major urban areas such as Lahore and Karachi experience intense pollution, particularly in winter when fog and industrial emissions exacerbate the situation.
Moreover, Pakistan’s dependence on external air quality monitoring has emerged as a significant challenge. For years, the US State Department’s air quality sensors in embassy and consulate buildings provided essential real-time pollution data to various developing nations, including Pakistan. However, this program ceased recently due to budgetary constraints, leaving Pakistan susceptible to data gaps that could hinder future efforts to combat pollution.
Christi Chester-Schroeder, air quality science manager at IQAir, noted the adverse effects on nations like Pakistan, where these monitoring stations often represent the primary source of real-time air quality data. She remarked, “The loss of these monitoring stations is a major blow to efforts in regions where pollution data is sparse.”
As pollution levels spike globally, climate change exacerbates the crisis. Rising temperatures contribute to extended and severe forest fires, notably in Southeast Asia and South America, which further deteriorate air quality. The US’s discontinuation of its air quality monitoring program threatens to impact at least 34 countries, including Pakistan, resulting in a crucial loss of reliable pollution data. Christa Hasenkopf, director of the Clean Air Program at the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute, expressed concern about this development, stating, “It’s a giant blow to air quality efforts worldwide.”
The combination of climate change intensifying pollution and the loss of essential monitoring tools places Pakistan in an increasingly precarious position regarding its smog crisis. The urgent need for reliable air quality data and enhanced pollution control initiatives has never been more critical.
In summary, Pakistan’s critical air pollution crisis places it among the world’s most polluted countries, significantly impacting public health and environmental efforts. The recent cessation of US monitoring programs further complicates efforts to address this crisis, leaving Pakistan vulnerable to data scarcity. Global climate changes intensify these challenges, emphasizing the pressing need for reliable data and effective pollution control measures.
Original Source: tribune.com.pk
