Air pollution killed 16 lakh Indians in 2021, concerning Lancet study shows

A grim reality has been laid bare by a recent report from The Lancet: air pollution in India has become a silent killer, claiming the lives of a staggering 16 lakh people in 2021 alone. The culprit? Primarily fossil fuels like coal and natural gas, contributing to a significant 38% of these deaths.

The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change 2024 highlights the devastating impact of air pollution on public health. Respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, diabetes, neurological disorders, and adverse pregnancy outcomes are just some of the health risks associated with inhaling polluted air.

While India has made strides in renewable energy adoption, with a record 11% of its electricity generated from clean sources in 2022, coal still dominates the energy mix, accounting for a substantial 71%. This underscores the urgent need for a swift transition to cleaner energy alternatives.

The report further reveals that India is a major contributor to global air pollution, ranking second in terms of both consumption-based and production-based PM2.5 emissions. These tiny, harmful particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing severe health problems.

Climate change is exacerbating the issue. The year 2023 was the hottest on record, leading to extreme heatwaves, droughts, and floods. India, particularly, experienced a significant increase in heatwave days, impacting both infants and the elderly. The economic toll is also substantial, with India losing billions of dollars in potential labour hours due to heat exposure.

The rising temperatures have also created favourable conditions for the spread of diseases like dengue, malaria, and others. India has witnessed an 85% increase in dengue transmission since the 1950s.

Addressing this crisis requires a multi-faceted approach. Immediate steps like cracking down on stubble burning are crucial, but a more comprehensive overhaul is necessary. A large-scale shift to renewable energy, electric vehicles, and public transport is essential. Additionally, strengthening air quality regulations and public health infrastructure is imperative.

The Lancet report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to prioritise air quality and climate action. The health and well-being of millions of Indians depend on it.