A new report titled “Behind the Smokescreen” by Greenpeace India reveals that a year after initial nationwide lockdowns due to Covid-19, NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) pollution has increased in India’s eight most populous state capitals studied.
The World Health Organization attributes about 3.3 million annual premature deaths to outdoor air pollution in low- and middle-income countries. Comprehensive pollution monitoring in urban areas has been too costly for many developing countries; yet sparse information has hindered cost-effective pollution management strategies.
It is evident that as compared to lockdown period, air quality in terms of Air Quality Index has remained ‘Satisfactory’ during modified lockdown period at all the towns except at Jodhpur where it has worsened to ‘Moderate’ Category.
Nitrogen pollution is one of the biggest environmental issues faced by humans today and requires urgent action from nations around the world, the UN Environment agency said on Monday.
Fourteen major cities in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region had their air quality improved in 2018, thanks to intensified efforts in environmental control.
