ISLAMABAD: Air quality experts in Pakistan have praised the Chinese Air Quality Action Plan, considering it one of the most effective strategies for long-term implementation. They believe that if executed correctly, this plan could significantly reduce smog levels in major cities across the Punjab province.
The Chinese Air Quality Action Plan includes a comprehensive set of measures such as stringent emissions standards, promoting clean energy alternatives, and enhancing public transportation systems. Experts emphasize that adopting similar initiatives in Pakistan could drastically improve air quality, leading to healthier living conditions and a reduction in pollution-related health issues.
On Friday, Lahore’s high court identified heavy traffic emissions as the main cause of the smog. In order to quickly prepare their fields for the wheat crop, many farmers simply burn leftover plant debris after harvesting rice. The practice is known as paddy stubble burning. Every year, Punjab rice farms collectively burn about 7 to 8 million metric tons of leftover plant debris in October and November.
At present, smog is inescapable in many major cities across Punjab, including Lahore, Multan and Faisalabad. Over the weekend, Multan saw air quality readings up to 2000. The North Western plains of India and parts of Pakistan are experiencing dense smog recently, which has caused the air quality index (AQI) to surpass record highs (1,000 – 2,000 in Pakistan).
China has faced similar air pollution for years due to rapid industrialization, urbanization, and a reliance on coal as a primary energy source. However, in recent years, the country has made significant strides in reducing air pollution through a combination of strict policies and technological innovations. Experts believe that these efforts offer valuable lessons for other cities struggling with severe air quality issues.
China’s strict policy actions led to a swift reduction in pollution. Particulate pollution in China declined by 41 percent between 2013 and 2022 and by 3.4 percent from 2021 to 2022 alone. Because of these air quality improvements, the average Chinese citizen can expect to live 2 years longer, provided the reductions are sustained, according to the report. –Agencies
