Category Air Pollution

Air Pollution, Feature

Do Trees Pollute the Air? Uncovering the Role of Isoprene in Urban Air Quality

Trees are widely regarded as nature’s air purifiers, essential for absorbing carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen, and delivering a host of environmental benefits. But could they also be contributing to air pollution? This provocative idea came into the spotlight in 1981,…

Rashmitha Diwyanjalee
November 6, 2024

Air Pollution, News

New Report Shifts Focus in Stubble Burning: Madhya Pradesh Emerges as Major Contributor

As Delhi’s air quality deteriorates, the neighbouring states Punjab and Haryana take most of the blame year after year due to stubble burning. However, a recent study reveals that stubble burning occurs more extensively in Madhya Pradesh than in these…

Manjori Borkotoky
October 29, 2024

Air Pollution, Feature

Can Cloud Seeding Provide Relief from Delhi’s Pollution?

As Delhi’s air quality plummets to dangerous levels with the onset of winter, the city’s ambitious plan to induce artificial rain remains stalled, crippled by the central government’s failure to act swiftly. Despite lofty promises of coordinated efforts to combat…

Vivek Saini
October 24, 2024
46 Comments

Air Pollution, Feature

Byrnihat: India’s Most Polluted City and the Alarming Rise of Air Pollution in Northeast India

Byrnihat, located on the Assam-Meghalaya border, was ranked as the most polluted city in India in September 2024, with a monthly average PM2.5 concentration of 73 µg This level exceeded the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) limit of 60…

Aayushi Gour
October 17, 2024

Air Pollution, News

From Garbage to Potholes: How Everyday Fixes Can Slash Delhi’s Air Pollution

Efforts to combat air pollution in megacities like Delhi often centre on industrial regulations, stringent vehicle emission norms, or grand environmental policies. However, a groundbreaking study conducted by IIT Delhi has highlighted an often-overlooked aspect of urban life that contributes…

Vivek Saini
October 4, 2024

Air Pollution, News

SC raps Delhi air quality panel as stubble burning already starts breaking records

In what seems to be a timely warning about the dangerous times ahead for the Delhi-NCR region in terms of the winter air pollution, the Supreme Court of India rapped the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) questioning the effectiveness…

Manjori Borkotoky
September 28, 2024

Air Pollution, Feature

The Global Cost of Air Pollution and India’s Struggle to Breathe Free

By Vivek Saini Air pollution has quietly become one of the most lethal threats to global health, now surpassing smoking, alcohol, and even pandemics like AIDS in its deadly impact. The 2024 Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) report paints a…

CFC India
September 9, 2024
7 Comments

Air Pollution, Feature

WMO Report: India sees persistent high PM 2.5 levels, China and Europe show decline

A new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) stated that it has measured above average PM (particulate matter) 2.5 levels over India, due to an increase in pollution emissions from human and industrial activities. In contrast, China and Europe…

Manjori Borkotoky
September 6, 2024

Air Pollution, Feature

Hidden in Plain Sight: The threat of Ground-Level Ozone in Indian Metropolises

By Vivek Saini India’s urban centers face an escalating threat from ground-level ozone, a formidable air pollutant that significantly impacts the environment and public health. Unlike the protective ozone layer in the stratosphere, ground-level ozone forms close to the earth’s…

CFC India
August 15, 2024

Air Pollution, News

Air Pollution and Deaths: No Direct Correlation, Says Environment Minister

By Aayushi Sharma On Thursday, the Central Government reported that no definitive data regarding deaths caused by air pollution exists. In a written response to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change…

CFC India
July 27, 2024