Delhi often struggles to breathe. So, do Tokyo, Shanghai and Dhaka. Air pollution is estimated to kill 7 million people worldwide each year. The problem is severe and needs immediate action. In August 2022, United Nations General Assembly passed a historic resolution declaring that everyone on the planet has a right to a healthy environment, including clean air, water, and a stable climate. While this is not legally binding, it could be vital for protecting the planet and its people.
Belgium passed a law in December 2022 that improves indoor air quality in closed spaces that are accessible to the public. This would require restaurants, gyms, and bars to meet air-quality targets and display real-time measurements of carbon dioxide concentrations — a proxy for how much clean air is piped in.
In India, we have The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981, and, The Environment (Protection) Act of 1986 (EPA). At least 155 countries are legally obligated – through treaties, constitutions, and legislation– to respect, protect, and fulfil the right to clean air. At the same time, roughly 80 countries had no air quality standards or guidelines at all. Hence, while these push for cleaner air, the impact on the ground has been far from satisfactory.
Lack of clean air results in premature death and harmful effects on the cardiovascular system, including increased hospital admissions and emergency department visits for heart attacks and strokes.
Air pollution negatively impacts the enjoyment of many human rights, particularly the right to life and health, especially concerning vulnerable groups.
Utkarsh Majmudar 