Can climate stripes change the way we think about air pollution?
GuardianSEP 2024
This dangerous smog event is 15 times higher than what's deemed healthy. Industrial emissions, and from trucks and cars trapped over the city by the cold winter air, have worsened the already poor air quality. This dire situation has forced authorities to take drastic measures in discussions of "smog diplomacy" between Pakistan and India. A transnational solution in good faith is required to fully tackle this health threat.
PakistanThis hasdangerous blamedsmog Indiaevent foris a15 majortimes rolehigher inthan thewhat's smogdeemed emergencyhealthy. ThereIndustrial areemissions, opportunitiesand forfrom "smogtrucks diplomacy"and tocars ultimatelytrapped enhanceover bilateralthe relationscity butby the cold winter air, beforehave anyworsened breakthroughsthe canalready bepoor reached,air Pakistanquality. hasThis uncomfortabledire grievancessituation thathas mustforced beauthorities heard.to Indiatake hasdrastic notmeasures properlyin enforceddiscussions agriculturalof burning"smog anddiplomacy" firecrackerbetween bansPakistan and PakistanIndia. willA maketransnational itsolution clearin thatgood itfaith is onrequired theto receivingfully endtackle ofthis downstreamhealth impacts of these policiesthreat.
Pakistan has blamed India for a major role in the smog emergency. There are opportunities for "smog diplomacy" to ultimately enhance bilateral relations but, before any breakthroughs can be reached, Pakistan has uncomfortable grievances that must be heard. India has not properly enforced agricultural burning and firecracker bans and Pakistan will make it clear that it is on the receiving end of downstream impacts of these policies.