Negative impact of air pollution on economic growth
Studies find negative impact of air pollution on economic growth. Conventionally air pollution has been seen as a by-product of economic growth. However, in recent times it is impacting economic growth.
- Both GDP growth and per-capita income levels are impacted by it.
Key impacts of air pollution on various sectors:
- Human resource: 4.5% of India’s GDP could be at risk by 2030 due to lost labour hours from climate change issues, including extreme heat and humidity (Reserve Bank of India).
- Agriculture: High levels of concentration of pollutants, and particularly of ozone, reduce crop yields and thus affect agricultural productivity.
- Manufacturing and Service sector: Lower consumer footfall in consumption-led services.
- Health Care services: There will be surge in health expenses and welfare allocations. It will put more burdens on the governments.
♦ Low per-capita GDP states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh will be more vulnerable.
Way forward
- Increased use of Anti-smog gun (device that spews fine nebulised water droplets to absorb dust and polluted
particles). - Promotion of Green building techniques for energy efficiency.
- Replacement of conventional fuels with biofuels.
- Exploration of Hydrogen based energy systems.
Major Initiatives taken in India:
- National Clean Air Programme (2019)
- National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
- System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR)