Environment
New Delhi is suffocating
Wednesday 18 December 2024, by NPA Ecology Commission
After a scorching summer, peaking at 47°C, the 25 million inhabitants of the megacity have been suffocating under thick smog since mid-November. Its composition in fine particles is 60 times higher than the danger limits retained by the WHO, Reporterre informs us . A state of emergency has been declared.
The most important measure, closing all schools, does not solve anything. Quite the opposite, since the housing of the vast majority of the population does not allow for effective confinement. This measure also deprives the mass of children of a daily meal usually provided by the school. And when this pollution diminishes, we remain well above the limits that can be tolerated by human organisms. Babies are particularly vulnerable and hospitals are completely overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster.
Agricultural burning, industry and vehicle traffic
Traditional burning of rice fields throughout the region has been pointed out, but alternatives to these practices are only in the draft stage. The high industrial density is to blame. The vast majority of this industry remains linked to coal, with all the well-known consequences. And here, as everywhere on the planet, private cars and motorized two-wheelers congest everything. The exceptional population density obviously makes the situation worse. The inhabitants of New Delhi are suffering greatly. The poorest are on the front line.
Health disaster in India and Pakistan
Globally, in 2019, the WHO (World Health Organization) estimated that 4.2 million premature deaths were caused by outdoor air pollution in cities and rural areas. The health effects of aerosols vary depending on the size and chemical composition of the particles. The largest (2.5 to 10 μm ) impact respiratory health. The finest (2.5 μm or less) can penetrate very deep into the respiratory system and even pass into the bloodstream, causing cardiovascular diseases. The entire region of India and Pakistan is suffering the double whammy: increased aerosols in the atmosphere and extreme heat wave.
Modi’s climate inaction
Modi is displaying the goal of carbon neutrality by 2070, which means he is postponing any significant action indefinitely. However, the Indian economy is more than 70 per cent linked to fossil fuels, 45 per cent to coal alone. And India will further increase its carbon emissions (+8.3 per cent in 2023, +4.6 per cent forecast for 2024). There is no doubt that Modi will feel strengthened in his options by the re-election of Donald Trump.
The latest COP in Baku further buries the 2015 Paris COP and its stated objective of containing global warming to +1.5°C, its inoperative character, with its restricted and non-binding recommendations.
But everywhere, including in New Delhi where families are organizing, there is a growing demand to break with climate inaction. The race is under way.
Published in the weekly L’Anticapitaliste on Thursday, December 12, 2024
International Viewpoint is published under the responsibility of the Bureau of the Fourth International. Signed articles do not necessarily reflect editorial policy. Articles can be reprinted with acknowledgement, and a live link if possible.
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