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National Catastrophic Region

Roll down the window of your bullet-proof car, Mr Prime Minister. The security threat is not the gun; it is the air of Delhi.” This was the headline of the public advertisement the Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) issued some 24 years ago. It was the CSE, again, which termed Delhi’s pollution as nothing but “slow murder”. Unfortunately, the situation has deteriorated since then, as is evident from the fact that the nation’s capital city has once again turned into a gas chamber with the Air Quality Index in a race to the bottom. Meanwhile, the familiar script is playing out: authorities claiming stubble burning has come down due to their “exemplary” work and politicians slinging mud at each other, hoping people have short memories. The apathy of all stakeholders to a disaster that is already upon us is sickening. Have we all forgotten that our right to clean air has to be non-negotiable? The Central Pollution Control Board started maintaining air quality data in 2015. On Monday, the AQI deteriorated to 494 — on a par with the city’s most polluted day recorded on November 3, 2019. Five years and dozens of Supreme Court orders later — and despite stringent measures on days when the AQI is in the severe and severe+ zone — Delhi appears to be back to square one. People are being rushed to hospitals with asthmatic attacks even as a sizeable section of the population — those who can afford to — are staying indoors to avoid “slow murder”. And all this, after the Delhi government told the National Green Tribunal about three weeks ago that it was implementing its 21-point winter action plan involving about 30 government departments to “mitigate” air pollution. The bluff has been called by the apex court.

The looming crisis of Antimicrobial Resistance

The World Health Organisation marks November 18 to 24, every year, as World Antimicrobial Awareness Week. As we write this, ministers from across the world are discussing in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, their commitment to act against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) – a commitment agreed upon in the second ‘Political Declaration on Antimicrobial Resistance’ by 193 member-states of the United Nations in September 2024. AMR – antibiotic resistance in particular – is a serious threat to humanity; at the UN meeting, countries have agreed on collective action until 2030. Between 2016 (when the first political declaration on AMR was adopted) and today, about 180 nations have introduced national AMR action plans. India too has developed a comprehensive plan, but like many other resource-constrained countries of the Global South, its implementation has been far from successful. There is global urgency to act because antibiotics are becoming ineffective in treating even common bacterial infections. Those meant to save lives in hospitals and intensive care units are also failing. In 2021, 4.7 million deaths were linked to antibiotic resistance and about 1.15 million were directly caused by it. In India, nearly 0.3 million deaths were attributed to bacterial AMR or antibiotic resistance in 2019 and over a million deaths were associated with it. Antibiotic resistance is considered deadlier than HIV and malaria together and, perhaps, Covid which has caused nearly seven million deaths since early 2020. Known as a ‘silent’ pandemic, it is estimated to kill 39 million between 2025 and 2050. As bacterial infestation is common in animals and plants grown for food, unchecked antibiotic resistance is also expected to adversely impact food and livestock productivity and livelihoods of farmers, more so in low-and middle-income countries. metabolic, autoimmune, and neurodegenerative diseases to high revenues and profits. Even if new drugs are developed, antibiotic manufacturers avoid selling them in low overused or misused, bacteria can become resistant to their action. More overuse or misuse in human health, animal health, and crop and food-animal production, therefore, means more resistance in bacteria which can become multi-drug resistant or Superbugs and spread further through food, waste, and environment routes. India produces large quantities of food from crops and animals, making it extremely important to keep checks on antibiotic overuse and misuse and prevent these foodanimal and crop sectors from becoming a major source of antibiotic resistance spread through food and waste routes. About 62% of the 850 million poultry population is in the commercial segment which, typically, depends on antibiotics and chemicals to compensate for infection-friendly conditions. India is the biggest milk producer, accounting for over 20% of the global production, and has about 125 million milch animals in cows and buffaloes. It generates nearly 8% of the global fish production and is the 4th largest exporter of seafood. The waste routes, especially those involving hospital waste, call for renewed focus as they are often a source of hard-to-treat multidrug-resistant bacteria. India is among the few countries that have not officially prohibited antibiotic use as growth promoters in poultry. Chicken feed, its antibiotic content, or labelling is not amply regulated. There is an urgent need to compile baseline data on the amount of antibiotics used in different food-animal sectors and on purpose-based classifications. Such data will offer a start to potential intervention and identification of national antibiotic reduction targets. Need for multipronged approach Mass use of antibiotics to prevent or control disease is still not actively discouraged. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying came up with longoverdue standard veterinary treatment guidelines in October 2024. Now, the challenge is to ensure that these guidelines are adhered to. Critically important antibiotics used to save lives in hospitals must be conserved and phased out in food-animal sectors, especially for non-therapeutic purposes. A key issue pertains to a lack of monitoring of antibiotics in food, though the standards for antibiotic residues in food from animals and honey were set many years ago. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has not been able to instil confidence in consumers that their chicken, fish, or scaling up local and decentralised food systems – backyard poultry, for instance – and reducing dependence on industry-intensive systems. It is time for an adequately funded AMR national action plan 2.0, with ministries and departments marked for accountability. There is a silver lining in Kerala – the state runs the Antibiotic Literate Kerala campaign, the Antibiotic-Smart Hospital initiative to certify healthcare centres that have adopted a set of criteria, operation AMRITH – Anti-Microbial Resistance Intervention for Total Health – aimed at curbing over-the-counter sales of antibiotics, and ROAR (Rage On Antimicrobial Resistance), a programme that involves the sale of antibiotics in blue envelopes with statutory warnings and awareness messages. India must come together to prevent and contain this big threat to humanity. There are huge expectations from us but a strong, coordinated, and timely action will be of immense global significance. (Amit and Rajeshwari are Director and Programme Manager, respectively, at the Sustainable Food Systems Programme, Centre for Science and Environment)

India’s Climate Change Crisis: Extreme Weather Events In The Past Nine Months, CSE Report 2024

Climate change and the extreme weather events caused due to it, is a genuine and ever-increasing crisis in India. The annual “State of Extreme Weather” report titled Climate India 2024: An Assessment of Extreme Weather Events published by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), a Delhi-based think-tank, in collaboration with Down To Earth, reveals some concerning findings about the magnitude of the climate change crisis in India and its impact. The State of Extreme Weather report includes an analysis of seven extreme weather events: Cold waves and cold days, cloudbursts, cyclones and snowfall, heavy rains, heatwaves, floods and landslides, and lightning and storms, and shows concerning results as the country faced these events on 93 per cent days of the nine months! Out of the 274 days, the country faced intense weather events on 255 days which resulted in the loss of 3,238 human lives, 3.2 million hectares of crops, 9,457 livestock, and 2,35,862 houses and other infrastructure. The data also shows an 18 per cent increase in human life losses and a 74 per cent increase in crop damage due to the climate change crisis over just three years. However, the data still does not adequately show the damaging impact of climate change on agriculture as there was a lack of data from states such as Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, which contribute highly to agriculture. According to Kiran Pandey, the Programme Director of the CSE’s environmental resources team, “Twenty-seven states and Union territories saw a rise in extreme weather days in 2024, with Karnataka, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh each experiencing 40 or more additional days of such events.” Out of all the states that were studied as a part of the research, the states of Central India, especially Madhya Pradesh have been impacted the most. The state experienced 176 days of extreme weather events which makes it the state accounting for a loss of 353 human lives while suffering a significant loss of cropland and maximum infrastructural damage. In addition, the states of Kerala and Assam witnessed the most number of human fatalities and the agricultural land and infrastructure of the states of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh were also affected the most. Despite the concerning data provided in the State of Extreme Weather report, the country has not been taking the crisis of climate change seriously while seriously undermining its impact on the marginalised. According to Rajit Sengupta, the Associate Editor of Down To Earth, “While heatwaves claimed 210 lives, the data does not reflect the extended health impacts of prolonged high temperatures on the wellbeing of people in North India, including farmers and labourers, who endured intense heat with little means of relief.” The statement sheds light on how the Government has failed to provide measures of relief to the marginalised communities of the country while seriously undermining how the climate change crisis impacts them more as compared to how it affects the elite. Climate change crisis and impact on the marginalised communities The climate change crisis impacts the marginalised communities the most as they lack the resources required to escape the vicious loop of loss and damage caused due to extreme weather events. The marginalised groups such as Indigenous and caste-based communities are more prone to the impact of climate change crisis as they depend upon natural resources for their livelihood and end up coming to the forefront of environmental degradation as well as land dispossession while being excluded from government policies and structures. As per a study conducted by the United Nations’ Food and Agricultural Organisation, when compared to the households led by men, the female-headed households in rural areas of the country suffer an increased average loss of 8 per cent of their income due to the double or twin crisis of humidity and heat stress. Due to limited resources and various socio-economic reasons such as having restricted access to education, minimal qualifications and possession of skills, and financial constraints, women are not able to exercise their autonomy. In addition, the gender roles dictated by society also limit the majority of the women in rural areas to the unorganised sector of agriculture where they engage in labour-intensive tasks such as spending a significant amount of the day in forests to gathering raw material, catering to livestock, sowing and harvesting crops, and even construction work. As per the India Meteorological Department, India saw its second-highest minimum temperature in 123 years in February. Extreme weather conditions such as cold waves, heatwaves, and heavy rains worsen the working conditions of these women by causing water scarcity and crop failures which further reduce their income, making them, especially men, migrate and move to different urban cities in search of more work. The migration of men places an increased workload on the women as they suffer from the double burden of domestic chores and economic responsibility. Most importantly, the climate change crisis also increases the medical risks as they are forced to work more time in the agricultural field and are exposed to chemicals in the form of pesticides and insecticides which harm their health by causing severe and long-term medical conditions such as respiratory and gastrointestinal problems, disruption of endocrine leading to reproductive health problems, neurological and mental health problems, and increasing the risk of developing cancer by weakening their immune system. While February saw the coldest temperatures, October was the warmest since 1901 with a recorded temperature of 26.92 degrees Celsius. As the IMD has also forecasted, “November this year will be warm with no hint of winter,” indicates that the frequency of extreme weather events in India will increase much more significantly, causing a drastic shift in the weather patterns, further marginalising the already-marginalised. Central India faced the highest number of extreme weather events but the State of Extreme Weather report also makes it evident that the North-Eastern states are prone to extreme weather events such as heavy rains, floods, and landslides as Assam witnessed heavy rains, floods, and landslides on 122 days of the nine months. Despite the alarming data and floods ravaging the state every year, the state does not include any specific policy or concrete plan of action to deal with the flooding crisis. India’s plan of action to combat the climate change crisis “These record-breaking statistics reflect climate change’s impact, where events that used to occur once every century are now happening every five years or even less,” says Sunita Narain, the Director General of CSE. The State of Extreme Weather report by CSE highlights the need for a shift in the already existing climate action plans and policies which consist of two elements: Mitigation and adaptation, there is more focus on the former compared to the latter. The CSE report suggests that a change in approach is required as there is a need to focus more on reducing risks and building resilience rather than on how to respond to any calamity as the frequency of extreme weather events is bound to increase. However, India still does not seem to take the crisis of climate change seriously as Prime Minister Modi’s decision not to attend the World Leader’s Climate Action Summit at COP29 reflects that the Government lacks seriousness towards combating the climate change crisis and acknowledging how it impacts the marginalised who are already not a part of the prime governance structure.

20 reaffirms faith in multilateralism, falls short on climate finance details: Experts

G20 leaders have given support for a successful outcome on a new climate finance package at the UN climate talks but have avoided giving any clear details, climate policy experts said on Tuesday. They say it is important that the 20 richest nations in the world, accounting for 80 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, have reaffirmed their support for multilateralism and the UN climate convention to solve climate problems. This comes amid concerns about the US and Argentina pulling out of the Paris Agreement, which has hurt the morale of negotiators at the talks in Baku. The G20's pushback on "unilateral trade practices", like the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, is also seen as crucial for developing countries. That said, experts note some key gaps in the G20 statement. It does not explicitly mention transitioning away from fossil fuels or mobilising resources to address loss and damage caused by climate change. The G20 Leaders' Summit released its final communique on Monday night. Along with calling for higher taxes on the super-rich, the leaders hoped for a "positive outcome" on climate finance at the ongoing COP29 in Baku. They also reiterated their commitment to strengthening multilateralism, supporting the UNFCCC, and working towards limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Vaibhav Chaturvedi, a senior fellow at the Delhi-based Council on Energy, Environment, and Water, said the G20 is not the right platform to discuss the new climate finance package being negotiated at COP29 under the UNFCCC process. The real issues about quantum and who will contribute are not addressed at the G20. These questions go beyond the G20, he said. Chaturvedi added that the G20 leaders' emphasis on multilateralism is important. "This is one of the first points in the climate section. Despite uncertainties like the US and Argentina pulling out, they have stressed that the multilateral process is key," he said. Harjeet Singh, a climate activist and Global Engagement Director for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, criticised developed nations in the G20 for failing to specify the trillions needed or ensure funds are given as "Without decisive progress on finance at COP29, we are steering towards a catastrophic temperature scenario, where the most vulnerable will bear the gravest consequences," he said. Singh said the G20 countries displayed a "stark failure in leadership" by not reaffirming their commitment to transitioning away from fossil fuels. "No amount of finance can save us from a world that's warmed by 3-4 degrees, which is what awaits if major global powers keep sidestepping the need to phase out coal, oil and gas," said Catherine Abreu, the director of the International Climate Politics Hub. Trishant Dev, a programme officer at the Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment, welcomed the G20's stand against restrictive trade measures. He said such measures hurt developing countries and need to be aligned with the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR). The G20 declaration could pressure countries to discuss these issues at COP29, especially since developed nations often use climate action to justify these trade policies, Dev said. Chaturvedi said the G20 had made it clear that unilateral measures should not be used as unjustified trade restrictions. Securing agreement on a new climate finance package to help developing countries cut emissions and adapt to climate change is a top priority for this year's UN climate talks. Different estimates suggest that USD 1.3 trillion is But countries are struggling to agree on how much money is needed, how the package will work, and who will contribute. For developing nations, restrictive trade measures are another major concern. Last week, India argued that these measures unfairly shift the burden of transitioning to low-carbon economies onto developing and low-income nations. At the same time, developed nations, which have historically caused the most emissions, are not meeting their climate finance commitments. UN climate chief Simon Stiell on Saturday also urged G20 leaders to carry out rapid cuts in emissions to prevent climate-driven economic carnage

CSE director general Sunita Narain addresses High Level Ministerial Conference, says prevention is the best bet for countries in the Global South

“Prevention is the most effective way of fighting the silent pandemic of antimicrobial resistance – especially for low-and middle-income countries of the Global South. We do not have the luxury of indulging in rampant, unchecked use of antibiotics first and then spending a lot on trying to contain the damage. We must prevent, prevent and prevent to make growth more inclusive,” said Sunita Narain, director general of New Delhi-based think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). Narain was addressing the 4th Global High Level Ministerial Meeting on AMR, convened by the Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from November 15-16, 2024 in Jeddah. Narain is a member of the Global Leader’s Group on AMR. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) – antibiotic resistance in particular – is triggered and accelerated by misuse and overuse of antibiotics in human health, animal health and food production. The global urgency to act against AMR is because antibiotics are becoming ineffective to treat even common bacterial infections; those meant to save lives in hospitals and intensive care units are also failing. Says Amit Khurana, director, sustainable food systems programme in CSE: “In 2021, 4.7 million deaths were linked to antibiotic resistance and about 1.15 million deaths were directly caused by it. In India, nearly 0.3 million deaths were attributed to bacterial AMR or antibiotic resistance in 2019 and over a million deaths were associated with it. AMR is projected to claim lives of 39 million people globally between 2025 and 2050.” The Jeddah Commitment : Under the theme “From Declaration to Implementation – Accelerating Actions through Multisectoral Partnerships for the Containment of AMR’, the Jeddah conference aimed to take forward the ‘Political Declaration on Antimicrobial Resistance’, adopted by 193 members states at the UN General Assembly of 2024. It brought together ministers and experts from the health, environment and agriculture sectors from 57 countries, in addition to 450 participants from UN organisations. Considering the challenges and possibilities in low-and middle-income countries, Narain stressed on three key interconnected agendas: “These are the ‘development agenda’ to promote sustainable food production and livestock management practices that eliminate reliance on growth promoters; the ‘prevention agenda’ to build food systems that do not depend on antimicrobial use and improve water supply systems to reduce contamination; and the ‘environmental agenda’ to minimise waste and reduce environmental contamination with antimicrobials.” The Jeddah meeting concluded with the approval of the Jeddah Commitments, which among others, included creating operational national AMR coordination mechanisms, ensuring prudent and responsible use of antimicrobials, establishment of a One Health AMR Learning Hub that will focus on sharing best practices and developing capabilities on the practical implementation of multisectoral national action plans on AMR. India also emphasised that AMR needs urgent action through the One Health approach for cooperation across human, animal and plant health as well as environmental sectors. Among others, it also proposed a comprehensive approach aimed at improving AMR detection and surveillance capacities across sectors. What’s India doing? Says Khurana: “India’s second phase of national AMR action plan is being worked upon for many years. The first plan that ended in 2021 did not see much success. The new plan is expected to be well costed, funded with clear ownership and accountability. It should soon be made public as it will also reflect India’s plan to meet commitments made at global level.” India is a big producer and exporter of food from animals such as milk, eggs, fish and poultry meat, which makes keeping a check on antibiotic misuse and overuse important in these sectors. In the 3rd ministerial conference of Oman in 2022, India had endorsed the Muscat Manifesto, which included targets such as reducing the total amount of antimicrobials used in agri-food systems by at least 30-50 per cent by 2030. It also included zero use of medically important antimicrobials for human medicine, in animals or in crop production and agri-food systems. In the UNGA Political Declaration on AMR, India has committed to strive to meaningfully reduce, by 2030, the quantity of antimicrobials used globally in the agri-food system from the current level. Rajeshwari Sinha, programme manager, sustainable food systems, CSE says: “To meet the commitments, India will need a roadmap to scale up preventive approaches such as related to animal housing, antibiotic alternatives, vaccines, biosecurity and resilient breeds that help reduce the occurrence of disease in food-animal farms and the need for antibiotics at its first place. It also needs a long-term approach to reduce dependence on intensive industrial systems and promote local, decentralised food systems supported by backyard farming.” CSE researchers highlight that India is among the few countries in the world which does not prohibit the use of antibiotics as growth promoters through chicken feed. In fact, chicken feed is not regulated under any law. Specifically, says Khurana, “India needs to phase out antibiotic use as growth promoters; phase out mass routine use of antibiotics for the so-called ‘disease prevention’; phase out the use of critical antibiotics that save human lives in hospitals.” CSE researchers also pointed towards a recent positive move: the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), in October 2024, has banned the use of certain antibiotics in food animal production. Earlier, colistin, a critically important antibiotic for human use, was banned for animal use. The researchers have also highlighted that despite having standards for antibiotic residues for food from animals for many years, the FSSAI has failed to assure consumers if the eggs, meat and fish available in Indian markets are free from antibiotic residues. In fact, in 2018, the Authority had found antibiotic residues in milk.

Relentless for 48 hours, city’s pollution level stays ‘severe’

Gurgaon: The city on Tuesday recorded ‘severe' air quality for the second consecutive day, though overnight winds helped to partially clear up skies. Gurgaon's 24-hour air quality index (AQI) was calculated at 402, down from 469 on Monday. Meteorologists said AQI improved because wind speed went up from 8kmph to 12kmph, and limited fog from forming. Monday was the most polluted day of this winter season, but on Tuesday, the air quality monitoring station in Gwalpahari recorded average AQI at 494. The air quality scale maxes out at 500. Average AQI at the Sector 51 station was far lower, at 408, and Teri Gram recorded 393. Gurgaon's fourth station at Vikas Sadan saw average AQI at 373 on Tuesday. Experts warned that stubble burning from farms across states was a key contributor to winter pollution, but local emissions were equally if not more important to cut for a long-term solution to this public health crisis. An analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) calculated that over a quarter of PM.2.5 pollutants in the city's atmosphere were released from vehicles. "Modeling shows a consistent 26% contribution from transport for sectoral share of PM2.5 in Gurgaon. The Vahan database reveals that Gurgaon saw a substantial increase in vehicle registrations. Over the past five years, the annual average of new registrations was 91,481, reflecting an annual growth rate of 9.7%," said Anumita Roy Chowdhary, executive director of research and advocacy at CSE. Chowdhary emphasised the urgent need to control vehicular emissions. "The growing number of vehicles is a major factor in deteriorating air quality. Effective strategies are needed to mitigate this issue and protect the health of Gurgaon's residents," she said. The level of PM 2.5 – tiny particles that can get embedded into the lungs when inhaled – has been hazardous since Monday. On Tuesday, it was 457 µg/m3 at Gwalpahari station – more than 11 times the permissible levels set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). PM 2.5 concentration was 440 µg/m3 at Teri Gram, 443 at Vikas Sadan and 421 at the Section 51 station. Neighbouring cities weren't any better, though AQI was relatively better than Monday. Ghaziabad's 24-hour AQI was 434 on Tuesday – all ‘severe'. Noida's air quality improved slightly to 370, as did Faridabad's (320) but both were still ‘very poor'. Delhi's average AQI was 484 at 9am on Tuesday, which by noon had improved slightly to 473 and to 464 by 3pm. According to weather analysts, Delhi had seen dense fog on Monday, leading to intensive trapping of pollutants as the fog cover persisted for a longer time. Although the fog moved towards west UP, pollution levels may see no significant change due to low wind speed and high moisture in the air. "City saw north-westerly and westerly winds up to 6-8kmph on Tuesday. On Monday, the dense fog layer entered the city from Punjab and Haryana, which made dispersion difficult," said Mahesh Palwat, Vice Chairman, Climate Change and Meteorology, Skymet.

Despite the toll, why is bad air not an election issue?

Delhi’s never-ending troubles with air pollution invite two questions. Is the problem really as intractable as it has been made to appear by policymakers? Or, is poor policy at the root of the crisis? There can be no denying that the city’s air quality is a product of the complex interplay of several variables — particulate matter from tailpipe of vehicles, toxins from waste and biomass burning, industrial emissions, the city’s geography and farm fires in neighbouring states. The problem cannot be resolved by working in silos. However, this fundamental policy requirement seems to have become an alibi for inaction, especially by the Delhi government and the Centre. Almost every year, as people in the capital and its vicinity choke on air that would be deemed hazardous by the WHO — in India, it’s described somewhat less stringently as “severe” — government agencies, ministers and politicians try to evade accountability by sparring with each other. This year, too, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi has faulted the Centre and the governments of neighbouring states, while the BJP has called out the AAP government. The Supreme Court has issued strict directions to the Centre and the Delhi government. However, by now it should be clear that the emergency mode offers, at best, a limited solution. Cleaning Delhi’s air — and that of other Indian cities — requires all-year-round action. There is now considerable information on the variables linked to the capital’s pollution. Studies by the Centre for Science and Environment, IIT Delhi and Kanpur, TERI, the National Institute of Advanced Studies and government agencies such as the CPCB have disaggregated the role of different polluting sources. Research organisations have sometimes differed on the share of these pollutants. There might also be variations at different locations in the city, and in the daily, weekly or monthly averages, but the major sources of pollution are now well identified. Most studies have underlined the need for cleaner modes of commuting, increased use of public transport, greater scrutiny over industrial emissions, and incentivising households to transition to green cooking fuels. Some of these solutions require long-term action, while others can be achieved in a year or two. But information is only an enabler — it’s meant to facilitate action. Despite all the attention that Delhi’s smog has got, there is no trend in air quality which shows that efforts are being made to tackle the problem over the long term — or even the short term. Advertisement In 2021, the Centre set up the Commission For Air Quality Management (CAQM) to coordinate the work of different pollution control bodies. The organisation’s mandate was prescient given that experts today underline the salience of the airshed approach — instead of looking at pollution as a city or state-level problem, policymakers need to identify larger hotspots of poor air. But in the past three years, the CAQM has mostly functioned as a regulator that comes into play when Delhi’s Emergency Graded Action Plan is in force. The policy-making deficit is also a fallout of a larger shortcoming: Despite the toll it takes, Delhi’s bad air is never an election issue. This apathy must end.

Talking solutions at COP29: Potential of Article 6 to uplift women’s health and lives

Around the world and especially in the Global South, many households rely on using wood as firewood to cook their meals. Due to the gender-based roles that are prevalent in most societies, it is women who bear the brunt of not just inhaling the toxic fumes while cooking food but also the burden of collecting wood falls categorically on their shoulders. This is where carbon markets are bringing about a change for many women. “Carbon financing enables developers like us to trade in high value credits, where we sell Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) created in Africa at a very good price for buyers in the Global North. This means that we subsidise the cost of our products. We have been able to reduce the cost of our cookstoves by up to 40% because of carbon markets,” says Caroline Amollo, Director of Corporate Affairs, BURN, which works on making clean cooking accessible to countries in Africa. Amollo says that the majority of the end users of these products are women—who benefit significantly by switching to clean cooking methods. Due to subsidies enabled by carbon markets, more women have access to cleaner cooking products as the barrier of a lack of purchasing power is removed. The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) says that worldwide, around 2.4 billion people still cook using fuels such as wood and kerosene, mostly in Africa. In India, some studies say that over a third of households still relied on firewood as their primary source of cooking fuel in 2020-21. “Apart from developing respiratory problems like asthma and lung cancer, the time that women spend on collecting the wood and keeping the fire going while cooking is a lot,” said Yanna Gruel, General Manager, Microsol—who works with communities in Peru, Mexico, Guatemala and other Latin American countries to make cleaner cooking accessible. Microsol provides stoves for free to communities to switch to clean cooking methods. Gruel says it has been possible due to carbon markets. Currently, operating under voluntary carbon markets with their projects certified by Gold Standard, Microsol injects the returns from carbon market to maintain the cookstoves in the communities, repair or replace them. “With accessible cleaner cooking options, that time can be used in other activities that they like, including resting, spending time with their families, helping with their child’s education, etc. and improve their health and life overall and so of their family,” adds Gruel. As Delhi struggles with dangerous outdoor air quality levels these days, it is important to note using unclean cooking leads to all-year-round poor air quality indoors. A woman cooking food using firewood, before switching to a clean cooking stove. Photo: Microsol Loopholes to fix A report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) that looked into the voluntary carbon market in India says around one-fifth of over 1,200 cookstove projects registered or under various stages of development with Verra and Gold Standard are in India. Earlier this year, India expanded its list of eligible projects under the Paris Agreement’s Article 6 mechanisms to include clean cooking initiatives. This addition joined the initial 13 activities under Article 6.2. The CSE report also featured a study which said that clean household device projects had a 50% year on year growth—expansion of developers portfolio—in Africa and India. However, the report also finds that a lot of times communities are not informed when they sign over a consent form during installation of cooking stoves, transferring carbon rights to the developers and companies involved. Other issues like lack of evidence of robust monitoring, over crediting gains of removal, lack of an organised marketplace to monitor the price of carbon credit for improved cookstoves, among others, plague the sector. Therefore, a lot needs to be set right for these markets to function in a way that benefits the communities, who are actually making the mitigation move. Hope renewed More carbon markets can now potentially open up which can provide more finance for such initiatves, significantly improving health and lives of women around the world. In the first week of COP29, negotiators reached consensus on standards for the creation of carbon credits under Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement. While carbon markets are already functioning bilaterally under Article 6.2, the latest developments at COP29 can make the process for a centralised global carbon offset market more transparent and ensure that the international carbon market operates with integrity under the supervision of the United Nations. “It appears that the process for clauses like authorisation will be common for both Article 6.4 and Article 6.2. The methodologies under 6.4 will be reviewed by the Supervisory Body. So, if a country submits a methodology under clean cooking, the Supervisory Body will see the provisions for criteria like additionality and permanence, among others. However, even if the Supervisory Body passes the methodology, the final decision related to implementation of the same lies with the Parties,” explains Vaibhav Chaturvedi, Senior Fellow, Council on Energy, Environment and Water(CEEW). Simon Stiell, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, when Parties at COP29 agreed on international carbon market standards, said, “There’s more work to do, but this is a good start – the product of over 10 years of work within the process. We are a long way from halving emissions this decade, but wins on carbon markets here at COP29 will help us get back in that race.”

Innovative Marketing Techniques for Sustainable Construction Companies

The construction industry has a significant environmental impact, contributing to 39% of the world’s total carbon emissions. In India, where urbanization is booming, the environmental repercussions are especially high, yet only about 1% of the country’s construction and demolition waste is recycled, according to a recent report from the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). This minimal recycling rate highlights a major gap and an opportunity for change. With the rising awareness of environmental issues, more and more people are looking for sustainable solutions in building and construction. This has created a strong demand for construction companies to adopt eco-friendly practices and products. Some companies are already making notable efforts to reduce their environmental footprint. Many have adopted the use of renewable energy sources (such as solar power) to run their operations. Others are finding innovative ways to reduce waste by utilizing recycled materials like fly ash, slag, and manufactured sand in their products. These sustainable practices not only help to reduce emissions but also lower the amount of waste sent to landfills, contributing to a circular economy. In addition to focusing on sustainable materials, some companies have chosen to use advanced technologies in their production processes. For example, techniques such as pre-casting, Bamboo Reinforcement and the use of natural pigments in colour are becoming increasingly common. These technologies not only enhance the sustainability of construction practices but also contribute to the conservation of natural resources. Those who can deliver sustainable options while actively educating customers about their environmental benefits stand out in the industry. Innovative marketing techniques play a key role here, helping construction companies not only to promote their best practices but also to encourage a shift toward sustainable buildings across India.

Delhi: From National Capital to Catastrophic region

“The air traffic in Delhi airport came to a standstill” became a common news in the media specifically in the month of November. This November is no exception. The Air Quality Index (AQI) deteriorated to 494 which is on par with the recorded worst polluted day of Delhi in 2019. Despite the recurring November experience for the capital region of Delhi, there seems to be no curative attempts from the administration of both Delhi and Centre. As usual the debating rooms of the TV channels rised the verbal heat and provided platform for the political slugfest on the pollution of the capital city. Politicians, as it is their wont, compete to blame each other to fix up the responsibility forgetting the fact that every major political party ruled Delhi at one time or the other. Both the politicians and the citizens of the Delhi forget the issue once the pollution impact eased out on its own. Surprisingly the victims, the citizens of National Capital Region are not agitating continuously on this pollution issue. This air pollution is haunting the capital regions for over two decades and the old timers of Delhi recollect the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) bill board of 2000, where it asked the then PM to roll down the window glass of his bullet proof car to know the real threat, as the security threat is not from the gun but from the air of the Delhi as CSE felt then. Surprisingly there seems to be no solution to the Delhi pollution despite the many judicial orders from Supreme Court, environmental expert’s suggestions and urban planner’s efforts. Delhi was ruled by all the main political parties including the current AAP which is in office for near 15 years. Aravind Kejriwal, the CM till recently may claim many achievements, but his track record on the city pollution front is as good or as bad as his predecessors from Congress and BJP. What surprises is the current AAP administration has told the National Green Tribunal about a month ago that it is implementing its 21 point winter action plan involving 30 governmental agencies to reduce the pollution problem of Delhi in November. Despite that the situation worsened and the Delhi CM is not coming out with the reasons for its failure. Unconfirmed news say that foreign dignitaries are worried to visit Delhi as they are worried about their health, especially their lungs, and that is not a good news for any country on its capital’s environment. To cap it all the Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram Sashi Tharoor has raised the question of continuance of Delhi as the capital city. Whether he is genuinely interested in clean Delhi or trying to help his party to start election campaign on the forthcoming elections in Delhi, the national capital region, is not clear. The air quality issue of Delhi is not new and it was there for over three decades. For the polluted atmosphere in Delhi the states of Punjab and Haryana and their farmers are blamed by Aravind Kejriwal when he was in the CM chair but the data is not supporting his claim. The stubble burning after the agricultural season by the farmers was the norm in those two states and Pune based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology assessed that only 2.4% of the bad air of Delhi is contributed by the stubble burning. Road dust is found out to be the top contributor for Delhi polluted air by a study undertaken by the IIT, Kanpur. As per their finding 56% is road dust followed by the concrete bathing, industrial discharge and vehicle emissions collectively contributing 29% for the pollution. The issue of pollution in Delhi is real. It is not only air pollution but even the water is getting polluted. The River Yamuna, the main water source for Delhi is full of thick froth of toxic foam because of the industrial effluents released into the river untreated. Capital region becoming a catastrophic region is there to see with many rushing to hospital with breathing and gastric problems, staying indoors at the cost of their work and people wearing mask even on normal days. Unfortunately no one is owning the responsibility and implement the solutions offered by experts. If the political cacophony dominates, and state governments ruling neighbouring Delhi prefers politics over the solutions then the Delhi citizens are bound to subject to “slow death” in the “polluted gas chamber” called the capital catastrophic region.

From Capital City To Gas Chamber: Delhi’s Air Crisis Reaches Breaking Point

Delhi is once again battling an air emergency, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting a hazardous 500 in multiple areas. Residents of the capital are inhaling pollution levels equivalent to smoking 22 cigarettes daily, a stark contrast to cities like Bengaluru. Schools have gone online, heavy vehicles face restrictions, and odd-even traffic rules are being considered, but these measures have failed to significantly improve the toxic air. The Delhi government has sought the Centre’s approval for artificial rains, but no response has been received. Meanwhile, the political blame game continues, with AAP accusing BJP-ruled states of negligence and the BJP holding the Delhi government accountable. Experts remain skeptical about solutions like cloud seeding, citing its limitations and potential to worsen pollution. Environmentalist Sunita Narain has criticized reactive measures, urging long-term commitments to public transport and sustainable policies. With no immediate relief in sight, Delhi and other north Indian cities brace for more days of suffocating smog, leaving citizens to endure the worsening crisis.

World on the Brink: Plastic waste chokes environment, economy

A growing tide of plastic waste is threatening the Ruzizi dam in eastern Congo, leading to frequent power outages in several major cities. Local authorities are scrambling to address the issue, which highlights the devastating environmental consequences of plastic pollution. The environmental impacts of discarded plastics, littering, leaching of toxic components and the contamination of ecosystems and the food chain with micro plastics, are well established. Plastics just don’t go away Even after centuries, plastic waste remains, refusing to decompose. Its persistence harms marine life and ecosystems. The toxic chemicals leach into water sources and there are several human health risks from micro plastic consumption. The plastic waste disintegrates into microscopic pieces, contaminating the food chain and endangering humans and animals. Oceans and landscapes are congested with plastic, from the deepest sea beds to the highest mountains. Emissions from production, use, and disposal degrade the environment, accelerating climate change. Despite mounting evidence, plastic production is expected to rise, intensifying the crisis. Urgent action is necessary to mitigate the effects of plastic pollution. Busan conference Notably, soon after COP-29 in Baku, countries will meet in Busan, South Korea, to discuss another complicated environmental matter—plastic pollution. The fifth session of Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on global negotiations for the Global Plastic Treaty (GPT) is scheduled from November 25 to December 1 with the aim to develop an “instrument” for a comprehensive approach to address the full-life cycle of plastic, including production, design and disposal, as per the UN Environment Programme. Global consumption of plastic is accelerating Plastic, a versatile material with a lifespan of hundreds of years, has multiple benefits and uses. However, its production, consumption, and disposal have severe environmental consequences, including water pollution, marine life deaths, and a significant carbon footprint due to fossil fuel dependence. According to European Environment Agency (EEA), the average annual plastic consumption in Western Europe is approximately 150 kg per person, exceeding the global average of 60 kg by more than twofold. Statista reports that the United States generates the most plastic waste per capita worldwide, with an average American producing 130.09 kg annually. In contrast, India’s per capita plastic waste generation stands at around 19.88 kg. As a relatively recent invention, plastic’s affordability and adaptability have made it ubiquitous in modern times. However, its lifecycle poses significant challenges. Alarmingly, only about 9 per cent of all plastic ever produced has been recycled, while 12 per cent has been incinerated. The remainder remains in use or has been disposed of in landfills or released into the environment, including oceans, as per EEA. INC — what has happened so far? In March 2022, the fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly adopted a landmark resolution to develop an internationally legally binding instrument addressing plastic pollution, including in marine environments. The resolution tasked the UNEP Executive Director with convening an INC to craft the instrument, adopting a comprehensive approach that encompasses the entire life cycle of plastic, from production and design to disposal. The INC initiated its work in the second half of 2022, aiming to conclude negotiations by the end of 2024. The first session of INC in Punta del Este, Uruguay (November 28 to December 2, 2022) was followed by a session in Paris, France from May 29 to June 2, 2023. The third session in Nairobi, Kenya, marked the midway point (November 13 to 19 November, 2023), which was followed by the fourth session (April 23 to 29, 2024) in Ottawa, Canada. Plastic industry Consensus on plastic pollution remains elusive, mirroring challenges in climate talks, due to economic, job, and development concerns. The High Ambition Coalition advocates drastic measures, including a 40 per cent production cut by 2040 and lifecycle interventions. In contrast, oil and petrochemical lobbies resist reductions, promoting recycling and waste management instead. Plastics, primarily made from fossil fuels like petroleum, natural gas, and coal, are at the centre of this debate. The Global Coalition for Plastic Sustainability, an alliance of plastic-producing countries, pushes for a waste management-focused approach. According to a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) report, Iran’s announcement of Global Coalition for Plastic Sustainability faced opposition at the INC’s third session. The coalition’s status was downgraded to a “like-minded group”. However, Iran’s interventions on behalf of this group garnered support from Russia, India, Cuba, and Western Asian nations, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Iraq. This coalition advocates for a legally binding instrument prioritising waste management to minimise the impact on plastic-producing countries. Jobs and economy The plastic industry supports millions of workers worldwide, including in India, making it a significant sector of the global economy. Consequently, countries with substantial plastic industries favour waste management solutions over production caps or targets. “Production is a vital part of our economy,” argue plastic industry supporters. “The focus should be on finding the right balance, as the real challenge lies in disposing of and recycling waste.” They also highlight the environmental footprint of alternative materials, such as reusable paper and cotton bags, which come with their own carbon costs. While plastics are non-biodegradable, proponents point out that alternatives like paper and glass also have significant carbon footprints. India India, adhering to the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) on climate issues, emphasises that any legally binding instrument should consider individual countries’ circumstances. Indian officials assert that solutions to pollution should not involve binding targets or production caps. India has implemented measures such as banning certain single-use plastics (SUPs) and introducing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Additionally, the country is exploring alternative solutions. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains debatable. Despite a ban, SUPs – including plastic bags, cups, water bottles, and straws – continue to litter the environment. India generates 5.5 million tonnes of SUP waste annually, but only addresses around 11 per cent of it, according to environmental groups. In 2018, India announced plans to phase out SUPs by 2022. The Environment Ministry notified the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021, which took effect on July 1, 2022. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) also issued a Comprehensive Action Plan to State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees (PCC).

Delhi’s question: To breathe or not to breathe amid escalating air pollution

It was a dreary day. Many people complained of a sharp and pungent smell in the air throughout the day. It was a day when Delhiites were compelled to breathe toxic air. Many of them complained that even short-term exposure to the air caused watery eyes and headaches. The AQI on Monday was 494 on a scale of 500 at 4pm, the worst reading this season and the second highest since AQI began to be recorded in 2015.According to the Central Pollution Control Board's bulletin, Monday's ‘severe plus' AQI was only lower than 497 logged on Nov 6, 2016, and identical to the reading of Nov 13, 2019. As Delhiites stayed indoors or wore masks to avoid inhaling toxins, Dr Arvind Kumar, chest surgeon and founder of Lung Care Foundation and Doctors for Clean Air and Climate Action, India, warned, "Polluted air is an invisible killer. With every breath we take, it quietly wreaks havoc on our health. From triggering asthma attacks in children to fuelling heart disease, lung cancer and cognitive decline, the impact of emissions transcends generations, leaving vulnerable communities to bear the brunt." Many described the day as "gloomy". With a grey haze hanging over the city, Delhi recorded poor visibility throughout the day. As the sun's rays were unable to penetrate the thick cover, the maximum temperature dropped to the season's lowest at 23.5 degrees Celsius, four below normal. It was also 3.7 degrees lower than Sunday's maximum. The minimum temperature stood at 16.2 degrees Celsius, four above normal. There will be no sunshiny days for some time with the air quality likely to remain above 400 till Nov 21. The Air Quality Early Warning System, the forecasting body under the Union ministry of earth sciences, has predicted that the air quality is likely to be ‘severe' till Nov 21. However, there was no clarity on whether AQI will be in the ‘severe plus' level (AQI above 450). CPCB's data shows that AQI, which was 441 at 4pm on Sunday, entered the ‘severe plus' category at 6pm with a reading of 452. It surged to 468 at 10pm on Sunday and continued its upward trend, logging 485 at 9am on Monday and 495 at 7pm. AQI at 15 of the city's 36 air monitoring stations maxed out at 500, with the others also touching the extreme end of the scale. Experts said a combination of factors — high local and regional pollution levels, harvest stubble fires, unfavourable meteorological conditions, including calm winds, dense fog, low temperature and inversion — caused AQI to spike. On Monday, Punjab reported 1,251 new farm fires, making it the season's highest tally in a single day. The count was 36 in Haryana, 133 in UP, 152 in Rajasthan and 639 in Madhya Pradesh. The contribution of stubble burning to Delhi's PM2.5 was 25.1% on Saturday, but data was unavailable for Sunday and Monday. Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy, Centre for Science and Environment, said, "The current situation, which is at a risk of building up to a severe air episode, is a result of a combination of elevated local and regional pollution aggravated by adverse meteorological conditions. The pollutants are trapped. We need more reliable forecasting systems to enable preventive measures. Also, durable and sustained action will require much stronger attention." There was dense fog in the morning. Palam recorded the lowest visibility of 100-150 metres from 11pm on Sunday to 11am on Monday before improving to 900m at 5pm. Safdarjung, the city's base weather station, logged visibility of 150m on Monday morning. The best visibility of 200m was recorded at Safdarjung at 5pm. IMD has issued an ‘orange' alert (be prepared) for dense fog for Tuesday, with ‘yellow' (be aware) for Wednesday.

COP29 In Baku: Key Challenges And Climate Finance Stalemates

The 29th United Nations Climate Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, is halfway through, yet significant progress remains elusive, especially on the critical issue of climate finance. The annual gathering, intended to address global challenges related to climate change, has seen distractions overshadow decisions during its first week. As ministers and decision-makers prepare to take center stage in the coming days, the stakes are high for resolving funding disputes and laying the groundwork for actionable agreements. The Funding Gap: A Trillion-Dollar Divide A central theme of COP29 is the financial commitment required from developed nations to assist poorer countries in transitioning away from fossil fuels, adapting to climate impacts, and addressing the losses caused by extreme weather events. Developing nations have united behind a demand for $1.3 trillion annually—a figure they believe reflects the scale of the crisis. However, developed nations, led by countries like the United States and Canada, have yet to move beyond their long-standing commitment to a $100 billion annual climate fund, first pledged over a decade ago. “All the developing countries look very united behind $1.3 trillion. That’s not a ceiling. That’s what they want. That’s what they think they need,” said Debbie Hillier, policy lead at Mercy Corps. She added, “The U.S. and Canada are constantly talking about a floor of $100 billion... So you’ve got $100 billion at one end and $1.3 trillion on the other end.” Harjeet Singh, global engagement director for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, expressed concern about the lack of transparency from wealthier nations. “The intention of developed countries to really come clean and show commitment is missing,” Singh said. “They have not uttered a single word on what the (final total) is going to be, which is very disturbing.” UN Climate Secretary Simon Stiell called for faster progress on the negotiations, emphasizing the urgency of the moment: “What’s at stake here in Baku is nothing less than the capacity to halve emissions this decade and protect lives and livelihoods from spiraling climate impacts.” How Climate Talks Work: The Role of Brinkmanship COP conferences are infamous for their last-minute deals, often reached through high-pressure negotiations. Experts explain that this approach is by design. “Member states have not moved, and parties have not moved as expeditiously as they need to do,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme. “This is causing frustration. I understand that. So the answer is to push and push more and ensure that we land where we need to land.” Avinash Persaud, a climate adviser at the Inter-American Development Bank, described the process as one of brinkmanship. “COP works on brinkmanship,” Persaud explained. “COP works on the fear of us not reaching agreement in the end, which makes the process appear chaotic from the outside.” The presence of political leaders in the second week typically shifts the negotiations to a higher gear. Ministers attending COP29 will also need to coordinate with leaders at the G20 summit in Brazil. With the G20 nations responsible for 77% of global greenhouse gas emissions, their decisions will significantly influence the talks in Baku. The Role of the COP Presidency Leadership at COP conferences is crucial in bridging divides. This year’s COP president, Mukhtar Babayev, has adopted a softer, more conciliatory approach compared to his predecessors. While some see this as a positive change, others question whether his approach will yield the necessary results. “What I see with Mukhtar is that he uses a gentle presence, a degree of humility in his very presence,” said Andersen. Babayev himself struck an optimistic tone, stating, “We have made good progress in the first week. We’re feeling positive, but there is still much work to do. Success does not depend on one country or party alone – it requires all of us.” However, Mohamed Adow, director of the think tank Power Shift Africa, was less hopeful. “The presidency is not giving any hope for how he will help the world strike the right compromises,” Adow said. Distractions and Controversies in the First Week The opening week of COP29 was marred by controversies and external distractions. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s combative welcome speech drew criticism for its political tone. In his speech, Aliyev described oil and gas—key drivers of climate change—as a “gift from the Gods,” triggering criticism from climate activists. Aliyev also clashed with France, prompting the French environment minister to withdraw from the talks. Meanwhile, Argentina recalled its delegation, signaling its potential withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement under its newly elected right-wing government. Activists have also criticized the conference for being too closely tied to fossil fuel interests. Over 1,700 participants linked to the fossil fuel industry attended the negotiations, further raising concerns about the credibility of the talks. Cautious Optimism for Week Two Despite the setbacks, some leaders remain hopeful that progress can be made in the second week. Cedric Schuster, chair of the Alliance of Small Island States and environment minister of Samoa, emphasized the importance of maintaining the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. “We need to keep 1.5 alive,” Schuster said. “Discussions are progressing, and we hope to get there.” Sehr Raheja from the Centre for Science and Environment in New Delhi urged developed nations to step up: “Countries have gone for the lowest-hanging fruit so far. Developed nations will have to engage in good faith on the issues of total money needed if there’s a chance of getting a strong outcome.” Bill Hare, CEO of Climate Analytics, called for a greater sense of urgency. “Despite the recent devastation the world has experienced and the soaring rise in temperatures, the urgency really hasn’t yet been felt here in Baku,” Hare said. As the second week of COP29 begins, the focus will be on bridging the financial gap, fostering political will, and ensuring the conference delivers concrete actions to combat climate change. Whether the talks can overcome their slow start and distractions remains to be seen, but the need for decisive action has never been clearer.

#DelhiAirPocalypse: Org demands Clean Air Concession for Delhi Metro commuters

In light of the escalating air pollution crisis in Delhi, the Public Transport Forum Delhi (PTF) and Greenpeace India have called on the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to implement a "Clean Air Concession" to make metro fares more affordable during periods of severe air pollution. This initiative is aimed at reducing dependency on private vehicles and encouraging citizens to opt for the Delhi Metro, a cleaner and more efficient mode of transport. Delhi’s air quality has reached alarming levels, with AQI often crossing into hazardous categories. Different studies suggest that transport emissions are one of the major contributors to the air pollution crisis in Delhi. Private vehicles contribute to 51.5% of Delhi's locally generated emissions, exacerbating the particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels. According to a recent report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), public transport users face substantially higher journey costs compared to private vehicle users, largely due to hidden costs such as time spent waiting and interchanges, especially for bus journeys. The comparative cost per kilometer for different modes reveals that buses cost Rs. 40/km and the metro Rs. 47/km, while two-wheelers and cars cost Rs. 16/km and Rs. 35/km respectively. Moreover, approximately 50% of public transport users spend 18% of their annual income on transportation, while private vehicle users spend just 12%. “As Delhi is grappling with high pollution levels, the role of Delhi metro becomes essential in providing affordable public transportation to the people of Delhi. Reduced fares, increase in frequency and extension of peak hours during high pollution days in Delhi will encourage more people to use the Delhi metro and subsequently reduce the reliance on private vehicular transport”, said Aakiz Farooq, Campaigner, Greenpeace India. The proposed “Clean Air Concession” outlines measures to make public transport more accessible and appealing. It recommends reducing metro fares by 20-30% during periods of severe air pollution to encourage a shift from private vehicles. Increased train frequency and extended peak travel hours on high-pollution days are also suggested to handle the anticipated rise in ridership and improve passenger convenience. The need for more affordable public transit options to address environmental challenges keeping in view the economic context of the city is critical. Currently, travel in buses is free for women and there are discount passes for students, physically disabled and senior citizens in Delhi. “Our study on the impact of free buses for women shows that one in four women have started using buses more often after the scheme. So, making public transport more affordable or free clearly has direct benefits of increasing its use. Sadly, no such concessions exist for Delhi Metro which is even less affordable for a large section of regular commuters in the city. At least, in this season of hazardous air quality, Metro can reduce its fares to incentivise people to use metro rather than cars and motorcycles.”, said Nishant, one of the coordinators of the Public Transport Forum, an independent collective of citizens and civil society organizations. Improving first and last-mile connectivity is another priority. The proposal urges DMRC to reintroduce and expand metro feeder bus services and collaborate with initiatives like the Delhi Government’s Mohalla Bus scheme to ensure better access to metro stations, especially for underserved areas. Additionally, it advocates for a fully integrated public transport system in Delhi, enabling seamless travel between buses, metro, and paratransit systems to eliminate commuting barriers. Public awareness campaigns by DMRC could also play a vital role in inspiring citizens to choose environmentally friendly transport options. Finally, the proposal emphasizes the importance of maintaining healthy indoor air quality in metro stations during high-pollution days to ensure safe transit for passengers. The organizations emphasized that the Delhi Metro, as the lifeline of the city, is uniquely positioned to play a transformative role in addressing the air pollution crisis. Adopting these measures would not only enhance mobility but also align with Delhi's vision for a sustainable, livable urban environment.