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Delhi’s air quality picks up marginally; traffic, firecracker bursting set to worsen woes

The air quality in the Capital continued to remain well below acceptable levels in the run-up to the Diwali festival, as traffic restrictions and huge rush on Dhanteras gridlocked city roads. On Tuesday, Delhi recorded an air quality index of 268 (“poor”), an improvement from the AQIs of 304 (“very poor”) and 356 (“very poor”) clocked on Monday and Sunday, respectively, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). However, the marginal improvement is not here to last, as the Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) for Delhi has predicted the air quality to dip to at least “very poor” by November 1. Over the past week, Delhi has already recorded a four-day streak of “very poor” air due to farm fires and emissions from vehicles caught in snarls — a regular feature — across key city roads, due to an array of religious, entertainment and official events. Anumita Roychowdhury, an air expert and executive director at the Centre for Science and Environment, said, “The AQI on the days following Diwali starts shooting up due to the huge amount of bursting of fireworks. When there is so much concentrated burning within a very short period of time, the emissions naturally impact the pollution levels. Additionally, we already observe calm winds and lack of natural ventilation in the city as winter approaches, which helps the pollutants settle down.” Last year, the AQI on the day of Diwali, November 12, was 218 (“poor”) which deteriorated to 358 (“very poor”) the next day and further to the edge of the “severe” level, clocking 397 (“very poor”) on November 14.

Air Pollution During Diwali May Impact Your Overall Health - Here's How

Diwali festivities bring a surge in air pollution, significantly affecting health. From respiratory and cardiovascular risks to impacts on mental well-being, pollution poses dangers, especially for children and the elderly. Taking precautions like using air purifiers, limiting outdoor exposure, and opting for green crackers can reduce health risks during the festival. As we all gear up to celebrate the most awaited festival of the year - Diwali, the excitement is unmatched. However, this time we need to stay extra cautious as most parts of the Delhi-NCR are grappling with the health risks linked with air pollution. The post-Diwali spike in pollution is a well-known issue, as firecrackers emit harmful gasses and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), causing a surge in air pollution levels. The short-term effects are visible with poor visibility and smoke-filled air, but the long-term health implications are much more serious. But if we follow the right strategies, we can keep health problems at bay. How Diwali Pollution Affects Your Health - Respiratory Health Risks During Diwali, the increase in air pollutants, especially PM2.5 and PM10 particles, directly affects respiratory health. These fine particles penetrate deeply into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Studies have shown that air pollution increases respiratory conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchitis. Data from the Indian Journal of Chest Diseases and Allied Sciences revealed a 30 per cent spike in asthma-related emergency room visits in major Indian cities immediately following Diwali. Further, those with existing respiratory conditions are more likely to experience severe symptoms, while healthy individuals may suffer from cough, wheezing, and difficulty breathing due to the smoke and pollutants in the air. - Cardiovascular Health Effects The effect of Diwali-related pollution doesn’t stop with the lungs; it has a significant impact on heart health as well. A study published in The Lancet found that prolonged exposure to air pollution increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure. Pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), released by firecrackers, contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation, which can trigger cardiac events. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), particulate matter increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and the risk is even higher in people with pre-existing conditions. The days following Diwali often see a surge in hospital admissions for heart-related issues, particularly among the elderly and those with pre-existing heart conditions. - Impact on Mental Health The effects of Diwali pollution also impact mental health. A 2022 study in Environmental Health Perspectives suggested that prolonged exposure to high pollution levels is linked to heightened anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline. The WHO has indicated that air pollution may play a role in altering brain functions and can worsen mood disorders, especially in younger populations. Noise pollution, an often overlooked byproduct of Diwali, also contributes to stress and anxiety. Research published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry shows that continuous exposure to loud noise can lead to sleep disturbances, increased stress hormones, and reduced quality of life. - Children and the Elderly: High-Risk Groups Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable to pollution-related health issues. Children’s immune systems are still developing, and their lungs are more susceptible to the damaging effects of fine particles. A 2019 study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) found that air pollution stunts lung development in children, leading to chronic respiratory issues later in life. The elderly, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions, also experience heightened risks. For example, in the weeks following Diwali, many hospitals report an increase in respiratory infections, aggravated asthma symptoms, and heart-related complications among older adults. Ways to Protect Your Health During Diwali With the health risks in mind, here are ways to minimise the impact of pollution during Diwali: Use Air Purifiers Indoors An effective way to limit exposure to indoor pollutants is by using air purifiers, particularly HEPA-filter purifiers that can reduce PM2.5 and PM10 particles. Ensure you use them at night to improve indoor air quality and aid in better sleep. Limit Outdoor Activities Avoid outdoor activities, especially strenuous ones like jogging or cycling, in the days following Diwali when pollution levels peak. If outdoor activities are necessary, consider wearing an N95 mask that can help filter out harmful pollutants. Opt for Green Crackers Many states in India are promoting “green crackers,” which produce less smoke and reduce pollution by at least 30% compared to traditional firecrackers. They’re designed to emit less particulate matter, making them a safer choice for the environment and your health. Maintain Proper Ventilation While it may seem counterintuitive to open windows during high-pollution times, airing out your home at intervals, especially after Diwali night, helps reduce indoor pollutant buildup. For high-pollution areas, it's ideal to ventilate during midday when pollution levels might be lower. Stay Hydrated and Eat Healthily Staying hydrated helps flush out toxins from the body. Including foods rich in antioxidants, like berries, nuts, and leafy greens, helps combat oxidative stress induced by pollution. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and flax seeds also help reduce inflammation.

At 304, Delhi’s pre-Diwali AQI worsens to ‘very poor’

A day before Diwali, the Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi worsened to ‘very poor’ with the 24-hour average reported at 304 as against the AQI of 268 on Tuesday. The capital was the most polluted city in the country, and the only one in ‘very poor’ category. The air quality was significantly worse than in the pre-Diwali days in the last two years but slightly better than in 2021 (314 AQI). Similarly, the air quality fared better in 2017 and 2019 with 302 AQI and 287 AQI respectively, reported a day before Diwali. The most polluted place was Mundka with 383 AQI followed by Anand Vihar with 379 AQI, both in the ‘very poor’ categories as of Wednesday noon. Eleven out of the 37 Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations reported ‘very poor’ air quality and the rest ‘poor’. Every year in the capital it is a common trend for the firecrackers to be set off in defiance of the ban. This causes the PM2.5 and PM10 levels to soar and worsen the 24-hour average air quality in Delhi. The Delhi government had on October 14 imposed a complete ban on firecrackers, including their manufacturing, storage, sale, usage and online delivery. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has warned of increase in pollution levels with Diwali and stubble burning season coinciding this year. Rai on Tuesday urged the Centre to impose a similar ban on NCR states, adding that so far 19,005 kg of firecrackers had been seized in raids across Delhi, and 79 cases had been registered against violators. Diwali-related traffic could be already adding to the nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels as the pollutant emission recordings show a spike in at least 19 air quality monitoring stations, as of 11 am on Wednesday compared to the previous day’s average NO2 levels. An assessment by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) in 2022, shows that hourly nitrogen dioxide levels correlate well with traffic congestion in the city. It found that among the local pollution sources in the capital, vehicles were the main reason behind half of Delhi’s contribution to PM2.5 concentration in the Diwali week of 2022. The 24-hour average NO2 concentration in Delhi was 67 µg/m3 at 11 am on Wednesday, which was 63% higher than World Health Organisation’s prescribed limit of the pollutant (25 µg/m3). However, it was within the National Ambient Air Quality Standards — 80 µg/m3. Among the stations, the significant pollutant was NO2 at ITO which reported a 24-hour average NO2 concentration of 298 µg/m3 on Wednesday noon. What does the forecast say? The air quality may reach in ‘severe’ category on Thursday and Friday (October 31 and November 1) in case of additional emissions from firecrackers and stubble/waste fires, according to the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune (IITM) on Wednesday. The IITM has forecast a ‘very poor’ air quality in the city on Wednesday and ‘very poor’ for the next two days unless there are additional emissions. In the long-term forecast, it expects the air quality to fluctuate between ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ levels. A change in wind direction forecast to the Northwest on Thursday may also bring additional pollutants due to stubble burning cases in the neighbouring states. Calm winds are also unfavourable for the dispersal of pollutants, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast calm winds on November 2.

Gurgaon chokes on ‘poor’ air again, blame low wind speed and local emissions

Gurgaon: The city's air quality on Tuesday deteriorated to "poor" level at 243 as wind speed went down to 5kmph from 16kmph. The air was "moderate" a day before at 188. Gwalpahari air monitoring station registered the highest AQI at 303 (very poor), while other monitors recorded poor air. The index was recorded at 244 in Sector 51, 223 in Teri Gram and 200 at Vikas Sadan. The Air Quality Early Warning System (AQES) forecasted pollution levels may escalate to "very poor" category by Diwali on Oct 31. Also, the wind direction is likely to shift back to northwesterly on Thursday, potentially exacerbating the air quality. Experts said year-round surveillance of pollution sources and emission reduction are crucial to tackle air pollution. "By Thursday, we anticipate a shift in wind direction back to northwesterly, which may intensify stubble contribution to pollution again. Additionally, emissions from vehicles, dust from broken roads and waste burning among others are aggravating the situation," said Shubhansh Tiwari, a research associate at Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). On Tuesday, both PM2.5 and PM10 levels were considerably above the permissible limits, indicating rise in pollutants from local sources, including vehicular emissions and dust. The PM2.5 level was highest in Gwalpahari (303 µg/m³), followed by Sector 51 (244 µg/m³), Teri Gram (223 µg/m³) and Vikas Sadan (200 µg/m³), according to the CPCB data. PM10 levels were also highest in Gwalpahari (298 µg/m³), followed by Sector 51 (287 µg/m³), Teri Gram (243 µg/m³), whilst Vikas Sadan station failed to record PM10 data. According to the CPCB, the annual average permissible limits for PM2.5 and PM10 are 60 µg/m³ and 100 µg/m³, respectively. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe". According to CPCB guidelines, when AQI is in the "moderate" category, breathing difficulties may affect people with asthma and lung or heart disease. Data from the Centre's Decision Support System (DSS) revealed contribution of stubble burning to Delhi's PM 2.5 concentration was approximately 3.34% on Sunday. This decreased from around 5.5% on Saturday and 14.6% on Friday. The highest single day contribution of farm fires to Delhi's PM 2.5 load this season was 15.97% on Oct 23. At present, the stage 2 of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is operational in the region. This encompasses 11 measures, including a prohibition on diesel generator sets across NCR — excluding those for emergency and essential services — and utilisation of coal and firewood, including in tandoors. Additional measures under the stage 2 include enhanced parking fees across NCR to discourage private transport usage, and augmentation of public transport (CNG/electric buses and metro) through procurement of additional fleets or increased service frequency.

Local pollutant sources primary contributors to Delhi's deteriorating air quality Analysis

With a decrease in the number of farm fires, local pollutant sources continue to be the primary contributors to the deterioration of Delhi's air quality, accounting for 95 per cent of PM2.5 levels, according to a recent analysis. The analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) says Delhi's air quality has deteriorated from "poor" to "very poor", highlighting that local pollution sources, primarily vehicular emissions, are chiefly responsible for this decline. The CSE's pre-Diwali and pre-winter assessment shows that farm fires contribute only about 4.44 per cent to Delhi's PM2.5 levels, while local pollution sources account for more than 95 per cent. Notably, the transport sector is responsible for more than half of the pollution, followed by residential burning (13 per cent), industrial emissions (11 per cent) and construction activities (7 per cent), according to the analysis. "This year, the air quality has worsened even though the contribution of farm fires has remained significantly lower than previous years," said Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director of research and advocacy at the CSE. "The city can no longer deflect blame onto farm fires. We must urgently address local pollution sources," she added. The analysis, covering PM2.5 levels from September 15 to October 28, indicates a concerning trend -- the PM2.5 levels reached 213 µg/m³ on October 23, coinciding with a temporary spike in farm-fire contributions. However, the overall increase in the PM2.5 levels in October shows a 13-per cent rise compared to the same period last year, with a record number of "very poor" air quality days. The CSE's study also identified a significant rise in traffic congestion across major roads in Delhi, exacerbating the pollution levels. The average speed reduction during peak hours on weekdays was reported at 40.8 per event, leading to higher nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels. The analysis revealed that congestion on the weekend before Diwali resulted in particularly elevated NO2 levels, peaking at 75 µg/m³ in the evening. According to the report, 11 days of "very poor" air quality were recorded in October -- an increase from previous years -- while "good" air quality days drastically dropped from 11 in 2022 to just two this year. As Delhi faces this pressing environmental crisis, experts assert that significant and immediate action is required to combat local pollution. "Effective measures must be implemented to tackle emissions from vehicles, industry and other local sources," Roychowdhury said.

Delhi's Air Quality Crisis: Local Pollutants Take a Toll

Despite a decrease in farm fires, Delhi's air quality declines, with local pollutants being the major contributors. The Centre for Science and Environment reports vehicular emissions as the main source, urging immediate action to curb local emissions as the city's air quality plummets from 'poor' to 'very poor.' Delhi's air quality has hit alarming levels, with local pollutants making up the bulk of deteriorations, as revealed by a recent analysis from the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The report underscores vehicular emissions as the primary culprits, with a staggering 95% contribution to PM2.5 levels, dwarfing the impact of farm fires, which contribute a mere 4.44%.

Farm Fire Smokescreen Off, CSE Says Vehicles Key Issue

New Delhi: The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has conducted a pre-winter analysis which says that local pollution sources, with vehicle emissions at the forefront, are worsening the city's air quality. The analysis indicates that the AQI worsened despite a decrease in farm fires. It also highlighted that the south and west Delhi areas are most vulnerable to high PM2.5 levels. The analysis identified the transport sector as the biggest contributor, accounting for more than half of the pollution from local sources, according to the CSE analysis. "Usually, every year, the contribution of farm fires to Delhi's air quality during this first phase of winter is considered the biggest problem, detracting attention from the local sources of air pollution. But this year, the air quality of Delhi turned from poor to very poor even when, for most of this phase, the contribution of farm fires remained less than 1 to 3 per cent, reaching up to 8-16 per cent only on two days. This exposes the problem of a higher contribution from local air pollution sources," Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy at CSE, said. She added that the contribution of vehicles among the local sources of Delhi to the city's air quality is more than half. "With the overall number of farm fires declining, the city cannot hide behind its smokescreen anymore. This demands very stringent advanced action at scale and with speed to minimise the local pollution in Delhi and its surrounding region," she said. The analysis came at the onset of winter and a day before Diwali, anticipating a peak in episodic air pollution from stubble burning and the bursting of firecrackers. "It focuses on current trends in PM2.5 levels to understand the nature of the change in air quality and the changing pattern of the contribution of different sources of air pollution to overall particulate pollution in Delhi," Shambhavi Shukla, programme manager of the Clean Air Programme at CSE, said. Shukla added that the PM2.5 levels during this phase of winter appear to be similar and even higher compared to the same time frame during previous winters, suggesting that air quality has not improved substantially and is at a risk of worsening. The study highlights congestion on major roads across the city as a new challenge. The study found that the highest PM2.5 spike this early winter (Sept 15-Oct 28) was recorded on Oct 23, reaching 213 micrograms per cubic metre when the contribution of farm fires was 16%. However, the average PM2.5 level from Oct 1-28 shows an increase of about 13% compared to the corresponding period in 2023. The analysis found that all 13 pollution hotspots continue to remain problematic, showing a rise in PM2.5 levels this Oct, compared to 2023, except Mundka and Bawana, that showed improvements of 12% and 7%, respectively. The study holds local sources as well as the surrounding region of Delhi or districts of Haryana, UP, MP, Bihar, Rajasthan responsible and demands a region-wide and airshed-based mitigation strategy.

Study Finds Loopholes in Implementation of EPR System for Plastic Packaging

India’s plastic waste problem can be managed by giving more teeth to its policies and guidelines, such as the country’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines for plastic packaging, says a new study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), a New Delhi-based think-tank. CSE’s latest study also highlights significant gaps in the implementation of the guidelines. “India is taking steps to fight the plastic waste menace, but its efforts will not see fruition unless it gives more teeth to its policies and guidelines like EPR”, says the report. Sunita Narain, director general, CSE, said: “We must manage our plastic in a manner so that it does not become a waste. The government’s EPR guidelines are an important tool, but the operational loopholes and other concerns that have emerged from the CSE assessment can lead to questions about its integrity – we must ensure that all this effort does not end up being a “waste” of time.” CSE’s study underscores the need for robust interventions to ensure that India’s EPR framework effectively addresses plastic pollution and upholds the “polluter pays” principle. The report said EPR in this context implies that producers and other stakeholders (such as importers etc) of plastic packaging material can be held accountable for their products through their entire lifecycle. This means that Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners (PIBOs) must invest in collection, transportation, channelisation and recycling of packaging plastic waste, says the report. The EPR guidelines, issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) on February 16, 2022, require manufacturers, PIBOs as well as Plastic Waste Processors (PWPs) to register on a centralised portal. This framework sets specific targets for collection, recycling, end-of-life, recycled content usage and selective re-use in plastic packaging. CSE’s study, however, reveals major gaps in enforcement and systemic integrity that need urgent redressal. According to the study, the centralised EPR portal has received 41,577 registrations from PIBOs (till the time of the CSE assessment) --- 83% of the registered PIBOs are Importers, 11% are Producers and 6% are Brand Owners. Of these, producers are responsible for introducing the majority of plastic packaging into the Indian market, cumulatively accounting for 65% of the total. Brand owners are the next biggest contributors with 26%. Importers, despite being the highest in numbers to register, have only introduced 9% of the plastic packaging introduced in the market. Atin Biswas, programme director, sustainable solid waste management and circular economy unit, CSE said, “No manufacturers of virgin plastics feature on the portal, despite the EPR guidelines mandating registration for manufacturers. Another concern is that key contributors to plastic waste management, such as urban local bodies (ULBs) and informal waste collectors lack representation in the EPR framework. This absence deprives them of incentives and support to manage plastic waste effectively, placing an undue burden on local governments.” While collection targets have been in force since the notification of the guidelines, the (mechanical) recycling targets have kicked in from 2024-25. In 2024-25, registered PIBOs have a mandate to mechanically recycle 35% cent of the total plastic packaging introduced into the Indian market across all plastic categories. These PIBOs have introduced 23.9 million tonne (MT) of plastic packaging into the Indian market since the launch of the EPR portal in April 2022 – this translates into an annual average plastic packaging waste generation of about 8 MT. Biswas said, “This indicates that the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB’s) estimation of annual average plastic waste generation (all kinds of plastic waste) of 4.1 MT is an underestimation.” The study highlights another problem. As almost 66% of the plastic packaging introduced into the Indian market is flexible in nature, this kind of plastic is difficult to collect and recycle. A March 2024 amendment to the EPR guidelines under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, has reclassified multi-layered plastic (MLP) packaging -- used to package chips, biscuits etc, and other small formats such as sachets – as flexible plastic packaging. Siddharth G Singh, programme manager, sustainable solid waste management and circular economy, CSE, said in a release, “Cities across the Indian sub-continent have been struggling to deal with MLP packaging: a very small fraction of this waste goes for mechanical recycling and processing. The reclassification of MLP into flexible plastic category takes away the pressure from PIBOs to design their plastic packaging better, keeping the end-of-life of plastics in consideration. The burden of collecting and managing problematic formats of plastic packaging thus falls on local governments.” Singh said, “Currently, PIBOs are paying only 10% of the total cost of collecting and channelising plastics to a plastic waste processor or recycler, especially for MLP packaging.” In October 2023, the CPCB and state pollution control boards blew the lid off a scam in this sector. They discovered that plastic waste recyclers in three states were indulging in generation of fake ‘plastic certificates’. The regulatory bodies found that 0.7 million (seven lakh) fake certificates were generated by plastic recyclers. This is 38 times more than the certificate generation capacity of recyclers. The CPCB has already imposed a cumulative fine of Rs 355 crore on the violators. “Such practices drive certificate prices to untenable lows, undermining the system’s credibility. We have found that the malpractice is more widespread than believed. CSE’s assessment has discovered many more states where fake certificates are being generated. End-of-life disposal service providers such as waste-to-oil, waste-to-energy and cement co-processing facilities have been found to be generating certificates and transferring in volumes exceeding their registered processing capacities. As far as we know, no action has yet been taken against the PIBOs for defeating the purpose and principles of the EPR guidelines,” Singh said. Shrotik Bose, research associate, sustainable solid waste management and circular economy unit, CSE, said “We have found huge differences between the quantity processed and the registered and verified capacities. For instance, end-of-life co-processing (cement plants) units claim to have collectively processed 335.4 MT per annum (TPA) of plastic packaging waste against a capacity of a mere 11.4 million TPA!” The CSE report suggests some critical interventions that can be made to make the EPR system for plastic packaging more robust. Says Biswas, “We have some time. The implementation of the guidelines have a timeline till 2027-28. Corrective measures, if taken timely, can help run a well-oiled market-driven EPR system.” Aniket Chandra, senior research associate, sustainable solid waste management and circular economy unit, CSE, and co-author of the study, says: “The current EPR regime misses a very important set of stakeholders – the informal sector and WMAs; these need to be recognised to increase the traceability of the value chain.” The writer is a freelance journalist based in Patna, Bihar.

Local pollution sources responsible for Delhi's bad air, not farm fires: Study

Despite a decrease in farm fires, local pollution sources continue to contribute to the deterioration of Delhi's air quality, which has hovered between 'poor' and 'very poor' for the past several days, according to a study conducted by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The CSE study makes it clear that when external pollution sources are sidelined, local contributors, especially the transport sector, emerge as significant culprits. This sector alone accounts for more than half of the pollution from local sources.

Farm fires caused just 4% of Delhi’s air pollution, vehicles main culprit, finds pre-Diwali analysis

A pre-Diwali analysis of Delhi’s air pollution has attributed the smoggy skies and deteriorating air quality to local sources in the national capital and neighbouring regions, particularly vehicular emissions. Stubble burning had an overall contribution of less than 5 percent to Delhi’s current air pollution, the report from the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said. The CSE report, published 30 October, analysed the PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) concentration levels in Delhi from 15 September to 28 October and the contribution of different sources of pollution to the spike in air quality index (AQI).

Why is Delhi’s air unbreathable despite a dip in farm fires? CSE’s pre-winter pre-Diwali analysis

A new pre-Diwali and pre-winter analysis of air pollution in Delhi by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has found that despite a slowdown in farm fires, the air quality in the capital has been going for bad to worse – and the reason is high contribution of local air pollution sources such as vehicles. When only the local sources of air pollution in Delhi are assessed, and contributions from external sources are excluded, the transport sector emerges as the biggest contributor, accounting for more than half of the pollution coming from only the local sources, says the CSE analysis. “Usually, every year, the contribution of farm fires to Delhi’s air quality during this first phase of winter is considered the biggest problem, detracting attention form the local sources of air pollution. But this year, the air quality of Delhi has turned from poor to very poor even when for most part of this phase, the contribution of farm fires has remained less than 1 to 3 per cent, reaching up to 8-16 per cent only on two days. This exposes the problem of higher contribution of local air pollution sources,” says Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy, CSE. “What is stunning is the very high contribution of vehicles among the local sources of Delhi, to Delhi’s air quality – it is more than half. With the overall number of farm fire count declining, the city cannot hide behind its smokescreen anymore. This demands very stringent advanced action at scale and with speed to minimise the local pollution in Delhi and its surrounding region,” she adds. The CSE analysis has come at the onset of winter and just before the anticipated peaking of episodic air pollution from stubble burning and bursting of firecrackers during Diwali. “It focuses on current trends in PM2.5 levels to understand the nature of the change in air quality and the changing pattern of the contribution of different sources of air pollution to overall particulate pollution in Delhi,” says Shambhavi Shukla, programme manager, clean air programme, CSE. Shukla adds: “The PM2.5 levels during this phase of winter of 2024 appear to be similar and even higher compared to the same time frame during the previous winters — suggesting that air quality has not improved substantially and is at risk of worsening.” “An added challenge has been the escalation in congestion index of major roads across Delhi, that has further aggravated the pollution exposure. Vehicles caught in congestion and idling emit several times more than their normal on-road emissions,” say Shubham Srivastava, programme officer, clean air programme, CSE; Srivastava has analysed the traffic congestion in Delhi.

Local Pollutants Major Contributors to Delhi's Air Quality Decline

As the stubble burning decreases, local pollutant remains the primary source to the deterioration of Delhi's air quality, reports said. accounting for 95% of PM2.5 levels, according to a latest analysis. An analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) reveals that Delhi's air quality has worsened from "poor" to "very poor." It highlights that local pollution sources, especially vehicle emissions, are the mainly responsible this decline.

Current pledges on climate change ‘will fail’ to meet 2°C goal

Current nationally determined contributions (NDCs) when aggregated, will almost certainly lead to a failure in achieving Paris Agreement goals, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has indicated on Monday, with the best-case estimate of peak temperature rise by the end of century in the range of 2.1–2.8°C based on full implementation of all NDCs until 2030, by when emissions are expected to have peaked. To be sure, countries have till February next year to update these NDCs, essentially emission reduction targets. Current NDCs combined would see global emissions in 2030 at a level only 2.6% lower than in 2019, falling far short of the 43% reduction by 2030 that is required to achieve the Paris Agreement goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C over pre-industrial levels and 27% reduction to limit warming to 2°C, according to a report presented by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The report synthesizes information from the 168 latest available NDCs, representing 195 Parties to the Paris Agreement, including the 153 new or updated NDCs communicated by 180 Parties as on September 9. These cover 95% of the total global emissions in 2019. A total of 34 parties have communicated new or updated NDCs since 25 September 2023. Global emissions to peak before 2030? Total global green house gas (GHG) emissions (without considering land use, land-use change, and forestry) taking into account implementation of the latest NDCs will take emissions in 2030 to a level 49.8% higher than in 1990, 8.3% higher than in 2010 , but 2.6% lower than in 2019, indicating the possibility of global emissions peaking before 2030. The projected total global GHG emission level taking into account full implementation of all latest NDCs continues to imply a possibility of global emissions peaking before 2030, with the lower bound of the 2030 emission level estimated to be up to 8.6% below the 2019 emission level. Most importantly though, the report has underlined that this would be possible only if conditional NDCs dependent on transfer of finance and technology are implemented. “In order to achieve that peaking, the conditional elements of the NDCs need to be implemented, which depends mostly on access to enhanced financial resources, technology transfer and technical cooperation, and capacity-building support; availability of market based mechanisms; and absorptive capacity of forests and other ecosystems,” the report added. Beyond 2°C warming The best estimate of peak temperature rise by end of century is in the range of 2.1–2.8°C, the report has highlighted. “Taking into account the implementation of NDCs up until 2030, projected global mean temperatures are subject to significant uncertainty owing to the range of emission levels estimated for 2030 resulting from implementation of NDCs (including whether conditional elements are implemented or not), the range of illustrative emission extensions beyond 2030 and inherent climate system uncertainties. The best estimate of peak temperature in the twenty-first century is in the range of 2.1–2.8°C depending on the underlying assumptions, the report has said. “Today’s NDC Synthesis Report must be a turning point, ending the era of inadequacy and sparking a new age of acceleration, with much bolder new national climate plans from every country due next year. The report’s findings are stark but not surprising – current national climate plans fall miles short of what’s needed to stop global heating from crippling every economy, and wrecking billions of lives and livelihoods across every country,” said UNFCCC Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell, in a statement. The coming climate conference in Baku, COP29 is a vital moment in the world’s climate fight, and today’s data is a blunt reminder of why COP29 must stand and deliver. Governments must come to Baku ready to convert the pledges in the UAE Consensus at COP28 – tripling renewables, the global goal on adaptation, transitioning away from all fossil fuels – into real-world, real-economy results, protecting people and their livelihoods everywhere, he added. “The NDC Synthesis Report reveals that the world is still dangerously off track in achieving climate targets. Fossil fuels remain dominant, and efforts to scale up renewables fall far short of what the science demands. The financial lifeline that developing countries desperately need to protect people from climate disasters and raise ambition on emissions reduction remains absent,” said Harjeet Singh, Climate Activist and Global Engagement Director for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative. “The fate of our planet now hangs on COP29 and the progress on a new climate finance goal. Rich nations have continuously failed to deliver the promised funds, and if they don’t commit to the trillions of dollars needed annually for climate action, the world is headed toward a future defined by catastrophic floods, fires, and food crises,” he added. The Centre for Science and Environment also flagged on Monday that COP29 in Baku will be one of the most critical climate conferences because finance is the central agenda. There can be no immediate climate action without availability of climate finance for developing countries, CSE said. Only 1% of the global GDP – about $1 trillion – can meet developing countries’ immediate climate requirements. CSE paper says this must be provided through non-debt creating financial instruments like grants and concessional loans. Other issues on the table: Article 6 (carbon markets), scaling up of mitigation ambitions and the global goal on adaptation. COP 29 will work towards reaching an agreement on what is called the ‘New Collective Quantified Goal’ (NCQG) on climate finance. The NCQG will replace commitments made by developed countries in 2009 to support climate action in developing countries, by providing $100 billion per year by 2020. “COP 29 has the potential to become the most important climate conference since Paris – given how crucial financial support is for developing countries to reach their climate goals. We have seen till now that the provision of climate finance by the Global North has been inadequate, and the Global South has been repeatedly let down by unmet pledges and commitments. We are hoping to see some change in this status quo at Baku,” said Sunita Narain, director general, CSE.

Indian coal giants pushed for lax pollution rules while ramping up production

The Indian government weakened rules to curb pollution caused by its expanding coal industry after lobbying by top producers, even as it agreed internationally to phase down the use of coal, an investigation by Climate Home has found. India’s coal giants pushed back hard against environmental regulation meant to tighten up the disposal of fly ash – a byproduct of coal-fired power plants known to harm both humans and the environment if not managed properly. Letters sent by coal companies to the Indian government – and accessed by Climate Home News through freedom of information requests to government agencies – reveal lobbying efforts to weaken federal rules between 2019 and 2023. The state-run firms involved were Coal India Limited (CIL), the world’s third-biggest coal mining company, and National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Limited, one of the top 10 coal-fired power companies globally. Top management at the coal giants claimed their organisations would not be able to comply fully with the government regulations, aimed at controlling fly ash disposal after decades of public health impacts for local communities. Even after the rules were approved, the companies continued efforts to weaken them, in some cases successfully. NTPC argued financial constraints would keep them from meeting the new requirements to clean up waste accumulated over decades and prevent further ash pollution, according to the accessed documents. In some cases, lobbying got results and regulations were eased, with the environment and power ministries drawing on arguments from both companies in official correspondence between government agencies. Climate Home contacted the two coal companies and India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for comment on the issues raised in this article but did not receive a response. COP26 commitment In 2021, while the proposed fly ash mandates were under discussion in India, the country was negotiating the COP26 climate pact in Glasgow, which calls on all governments to take action “towards the phase-down of unabated coal power”. At those UN talks, India rejected stronger language on a global shift away from coal, but it agreed to scale back unabated coal power, which is produced without technology to reduce its climate-heating emissions. Despite this deal, coal infrastructure around the world has since grown, mostly driven by added coal mining and power capacity in India, China and Indonesia. The Indian documents obtained by Climate Home reveal that the South Asian nation’s coal companies lobbied against regulations on fly ash pollution while expanding coal production at record speed. In their correspondence with ministries, they argued that high fines for non-compliance with waste disposal rules were a risk to their financial sustainability and raised the prospect of coal-fired power plants being shut down, triggering a power crisis in the country. Fly ash pollution When thermal power plants burn coal for energy, the fly ash they generate as a byproduct is dumped in water-filled, dam-like structures called dykes. Old “legacy” dykes store ash from previous decades and are a major source of pollution for nearby communities, explained independent air pollution analyst Sunil Dahiya. Wet ash can leach into groundwater, while dry ash can blow away, causing air pollution and damaging crops. Functioning disposal sites are also vulnerable to heavy rains, as they can overflow and pollute nearby settlements. This happened on at least three occasions between 2019 and 2021, according to a 2021 report by the NGO Fly Ash Watch Group. To minimise the impacts of fly ash, companies can recycle it into products like bricks, cement sheets, panels and other construction materials – a process known as “utilisation”. Sehr Raheja, climate change officer at the Indian think-tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), highlighted the need to utilise “legacy” ash given “the enormous quantity”, adding there are risks involved with it staying underground, such as water and soil pollution. As of 2019, the amount of accumulated unused ash in the country was about 1.65 billion tonnes, according to a CSE report, with newer estimates suggesting even more, she said. “Loophole” in regulation Fly ash regulation – known officially as the Fly Ash Notification – has been in place in India since 1999. But it was not until a 2021 update to the rules that fines were introduced for failing to comply with proper waste disposal, following the ‘polluter pays’ principle. The regulation also imposed a mandate on thermal power plants to ensure 100% utilisation of accumulated old fly ash, as well as fresh ash produced by ongoing operations. Documents accessed by Climate Home show that NTPC exchanged letters with government agencies asking for elimination of the mandate to clean up accumulated ash. “It is proposed that the provisions for utilization of old legacy ash may be dropped,” reads a 2021 letter from NTPC to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change.

Show Us the Money – A briefing by CSE

Climate finance is expected to dominate the discussions at the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 29), which is scheduled to begin on November 11 at Baku, in Azerbaijan. A new position paper by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), released here today at a pre-COP 29 briefing, has spelt out all the key debates around climate finance and offers some principles that can ensure an equitable and ambitious outcome at the Conference. Speaking in the briefing, CSE director general Sunita Narain said, “COP 29 has the potential to become the most important climate conference since Paris – given how crucial financial support is for developing countries to reach their climate goals. We have seen till now that the provision of climate finance by the Global North has been inadequate, and the Global South has been repeatedly let down by unmet pledges and commitments. We are hoping to see some change in this status quo at Baku.” At Baku, Parties (countries participating in the COP and its processes) are supposed to reach an agreement on what is called the ‘New Collective Quantified Goal’ (NCQG) on climate finance. The NCQG is set to replace the commitments made by developed countries in 2009 to support climate action in developing countries, by providing them US $100 billion per year by 2020 – a target that has been met only once (in 2022). According to Avantika Goswami, Programme Manager, Climate Change, CSE: “According to various analyses, an annual mobilisation of only 1 per cent of the global GDP – about US $1 trillion – can meet developing countries’ immediate climate requirements, while also allowing nations to improve their climate ambition in the coming years. We believe that this must be provided through non-debt creating financial instruments, primarily grants and concessional loans, for the Global South. This can help further their climate ambition, while meeting their developmental priorities at the same time.” What the CSE position paper highlights CSE’s mapping of country positions on the NCQG shows that developed countries have abstained from any engagement on the quantum or amount of finance to be provided under the goal. Additionally, they are also pushing for an expansion of the contributor base, inclusion of private finance, and inclusion of Article 2.1(c) discussions (which refer to finance flows becoming climate-consistent) within the NCQG. In contrast, developing countries have laid out clear proposals for the quantum of finance needed, ranging from US $1-2 trillion annually. They have also emphasised that international public finance must be the core component of the NCQG, and that historical responsibilities must be adhered to when deciding the contributor base. Additionally, they have called for a separation between the issues of climate-consistent finance flows (referring to Article 2.1(c)) and financial support mandated under Article 9 of the Paris Agreement. “The NCQG is essential for enabling global climate action. It must also be informed by existing barriers to accessing climate finance faced by developing countries, such as a higher cost of capital for green technologies and growing debt burdens,” says Sehr Raheja, Programme Officer, Climate Change, CSE, and a co-author of the report. “In an atmosphere where trust is eroded in the multilateral process, the NCQG is one of the last opportunities for the Global North to course correct, show courage, and pay its fair share,” points out Goswami. Other issues at COP 29 Article 6: Article 6 of the Paris Agreement will be important at COP 29 as countries seek to operationalise carbon markets. The rules surrounding emissions trading are crucial for integrity and accountability. Says Goswami: “If these rules are poorly framed, we risk yet another carbon market that looks promising on paper but fails in practice. If crafted well, they could set the benchmark for a market that actually works – something the world desperately wants to see.” On mitigation: COP 29 will also witness negotiations to scale up mitigation ambitions, particularly as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are scheduled to be updated in 2025. On this issue, developed countries are calling for stronger mitigation measures while developing countries have asked for better financial support to enable this. On adaptation: As the adaptation gap keeps increasing, the global goal on adaptation (set into a framework called the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience) will urgently require important discussions on the means of implementation (finance, capacity building and technology transfer) – which it currently lacks — alongside discussions on developing sound indicators for the framework.