Breathing on Borrowed Time

In the quiet hum of our cities, where life moves in a ceaseless rhythm, an invisible force threatens our well-being—air pollution. It is the silent adversary that claims millions of lives each year, cutting short futures and burdening economies.

The evidence is staggering: according to the 2024 State of Global Air report, air pollution accounted for 8.1 million deaths globally in 2021, with South Asia bearing the heaviest toll. India alone witnessed 2.1 million deaths due to poor air quality, making it the leading risk factor for early death in the region. These are not just statistics; they are lives, dreams, and families forever affected and altered.

Air Pollution and Health

As we mark World Health Day, it is crucial to acknowledge the deep and often devastating connection between air pollution and human health. This year’s theme focuses on maternal and new born health, and urges governments and the health community to carry out concerted efforts in preventing maternal and newborn deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution is responsible for 7 million premature deaths each year, making it one of the leading environmental health risks worldwide.

For those of us living in South Asia, the air we breathe is almost 8.5 times more polluted than what the World Health Organization (WHO) deems safe (AQLI 2024). The impact on life expectancy is profound—3.5 years lost for the average South Asian, 5.3 years for an Indian, 4.1 years for a Nepali, 3.3 years for a Pakistani, and a shocking 6.9 years for a Bangladeshi. These are years stolen by fine particulate matter (PM2.5), an invisible killer that seeps into our lungs, our bloodstream, and our very existence.

The Hidden Costs: Melting Glaciers, Failing Crops, and Economic Strain

The consequences of air pollution extend far beyond health. In the high mountains of the Himalayas, black carbon (BC) particles are accelerating glacier melt, with research at Nepal’s Yala Glacier indicating that BC contributes to nearly 39% of pre-monsoon mass loss. This rapid melting threatens the water security of millions downstream.

Food security is also at risk. Black carbon deposits on crops reduce their ability to photosynthesize, directly impacting yields. In India, wheat production has suffered losses of up to 36% due to a combination of air pollution and climate change. These agricultural declines, coupled with the $8.1 trillion global health cost attributed to PM2.5 pollution, paint a grim picture of our economic future. South Asia alone bears a staggering 10.3% loss of GDP due to air pollution-related health damages.

A Path Forward: Mitigating Black Carbon for Immediate Impact

Unlike CO₂, which lingers in the atmosphere for centuries, black carbon remains for only a few days to weeks. This means that reducing Black Carbon emissions can yield almost immediate benefits—both for our health and the climate. Addressing black carbon offers a rare “triple-win” opportunity: slowing glacier melt, improving air quality, and reducing global warming.

Globally, successful case studies offer hope. The Nordic countries have demonstrated the effectiveness of integrating air quality and climate policies, significantly reducing emissions. The Arctic Council has worked to cut black carbon from diesel engines and residential heating, protecting vulnerable ice caps. Closer to home, India’s Gujarat State Action Plan for Climate Change incorporates air quality improvements in the transport sector, showcasing how targeted policies can make a difference.

Policy Gaps and Challenges

Despite growing awareness, policy responses to air pollution remain inconsistent. Many cities and regions lack stringent air quality standards, and enforcement mechanisms are often weak. While some progress has been made—such as commitments to reduce emissions and promote clean energy—urgent action is needed to bridge the gap between policy intent and implementation.

In many developing nations, industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and biomass burning continue to pose serious threats. Additionally, climate change is exacerbating the problem by intensifying wildfires and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, both of which contribute to deteriorating air quality. Tracking the fallout of these impacts on the well-being of socially disadvantaged groups, including women and newborns is also very much needed.

Best Practices from ICIMOD’s Regional Member Countries

Across South Asia, promising initiatives are already in motion:

• Nepal’s Brick Kiln Revolution: Transitioning to zigzag kiln technology has led to a 40% reduction in PM2.5 and a 60% reduction in BC emissions.
• India’s Crop Residue Management: The “Happy Seeder” program in Punjab and Haryana has curbed stubble burning, reducing emissions by 30%.
• Bhutan’s EV Push: Aiming to phase out fossil fuel-powered vehicles by 2035, Bhutan has introduced an ambitious electric vehicle subsidy program.
• Bangladesh’s Clean Cooking Initiative: Promoting LPG and biogas stoves, this program has reduced emissions and improved indoor air quality.

The Role of Regional Cooperation

Pollution knows no borders, and neither should our response, cross-border initiatives and global partnerships are essential to address this crisis collectively. ICIMOD has played a critical role in fostering regional collaboration, from setting up high-altitude air quality monitoring stations in Nepal and Bhutan to training government officials on data analysis across the region. Regional workshops and conferences, such as the Science Policy and Finance Dialogue, have brought together policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to formulate actionable solutions.

The Road Ahead

On this World Health Day, we must recognize air pollution as a preventable public health crisis. Solutions exist, and decisive action can make a difference. At ICIMOD, we are committed to driving impactful change. Our next steps include:

• Finalizing a regional collaborative framework under the Science Policy and Finance Dialogue to prioritize air quality improvements in the Indo-Gangetic Plain and the Himalayan foothills.
• Strengthening the air quality dashboard by integrating health and demographic data to aid in informed policymaking.
• Scaling up sectoral approaches to mitigate air pollution, with a focus on sustainable industry, transport, and energy solutions.
• Expanding the Himalayan University Consortium, fostering research-driven action to tackle the twin crises of air pollution and climate change.
• Improving tracking and capture of gender sensitive data, especially focusing on women, children and socially disadvantaged groups that are impacted disproportionately by air pollution.

A Call to Action

World Health Day is a powerful reminder that a healthier future is within our grasp. The fight against air pollution is not a distant battle—it is unfolding in our homes, our streets, and our mountains. The WHO’s Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health concluded recently in Catagerna, Columbia, has made it clear: the time for action is now. By prioritizing black carbon reduction and integrating air quality into climate policies, we can drive meaningful change and push governments toward cleaner, more sustainable solutions.

We stand at this critical juncture. Do we continue breathing on borrowed time, or do we take bold steps to secure clean air for generations to come? The choice is ours—and the moment to act is now!

Pema Gyamtsho

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