Air Pollution, Climate Change, and Human Health in Indian Cities: A Brief Review

Rajveer Kaur,Puneeta Pandey

doi:10.3389/frsc.2021.705131

Abstract

Climate change and air pollution have been a matter of serious concern all over the world in the last few decades. The present review has been carried out in this concern over the Indian cities with significant impacts of both the climate change and air pollution on human health. The expanding urban areas with extreme climate events (high rainfall, extreme temperature, floods, and droughts) are posing human health risks. The intensified heat waves as a result of climate change have led to the elevation in temperature levels causing thermal discomfort and several health issues to urban residents. The study also covers the increasing air pollution levels above the prescribed standards for most of the Indian megacities. The aerosols and PM concentrations have been explored and hazardous health impacts of particles that are inhaled by humans and enter the respiratory system have also been discussed. The air quality during COVID-2019 lockdown in Indian cities with its health impacts has also been reviewed. Finally, the correlation between climate change, air pollution, and urbanizations has been presented as air pollutants (such as aerosols) affect the climate of Earth both directly (by absorption and scattering) and indirectly (by altering the cloud properties and radiation transfer processes). So, the present review will serve as a baseline data for policy makers in analyzing vulnerable regions and implementing mitigation plans for tackling air pollution. The adaptation and mitigation measures can be taken based on the review in Indian cities to reciprocate human health impacts by regular air pollution monitoring and addressing climate change as well.

Highlights

Air pollution and climate change are major threats to rapidly growing cities in present times
The present review highlights high air pollution levels over most of the Indian megacities with air pollutant levels lying above the permissible limits
The continuous emissions from both anthropogenic as well as natural sources causing high PM concentration with adverse human health impacts highlight the necessity of continuous monitoring of air pollutants over the Indian subcontinent using measurements and remote sensing satellite data

Summary

Introduction

Air pollution and climate change are major threats to rapidly growing cities in present times. Vehicular emissions (95%) have been identified as prevalent source of high NO2 concentrations followed by industries and fuel burning, thereby increasing air pollution in urban areas of India (Mondal et al, 2000; Ghose et al, 2004; ARAI, 2010).

Results

Conclusion