Delhi’s alarming air pollution was a central topic at COP29, with experts raising concerns about its devastating health effects and urging immediate global intervention. Aarti Khosla, Director of Climate Trends, highlighted that the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) had soared to hazardous levels, with particulate matter concentrations in some areas surpassing 1,000 micrograms per cubic metre.
“Pollution comes from multiple sources—black carbon, ozone, fossil fuel burning, and farm fires,” Khosla explained. “We need comprehensive solutions addressing all these sources.”
La Niña Worsens Pollution Crisis
Khosla also pointed to the La Niña weather pattern as a contributing factor. Low wind speeds during this phenomenon trap pollutants, exacerbating Delhi’s already critical air quality. “While we discuss global issues, millions are at immediate health risk. Swift action is essential,” she urged.
Courtney Howard, Vice-Chair of the Global Climate and Health Alliance, drew parallels with Canada’s 2023 wildfires, which led to the evacuation of 70% of her region’s population. “Even in a wealthy nation like Canada, these disasters were financially crippling. Poorer countries face an even greater challenge and urgently need financial support,” she stated.
Howard criticised global spending priorities, citing massive subsidies for corporations over healthcare funding. “We’re giving USD 1 trillion to profit-making corporations but claiming there’s no healthcare money. It’s time to prioritise health to safeguard lives,” she said.
Children’s Health at Stake Globally
Enkhun Byambadorj, Co-Founder of Breathe Mongolia, illuminated the long-term impact of air pollution on children. He revealed that children in urban areas of Mongolia have 40% lower lung capacity than their rural counterparts.
“The air we breathe is a societal choice, but right now, that choice harms our children’s future,” Byambadorj warned.
The discussions at COP29 underscored the need for collaborative international efforts to address the worsening air quality crisis. Experts called for immediate investments in cleaner technologies, stricter regulations, and prioritising healthcare funding to mitigate the impacts of pollution on vulnerable populations.