Mumbai Air Pollution Sustainability

Question 1

What is the issue with Mumbai having high levels of air pollution?

Answer 1

Air pollution in Mumbai is a massive problem with nitrogen dioxide levels and particulate matter (actual particles) from vehicles, particularly diesel creating daily smog
This can cause health problems of lung damage and exacerbate respiratory illnesses, such as asthma and commonly causes death in Mumbai.
• Air pollution contributed to around 80,000 premature deaths of adults over 30 years in Mumbai and Delhi in 2015, a two-fold jump from 1995
• In economic terms, air pollution cost the two cities $10.66 billion in 2015

Question 2

What are the strategies that Mumbai is using to cope with air pollution issues?

Answer 2

• The Mumbai government has pledged to make Mumbai ‘smarter’ environmentally and is thinking about introducing clean air acts and is trying to prevent industry from burning waste.
• It is educating the population on pollution solutions as it is encouraging commuters to use public transport, to walk or bike wherever possible, has built a rapid mass transport system (train system), encouraging residents to drive cars in good condition and is also encouraging ‘car pooling’ where commuters share vehicles

Question 3

Why is air pollution increasing in developing countries (where Mumbai is situated)?

Answer 3

In developing countries and emerging economies, they still rely heavily on fossil fuels to meet energy needs. Increases in industrial activity and car ownership, combined with lack of regulation of emissions, mean that atmospheric pollution is often severe

Question 4

How successful are air pollution strategies in the developing world?

Answer 4

In the developing world, there has been some progress towards reducing urban air pollution. E.g. most countries have phased out the use of leaded petrol, however progress is slow.