Roadmap for Answer Writing
Introduction
- Purpose: Briefly introduce the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) by the WHO.
- Context: Mention the significance of air quality for public health.
Key Points of the Revised Guidelines
- Expanded Pollutant Coverage:
- Fact: The revised AQGs cover six pollutants: PM2.5, PM10, ozone (O₃), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), and carbon monoxide (CO) .
- Stricter Limits:
- Fact: The annual average for PM2.5 should not exceed 5 micrograms per cubic meter, and the 24-hour average should not exceed 15 micrograms per cubic meter .
Changes from the 2005 Update
- Time Gap:
- Fact: The last update was in 2005, making this the first revision in nearly two decades .
- Inclusion of New Pollutants:
- Fact: The 2021 revision includes guidelines for fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), which were not covered previously and have severe health impacts .
Changes Required in India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
- Stringent Targets:
- Fact: India’s NCAP should revise existing targets (20% to 30% reduction by 2024) to align with WHO’s stricter limits .
- Source: NCAP guidelines.
- Enhanced Implementation:
- Fact: The NCAP needs to focus on stricter regulations, cleaner technologies, and better monitoring to meet revised standards .
- Source: NCAP recommendations.
- Comprehensive Approach:
- Fact: An integrated strategy should consider regional pollution patterns and involve multiple stakeholders .
- Source: Environmental policy studies.
- Public Awareness and Participation:
- Fact: Emphasizing public engagement can help encourage citizen participation in combating air pollution .
- Source: Community health initiatives.
Conclusion
- Summary: Recap the importance of aligning India’s NCAP with WHO’s revised AQGs for better air quality and public health.
- Call to Action: Stress the need for immediate and effective measures to achieve the revised standards.
This roadmap provides a structured approach to answering the question while integrating relevant facts and sources.
Key Points of Revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGS) by WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) updated its Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGS) in 2021 to reflect new evidence on the health impacts of air pollution. Key points include:
Differences from 2005 Guidelines
The 2021 guidelines are more stringent compared to the 2005 update, reflecting increased scientific evidence linking lower pollutant levels to better health outcomes. For instance, the stricter limits on PM2.5 and NO2 indicate a shift towards addressing even lower levels of pollution to safeguard health.
Changes Required in India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
To align with the revised WHO guidelines, India needs to:
These adjustments are crucial for meeting international health standards and improving air quality in India.
Model Answer
Introduction
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently released revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs), which provide key recommendations for reducing air pollution and protecting public health.
Key Points of the Revised Guidelines
Changes from the 2005 Update
India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and Required Changes
Conclusion
To achieve the revised air quality standards recommended by WHO, India’s NCAP must undergo significant changes, adopting more stringent targets and a comprehensive approach to effectively combat air pollution.