Introduction
In a recent attempt to curb severe air pollution in New Delhi, authorities resorted to cloud seeding to induce rainfall. However, this method has its limitations and may not be a long-term solution to the problem.
The Limitations of Cloud Seeding
While rainfall can capture dust, pollen, and compounds like sulfur dioxide, it cannot effectively remove other pollutants that form due to atmospheric reactions involving light, temperature, and other factors. These chemical reactions render surface-level actions, such as cloud seeding, ineffective and merely result in additional costs without a genuine solution.
Moreover, when rainfall does manage to carry away some pollutants, it only transfers them to the ground, water, vegetation, and urban infrastructure. The true solution lies in minimizing or reducing the generation of pollutants, requiring collective efforts from all economic sectors and individuals.
The Global Impact of Air Pollution
Air pollution poses a significant threat worldwide, with approximately 8 million premature deaths annually attributed to it. Of these, over 3 million are due to poor indoor air quality. Although Asia hosts the most polluted cities, medium and large-sized cities globally also face severe air quality issues.
International Efforts to Improve Air Quality
At the latest G20 ministerial meeting in Cape Town, members acknowledged the importance of collaborative efforts to generate knowledge, technology, and experience exchange. This aims to work more forcefully and committedly towards enhancing air quality in towns and cities worldwide.
The ministerial declaration obliges G20 members to improve air quality monitoring, encourage international cooperation, share data, and promote measures to reduce pollutants.
Mexico’s Role in Tackling Air Pollution
Experts in Mexico agree that improving air quality necessitates a collective responsibility. This includes daily decisions such as fixing gas leaks in stoves and water heaters, as well as choosing fragrance-free cleaning products.
Additionally, businesses must commit to eliminating polluting emissions from industries and producing affordable hybrid vehicles that genuinely utilize electric systems for ignition and vehicle accessories, rather than just simulating hybrid status with electric motors.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is cloud seeding? Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique that involves dispersing substances into the atmosphere to promote cloud formation and precipitation.
- Why is cloud seeding not a long-term solution for air pollution? Cloud seeding primarily targets water-based pollutants and cannot effectively remove other pollutants formed through atmospheric reactions.
- What are the global implications of air pollution? Air pollution causes around 8 million premature deaths annually, with over 3 million attributed to poor indoor air quality. Major polluted cities are primarily located in Asia, but the issue affects medium and large-sized cities worldwide.
- What commitments have been made by the G20 to address air quality? The G20 ministerial declaration obliges members to improve air quality monitoring, foster international cooperation, share data, and promote pollutant reduction measures.
- What actions can individuals take to improve air quality? Individuals can contribute by fixing gas leaks, choosing fragrance-free cleaning products, and supporting businesses that prioritize reducing polluting emissions.
