Tackling Pakistan’s Smog Crisis for a Healthier Future

Smog is one of the most persistent and destructive environmental challenges of our time. For Pakistan, where agriculture forms the backbone of the economy, smog poses a critical threat to livelihoods, public health, and sustainable development. The recurring smog crises, particularly in Punjab, highlight a pressing need for intervention. Lessons from countries that have successfully addressed smog—including the United Kingdom’s Great Smog of 1952—offer a blueprint for Pakistan. By contextualizing these lessons and incorporating global best practices, Pakistan can forge a more effective response to its air quality crisis.

Historical Perspectives: The UK’s Battle Against Smog

The Great Smog of London in December 1952 remains a pivotal moment in environmental history. This disaster resulted from a combination of coal burning and cold weather, which created a thick layer of toxic air pollution. The smog led to over 4,000 immediate deaths and tens of thousands of long-term health complications.

In response, the UK introduced the Clean Air Act of 1956, which became a landmark in environmental policy. The act focused on:

1. Establishing Smoke-Free Zones: Urban areas were designated as smoke-free to reduce pollution from coal-burning households.

2. Transitioning to Cleaner Fuels: Coal was replaced with cleaner fuels like natural gas, facilitated by government incentives.

3. Monitoring Air Quality: Air quality monitoring and public awareness campaigns ensured compliance with new regulations.

The outcomes were transformative. London experienced a steady improvement in air quality, demonstrating how decisive government action and community participation can mitigate environmental crises.

Global Success Stories

Other nations have also combated air pollution effectively, offering insights for countries like Pakistan:

1. California, USA

In the 1940s and 1950s, Los Angeles faced severe smog due to vehicular and industrial emissions. California’s Clean Air Act of 1970 pioneered emission standards, regulated industrial pollutants, and introduced catalytic converters in vehicles. Today, California is a global leader in clean energy and air quality management.

2. Japan’s Industrial Pollution Reforms

In the 1960s, Japan experienced severe air and water pollution during its rapid industrialization. Policies like the Basic Environment Law of 1967 enforced strict industrial emission standards, invested in renewable energy, and established eco-friendly practices. This approach not only improved air quality but also supported sustainable economic growth.

3. China’s Aggressive Measures

Facing some of the worst air pollution globally, China launched its Action Plan for Air Pollution Prevention and Control in 2013. Policies included relocating polluting industries, setting up air quality monitoring networks, and promoting electric vehicles. Within a decade, air pollution levels in major cities significantly declined.

The Smog Challenge in Pakistan

Smog in Pakistan, particularly in Punjab, peaks during the winter season, when air quality deteriorates due to several factors:

• Crop Residue Burning: Farmers burn stubble after the harvest to clear fields quickly, releasing particulate matter and greenhouse gases.

• Vehicular Emissions: Increasing traffic and outdated vehicles contribute significantly to urban and rural pollution.

• Industrial Activities: Factories often operate without emission controls, adding to the smog burden.

• Urbanization and Construction Dust: Rapid urban expansion generates dust and airborne particulates, compounding smog.

The consequences are dire, including respiratory illnesses, reduced agricultural productivity, and disrupted rural economies.

Lessons for Pakistan

Drawing from the experiences of the UK and other nations, Pakistan can adopt a multipronged approach to address its smog crisis:

1. Policy Reform and Enforcement

While Pakistan’s Punjab Smog Policy is a step in the right direction, enforcement remains a significant challenge. Global examples show the importance of:

• Clear Guidelines: Introducing penalties for stubble burning, along with incentives for adopting alternatives like mulching or bio-decomposers.

• Institutional Accountability: Strengthening institutions like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure compliance with air quality standards.

2. Adopting Cleaner Fuels

Pakistan can replicate the UK’s success in transitioning from coal to cleaner fuels by:

• Promoting Natural Gas and Solar Energy: Expanding access to affordable and sustainable energy sources in rural areas.

• Modernizing Kilns and Industries: Introducing zigzag technology for brick kilns and emission control systems in factories.

3. Technological Interventions

Advanced technologies can enhance air quality management. Examples include:

• Satellite Monitoring: Using real-time data to track stubble burning and industrial emissions.

• Low-Cost Sensors: Deploying community-based air quality sensors to identify pollution hotspots.

4. Community Engagement

Engaging rural communities is crucial for sustainable change. Initiatives should focus on:

• Education Campaigns: Informing farmers about the health and economic costs of smog.

• Subsidizing Equipment: Providing affordable alternatives like no-till seed drills for residue management.

5. Promoting Afforestation

Trees act as natural air purifiers. Pakistan’s Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Project should prioritize planting in smog-prone areas. Fast-growing and pollution-tolerant species like eucalyptus and neem can create natural barriers.

6. Investing in Public Transport

Smog is exacerbated by emissions from outdated and inefficient vehicles. Pakistan can take inspiration from China’s focus on electric buses and California’s promotion of electric vehicles. Expanding rural transport networks with low-emission options can reduce dependence on private vehicles.

Linking Smog to Agriculture

Smog directly impacts agricultural productivity, as particulate matter blocks sunlight and affects crop growth. For instance, studies show that smog can reduce wheat yields by up to 20%. Furthermore, polluted water sources and acidic rains affect soil health, reducing long-term agricultural viability.

By addressing these issues, Pakistan can protect its farmers and secure its food supply.

The Role of Climate Change

Climate change exacerbates smog conditions by creating temperature inversions, trapping pollutants close to the ground. To address smog comprehensively, Pakistan must integrate climate resilience into its policies, focusing on renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and disaster preparedness.

The Way Forward

Smog is not just an environmental issue; it is an economic and public health crisis that threatens Pakistan’s long-term development. The UK’s decisive response to the Great Smog of 1952, combined with modern innovations from countries like China and California, underscores the importance of proactive policies and community involvement.

For Pakistan, tackling smog requires a blend of local adaptation and global innovation. Strengthening governance, empowering rural communities, and leveraging technology can pave the way for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future. By learning from history and embracing change, Pakistan can turn its smog crisis into an opportunity for growth and resilience.

Please note that the views expressed in this article are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of any organization.

Dr. Qamar Ali is a researcher and Lecturer at the Department of Economics, Virtual University of Pakistan, Faisalabad, Pakistan.