Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Environment
Why in News?
Recently, A study by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) study finds India could prevent 1.7 million premature deaths by 2050 if it fully shifts to zero‑emission transport.
Road Transport Pollution
- 2024 Data – Linked to one premature death every 6 minutes and one new childhood asthma case every 34 minutes.
- Global Share – India accounts for 13% of global premature deaths attributable to road transport emissions.
- Regional Impact –
- NCR bears nearly 25% of India’s childhood asthma cases from road transport, despite only 5% of population.
- Delhi alone – 2,800 premature deaths and 1,500 new paediatric asthma cases in 2024.
- NO₂ levels in NCR exceed WHO annual guideline (10 µg/m³).
Heavy Vehicles – Major Contributors
- Heavy‑duty vehicles – 79% of tailpipe Nitrogen Oxides emissions, contribute to smog and respiratory issues.
- Heavy‑duty vehicles – 64% of tailpipe Particulate Matter 2.5 emissions, Microscopic airborne soot particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs.
- Recommendation – Fast transition to electric trucks and buses; phase‑out of older, high‑emitting vehicles.
Zero‑Emission Transport
- Electrification – Only way to eliminate tailpipe emissions entirely, fast transition to electric trucks and buses.
- Policy Measures – Accelerate adoption of low‑ and zero‑emission vehicles.
- Regulation – Stronger oversight to retire high‑polluting vehicles.
- Public Health Priority – High‑exposure regions (e.g., NCR) should be prioritized for transition.
Reference
Downtoearth | Electrification
