Since the early 1990s, Nepal, the beautiful Himalayan country, has been grappling with air pollution. It has been chiefly prompted by industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, biomass burning, and construction dust, resulting in high concentrations of pollutants in the air. The high levels of pollutants in the air are plaguing the locals, leading to respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and other health issues among the population. Kathmandu has received the title of the most polluted city in the world in the last few months, with the PM2.5 levels being known to reach a little over 171 μg/m³ far exceeding the WHO safe air quality limit of 15 μg/m³.
The capital’s main source of air pollution is vehicle emissions, contributing 35% of the total air pollution. Although we can see more electric vehicles on the road as of 2024, the number of poorly maintained older vehicles far outnumbers them. The second out of the three main polluters of the city is industrial emissions, contributing to 25% of the total emissions in Kathmandu, and the third is biomass burning, accounting for around 20% of the air pollution. However, as electric vehicles gain popularity, these figures are likely to fall.
Air pollution in Kathmandu has caused the numerous respiratory issues to skyrocket, with air pollution being responsible for over 35 thousand premature deaths annually in Nepal and, in 2022, attributing to 1,200 hospital admissions in the capital alone. Exposure to harmful air particles such as PM2.5 can lead to major health complications such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and respiratory infections, affecting lung function and overall health.
The high levels of air pollution in Kathmandu have meant that no one living in the area can escape, and with chronic exposure to air pollution having long term health effects, there is a real possibility of the city’s inhabitants experiencing reduced life expectancy, decreased lung function over time, and increased susceptibility to respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses. Certain groups, however, are more vulnerable to air pollution. Groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health concerns face higher risks of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. However, air pollution has impacted many other factors other than just overall health. Air pollution has been affecting the natural ecosystems surrounding Kathmandu, leading to less biodiversity and a loss of habitat.
Additionally, the pollution has hurt Nepal's economy. According to estimates, health costs from air pollution in 2022 totaled about $1.1 billion, and the country's economic cost of air pollution is estimated to be 4.5% of GDP. This means that less money is being allocated to future advancements for the nation and more is being used to pay for the effects of air pollution.
Meanwhile, Nepal’s current energy production is approximately 67% biofuels, 5.3% hydro, 18% oil, and 7.7% coal, but despite that, according to Climate Impacts Tracker Asia, Nepal has the potential to generate over 50 GW of hydroelectric power, and 47 GW of solar energy, which is far more than the country’s current usage of electricity.
As a result, transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar, wind and hydropower can reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and lower emissions, as well as promote sustainable energy practices in the country. Furthermore, implementing proper waste disposal systems, promoting recycling, composting, and reducing or even banning single use plastics like straws would mitigate air pollution from burning waste and landfill emissions, with every little helping and contributing to a cleaner environment.
In a nutshell, Nepal's battle with air pollution has been fueled by industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and biomass burning, with serious consequences for public health, the environment, and the economy. Transitioning to renewable energy, improving waste management, and increasing the adoption of electric vehicles are critical steps to mitigate this crisis and ensure a healthier future for the country's inhabitants. And with rising awareness of these pertinent issues, we can hope to see action on these matters and a clean future for Nepal.
