In June 2019, Nepal became a part of the BreatheLife Network after Lalitpur and Kathmandu Metropolitan Cities pledged to reach safe air levels by 2030, per the campaign's goal. Organizations like the World Health Organisation (WHO), Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the World Bank initiated the BreatheLife campaign that raised concerns regarding emerging evidence of the health impact anchored towards health as a lever to take action against climate change. Over 70 countries joined BreatheLife, expanding the campaign's outreach to over 486 million people. The campaign focuses on best practices and localizing climate, health, and clean air awareness.
With Nepal's pollution levels consistently peaking at the beginning and end of the year, the situation is urgent. National data indicates that Nepal's average PM2.5 concentration falls under the 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' category, demanding immediate attention. The continuous use of old vehicles, brick kilns, open burning, and wildfires are the primary contributors to this alarming air pollution, posing a significant threat to the environment and human health.
Nepal's air pollution is responsible for 42,100 deaths every year, out of which 19% are children under five years old and 27% are adults above 70 years old. Hence, national data suggests a reduction in life expectancy by 4.1 years for an average Nepalese citizen. The data highlighted COPD (66%), low respiratory infection (47%, stroke (37%), ischemic heart disease (34%), and neonatal deaths (22%) as the primary cause of death due to air pollution2. In 2016, the Department of Environment (DoEnv) established 27 air monitoring stations through support from various organizations. So far, the national data accounts for unhealthy air quality from January to May and the End of October to December with moderate air quality, whereas June to September denoted good air quality. Generally, the problem of air pollution is undermined, but it has adverse effects on human health, wildlife, and the environment. A research paper prepared by Nepal Rastra Bank alluded to the fact that there is a direct relation between human health and per capita income as the fall in human health determines low per capita income and vice versa:
The health sector is heavily pressured by the demand to cure and treat as many patients as possible with airborne and air pollution-related diseases and problems.
The quality of work degrades and the number of working days will decline as people fall sick.
The tourism sector is disrupted upon which is one of the major contributors to the country's GDP.
The estimated negative welfare effects of air pollution in Nepal amount to more than six percent of the national GDP.
National and foreign tourists are warned about the air quality and the situation restraining their travel plans and movement. However, there is a shortage of research on the specific economic costs associated with these environmental health problems.
The healthcare costs associated with treating pollution-related illnesses are not to be underestimated. Hospitals are inundated with patients suffering from respiratory problems exacerbated by poor air quality. The economic burden on the healthcare system is further compounded by the costs of medication, hospitalization, and reduced productivity due to illness, placing significant stress on Nepal's already fragile healthcare infrastructure.
Nepal's tourism industry is a vital pillar of its economy and cultural heritage but is under significant strain from air pollution. The country's unique terrain and landscapes, such as the majestic Himalayas and cultural heritages are often hidden behind a thick curtain of pollution. This discourages potential visitors and tarnishes Nepal's image as a premier tourist destination. The persistent air pollution has led to negative perceptions, risking substantial tourism revenues contributing to Nepal's GDP. The decline in tourist numbers immensely impacts businesses directly involved in tourism and the broader economy, including transportation, retail, and hospitality.
In addition to its immediate health and tourism impacts, air pollution in Nepal presents opportunities for improvement to enhance productivity and economic output across various sectors. Industries such as agriculture and construction, which heavily rely on manual labor, face enormous damage due to air pollution and the long-term health effects on human life.
According to the ICIMOD report, if effective strategies and plans are implemented, reducing air pollution could lead to an estimated health benefit of over NRs 6,085 million (USD 45.5 million) over the next 20 years. This reduction in air pollution could lead to a significant increase in productivity and a decrease in health-related absences, resulting in higher output and reduced production costs. By taking proactive steps to address air pollution, Nepal can pave the way for sustainable development and improve the standard of living for its citizens.
Join the movement: #breatheair #cleanairkathmandu
