Pakistan is the fourth most polluted country in the world, according to the University of Chicago’s Air Quality Life Index, with fine particulate air pollution – more commonly known as smog – shortening average life expectancy by 3.9 years. In Punjab, Islamabad Capital Territory and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, that figure rises to 4.6 years.
In a country of 238 million people, the annual average particulate pollution level exceeds the World Health Organization’s guidelines, while 98.3% live in areas that exceed the country’s own national air-quality standard.
Economic impact
The impact of smog is not just a health concern; the World Bank estimates that pollution costs Pakistan around 6.5% of its GDP annually and contributes to a potential reduction of GDP of up to 20% by 2050.
As a signatory to the Paris Agreement on climate change, which aims to limit global warming to below 2°C and achieve carbon balance by the end of the century, Pakistan has committed to reducing emissions, but how might that play out in tackling the nation’s smog crisis?
Carbon emissions will also be reduced with the help of green financing
Reducing industrial emissions through strict regulations on industrial fuels and thorough inspection and monitoring systems is necessary to encourage industries to embrace sustainable practices that lower carbon footprints. This will drastically cut emissions, especially in industrial areas that are prone to smog, and put Pakistan in a position to receive carbon credits by meeting air-quality standards.
Build awareness
With focused awareness campaigns and financial tools to encourage industries to switch to cleaner technologies and renewable fuels, the promotion of cleaner fuels is another essential component. Implementing policies effectively will reduce emissions, particularly in energy-intensive industries like cement and textile mills.
Carbon emissions will also be reduced with the help of green financing for cleaner technologies and the adoption of energy-efficient solutions in industrial states. These actions will benefit industries like steel and leather, which may be able to earn carbon credits through better production methods.
Carbon pricing can effectively achieve climate targets
Meanwhile, crop burning accounts for almost a fifth of air pollution. Additionally, it produces black carbon, the second most significant manmade contributor to global warming after CO2. To stabilise climate systems and protect agricultural productivity, there is a pressing need to reduce these practices, yet there are sticking points in realising that aim.
Stuck in a cycle
From a community perspective, crop burning has been a part of the local farming culture for many generations and is deeply ingrained, making sustainability transitions potentially challenging, particularly when there is a lack of accessible, environmentally friendly alternatives.
Government policy responses must take myriad viewpoints into account. A complete ban on crop burning, for instance, may have a negative effect on farmer income if there are no affordable alternatives. The mix of policies should guarantee equity – affordability, ecological sustainability, and financial effectiveness could generate opportunities to boost agricultural output.
Transitioning towards a system that discourages crop burning requires focusing not just on farmers’ practices, but also on the system within which they operate, including agricultural services and research institutes.
Diversification challenges
Over-reliance on monoculture is another significant factor. There may be less need for immediate field clearing if crops are varied and have different harvest dates. Crop diversification can be complicated, though, requiring a large public investment, skill development and steps to guarantee that transition risks are distributed equitably.
Focusing on lessons learned from history, smog crises could be managed through swift action under a strict policy implementation. Only a fifth of global emissions are currently priced, despite the importance of carbon pricing in addressing climate change.
Carbon pricing can effectively achieve climate targets and encourage investments in low-carbon technologies and catalyse climate action. Government initiatives and policies can be used to support the use of carbon markets as a means of compensating for greenhouse gas emissions – all of which may help to keep air pollution in check.
Disclaimer: the views expressed by the writer do not necessarily reflect those of ACCA or any other person or organisation
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Read Alishba Khan’s articles on carbon credits and climate financing.
