Indian Ocean Brown Cloud

Source: The post Indian Ocean Brown Cloud has been created, based on the article “We knew what caused air pollution 25 years ago – but governments still won’t act” published in “Indian Express” on 16th November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 3-Environment (Pollution)

Context: The article discusses the Indian Ocean Experiment (INDOEX), which discovered the Indian Ocean Brown Cloud caused by biomass and fossil fuel burning. It highlights India’s ongoing air pollution crisis, its sources, health impacts, and the need for scientific, long-term solutions.

What is the Indian Ocean Brown Cloud?

1. In 1999, the Indian Ocean Experiment (INDOEX) studied haze over the Indian Ocean, led by V Ramanathan.
2. They discovered a giant “Indian Ocean Brown Cloud,” later renamed “Atmospheric Brown Cloud with a Focus on Asia.”
3. It was caused by biomass and fossil fuel burning, affecting temperatures, rainfall, agriculture, and health.
4. Governments in South Asia ignored the 2002 United Nations report on the findings.

How severe is India’s air pollution?

1. A thick haze, up to 3 km, covers the Indo-Gangetic Plains, affecting lives, livelihoods, and the economy.
2. Most Indian cities fail to meet national ambient air quality standards, which are lenient compared to WHO guidelines.
3. India emits 52 lakh tonnes of PM2.5 annually, excluding dust from natural and man-made sources.
4. Major contributors to PM2.5 pollution: Biomass burning (55%), including cooking fuels and stubble burning (6.5%), Industry and power plants contribute 37%, mainly from coal burning, Transport contributes 7%.
5. Health and economic impacts: Indoor pollution from biomass cooking fuels causes 8,00,000 premature deaths annually.

What are the key solutions to reduce air pollution?

1. Energy transition in households:

Shift to LPG, biogas, or electricity for cooking to reduce PM2.5.

Targeted policies like a new PM Ujjwala Yojana can help low-income households.

2. Cleaner industry practices:

Encourage MSMEs to adopt electric boilers and clean technologies.

Strengthen pollution control boards to enforce industrial norms.

3. Stubble burning control:

Mandate harvesters that cut closer to the ground to leave less stubble.

Provide incentives like Haryana’s ₹1,000 per acre for stubble management.

4. Improving transport: Scale up electric vehicles and public transport with clear targets.
5. Managing local pollution sources: Strengthen local bodies to control road dust, garbage burning, and construction activities.

Question for practice:

Discuss the various sources of air pollution in India as identified in the Indian Ocean Experiment (INDOEX) and their associated health and economic impacts.