The South Asian region, home to some of the world’s most polluted cities, faces an air pollution crisis. Experts are calling for greater cross-border cooperation among countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India to address the issue together, considering the shared culprits and problems. However, political tensions and strained relations in the region pose challenges to collaborative efforts. Airshed management needs a regional plan, involving common air quality targets and measures, regular sharing of experiences, and setting common air quality standards. Over 93% of Pakistanis and 96% of Indians are exposed to severe pollution levels. The World Bank estimates that approximately 220,000 deaths a year in Pakistan’s Punjab can be attributed to causes related to poor air quality.
Air Pollution Crisis in South Asia Requires Cross-Border Cooperation
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