Tackling smog

The ongoing smog problem affecting much of Punjab and upper Sindh has triggered a meeting between the federal and provincial governments next week. As days have passed and weather systems remain static with no sign of rain or a westerly wind so has grown an understanding of the complexity of the problem. It is multifactoral, and early finger-pointing at India is but a part of the story. Other explanations are equally valid, with what is known as the ‘trans-boundary’ effect seen as a major contributor. This is the result of some Middle Eastern countries being hit be sandstorms which throw up dust clouds which then travel often thousands of kilometres generally in April-June and September to November. This year a prolonged dry spell has brought together the trans-boundary effect, smoke from the burning of crop wastes in both India and Pakistan and localised carbon monoxide emissions in cities such as Lahore that is suffering particularly badly.

There is virtually nothing that can be done to change how the trans-boundary effect works. It is part of the macro global weather systems. However, the effects can be mitigated and it is there that human intervention can make a difference. The last two years have seen an increase in smoggy conditions and unless diversionary measures are taken, and soon, then those conditions will persist.

Interventions are going to have to range from the diplomatic — having a dialogue with India about reducing crop-waste burning — to the local and highly practical, the control of vehicle emissions and unregulated industrial pollution, to name but two. The official line is that the latter is already ‘in process’. Public health services also need attention as prolonged periods of smog are going to have public health implications and proactive work now will pay dividends in January and February 2018. All of this is going to require a modicum of that most elusive of qualities — joined up thinking that transcends party politics. Smog cannot be blown away but it can be effectively mitigated.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 26^th, 2017.

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