Pollution-induced depression

A new study has indicated that long-term exposure to air pollution raises the risk of depression. Out of 9 million Americans over the age of 64 on Medicare, more than 152 million were diagnosed with depression, showing that elderly citizens are particularly susceptible due to pulmonary and neural risks. Within this, those belonging to low socio-economic groups were more vulnerable due to constant social stress and high exposure to harmful environments. Interestingly the pollution they were exposed to stem mostly from traffic emissions, power plants and refineries.

The situation in Pakistan is no different, if not worse. At present the country’s GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions are increasing at an annual rate of 6 % or 18.5 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent. The largest driver of overall GHG emissions are CO2 emissions from fuel combustion which is why the industrial sector — at 32% — is the largest contributor, followed by transport and electricity at 28% and 27% respectively. There is also negligence on part of the government who have not yet put a cap on the number of vehicles operating on the streets, which in Pakistan in unusually high. There is also the case of illegal factories operating in residential areas, emitting harmful substances that put surrounding residents at risk. This is why depression remains highly prevalent among the masses.

While Pakistan has recently made strides in fighting climate change, effective and meaningful measures are yet to be seen where they actually matter. A long-term plan that officials must invest in is to shift towards sustainable means of producing energy, which will not just help reduce carbon emissions but save the economy millions of dollars. The industrial sector must also be highly regulated so that factories follow environmental protocols.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 13^th, 2023.

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