Coca-Cola is named world's worst plastic polluter for a fifth year. As the new year gets underway, the world continues to grapple with a number of familiar challenges - the continued COVID-19 pandemic, resurgent wildfires, enduring crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. The government should ban the use of old vehicles. In Nepal, around 8,700 people, mainly women and children, die prematurely each year due to illnesses related to indoor air pollution from solid biomass fuel burning [8]. This is a grave threat to public health, the government should have declared an emergency and taken urgent measures to curb pollution, says environmental expert Bhushan Tuladhar. In 2013, a team of Cambridge University scientists were in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley, developing a device to measure . According to the 2017 Air Quality Management Action Plan for Kathmandu Valley, the transport sector contributes over 30 percent of total suspended particles (TSP), or 20,072 tonnes, into the air. In this level of air quality, everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. I know..mom's got a lock on literally everythin so y we gotta wait..! Dust from construction works, exhaust from old, poorly maintained vehicles and smoke from coal-burning brick kilns blend in a murky haze that hangs over the ancient city of four million people, raising the risk of cancer, stroke, asthma and high blood pressure, experts say. Despite public awareness and relentless media coverage, Kathmandus air quality has worsened in the past two years. However, two years later, the action plan has neither been finalised nor enforced. This trend is increasing rapidly and it is estimated that urban population will reach 60 million by 2040 [ 32 ]. Air pollution is a chronic problem in the rapidly growing capital city of Kathmandu and an additional headache for the government that is struggling to contain the coronavirus pandemic. The COP27 sponsor's products were the most commonly found items by volunteers researching plastic pollution. The values between 151 and 200 are categorised as unhealthy. In addition, residential and commercial-scale solar electricity expenses have dropped from $0.52 to $0.16 and $0.40 to $0.11 per kilowatt-hour, respectively. , , , , . In terms of air pollution, the 2016 Environmental Performance Index (EPI)ranked Nepal 177thout of 180 countries. The Geyh-Bouwer Trainee Practice Award recognizes students whose application of science demonstrates the betterment of the environment and/or public health. Nepal has ordered schools to close for four days after air pollution climbed to hazardous levels, forcing millions of students to stay home across the country. Air pollution is a familiar environmental health hazard. Write a newspaper article on environmental pollution in Nepal to be published in a newspaper. Nepal isn't short of water, thanks to the monsoon rains and the rivers that bring meltwater down from the Himalayan glaciers and snowpack. The victims of air pollution urgently require an appropriate action plan . World news on global warming, climate change, wildlife, pollution, carbon business and climate politics. These two are just representative examples of millions of people who are directly or indirectly affected by dust,a burning issue ofthe twenty firstcentury. Donate to The Ecologist and support high impact environmental journalism and analysis. As we see the readings from air quality metres located in various stations of the country, we find that Simara has the poorest air quality. This company thinks bacteria can help fix fashion's water pollution problem. The 24-hour average level of PM2.5, fine particulate matter that can reach deep into the lungs, was 214 micrograms per cubic metre in the upscale area of Bhaisepati in Kathmandu on Sunday, Department of Environment data showed. editors@nepalitimes.com | www.nepalitimes.com | www.himalmedia.com | Tel: 01-5005602 Haze engulfs Kathmandu valley as the air pollution increases to unhealthy levels, on Wednesday, March 24, 2021. The traffic on the most part seemed to move along without any fuss. According to Tuladhar, New Delhi was able to immediately swing into action because it had an action plan to deal with the crisis. Some air pollution is not seen, but its pungent smell alerts you. A Love Beyond Measure: The Unforgettable Reunion, , . Under the US Clean Water Act, the EPA regulates wastewater discharge from meat and poultry plants into . This is a grave threat to public health, the government should have declared an emergency and taken urgent measures to curb pollution, says environmental expert Bhushan Tuladhar. Afforestation should begin and deforestation should come to an end. Atmospheric greenhouse gases reach record high, latest essay from our Megamorphosis series now. The World Health Organization (WHO) reportsfine particulate matter of up to 140 g m-3 - which is aroundtentimes higher than the WHO limit. The funds are the first . Ever since the lockdown started in Nepal, there has been a little more positive change in the environment since the vehicles are barely on the road and people dont travel much. purely b. wisely c. competentlyd. Air pollution regularly exceeds recommended safe levels. World news on global warming, climate change, wildlife, pollution, carbon business and climate politics. The major reason for high ambient air pollution in Nepal is largely from traffic related with old . From his home in Kathmandus Chabahil, Basudevs walks take him around Pashupatinath Temple and the Guheshwori area. Prices range from Rs10 to Rs10,500. Fri 3 Mar 2023 06.19 EST. Air pollution is a silent killer and while it is difficult to quantify its heath impact, hospitalisation due to serious respiratory diseases has increased sharply in recent years, says chest specialist Raju Pangeni at HAMS Hospital in Kathmandu. There will be complications in irrigation facility, deforestation will take place and landslides may occur, the water resources will get soaked. Anupamaas Nidhi Shahs off-screen glam looks, Top 10 T'wood actresses of the 80s and 90s, Shraddha Das rocks the thigh-high slit trend, Live: PM addresses post-budget webinar on Green Growth, Oscars to have Crisis Team after Will Smith slapgate, Adani's older brother plays key role at embattled dynasty, Terms of Use and Grievance Redressal Policy. The derailment of a train carrying toxic chemicals upended a region of Ohio where generations of families could afford to buy acres of land, raise livestock and plant gardens. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh recently concluded that surgical masks blocked 80% of particles sized 0.007 microns. New Delhi has seen a sudden spike whereas Kathmandu witnesses a gradual increase in pollution level starting from November and reaching peak levels in January.. Spain. Nepali lawmakers tend to shun study and researchwith rare exceptions, Healthy youth presence perks up Lumbini Provincial Assembly. Air pollution has been a major problem of 21st century for both developed and developing world. Air pollution has had a massive impact on Nepalese people. The Art of Dealing with Breaking Up: Get over those blues and Take Break-Ups Lightly. The environment of the industrial areas should be properly managed by the industries and concerned agencies. In 2017, solar electricity costs dropped from $0.28 to $0.06 per kilowatt-hour for utility-scale photovoltaic solar power. The leaves of plants are covered indust particles which limits the photosynthesis rate and affects the plants growth and natural beauty. In Nepal and Kathmandu the annual premature death due to air pollution hit 37,399 and 9943 respectively, according to a Republica news report published on 23 November 2019. But the Narayani's problems go back further. Our environment determines our health and civilization. The rapid use of fossil fuels, increase in deforestation, unstable use of natural resources, overuse of pesticides and other chemicals, sewage and wastewater, nuclear waste, industrialization, urbanization, use of plastics and a lot more factors contribute to environmental pollution. The victims of air pollution urgently require an appropriate action plan for mitigating these problems. On Monday night, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in parts of Kathmandu crossed 500, according to measurements at theUS Embassy measuring stationat Phora Darbar. Site By: Hiti Design, The first step in reducing air pollution is to let, Nepali scientist returns to pinpoint hazards of dirty air, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IudF3qNM-xE&feature=youtu.benobha Gurung could have had a distinguished international career in, Sonia Awale s winter sets in and air quality deteriorates,. once done will text u on pint nd ins, I saw a fantastic film yesterday. About three months later, at the present time, the pollution seems to have worsened. Factors contributing to this level of pollution are local, said Shankar Prasad Paudel, information officer with the Department of Environment. The recent Environmental Performance Index 2016 has suggested increase in overall PM 2.5 in Nepal over the last decade. Site By: Hiti Design, On Monday night, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in parts of Kathmandu crossed 500, according to measurements at the. Phil Murphy but which has yet to take full effect should prevent the . The Department of Environments own measuring station in parts of Kathmandu showed the AQI staying above 400 all day on Monday. It said that air pollution is dependent on weather system, and due to this fact, the pollution may last for some time or may worsen further with the passing of time. Bhushan Tuladhar, an environmentalist who closely watches levels of air pollution in the country, agrees that there is a minimal chance of pollution from Delhi and northern India reaching Kathmandu, although cities in the Tarai are already dealing with poor air quality coming from across the border. Smog has blanketed huge swaths of Nepal as air pollution in the Himalayan country soared to hazardous levels. Q Other global AQI measurement sites likeIQAirput Kathmandus pollution level at 487 the highest among cities in the region. The effect of dust is not limited to human beings, but is also felt by plants, particularly to those closer to the road. Copper multifaceted interferences during swine wastewater treatment in high rate algal ponds: Alterations on nutrient removal, biomass composition and resource recovery. Motorcycles and passenger vehicles such as jeeps, cars and vansaccountedfor 92 percentof total registered vehicles in Bagmatiby the end of 2014-15. at Phora Darbar. The Ecologist is an environmental news and analysis website with a focus on environmental, social and economic justice. It is a call to mobilize, say the authors who . For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service, : Nepal has ordered schools to close for four days after. It is now causing heart attacks, kidney diseases, osteoporosis and dementia. Dealing with a problem that is transboundary in nature requires strong regional cooperation, she said. Arjun Khadka, 65, who owns a grocery store in Kathmandu, said he experienced itching and burning sensations in the eyes and nose which could be due to pollution. Similarly, the hotel business (khaja ghar) of Ram Karki has also slowed down majorly due to road dust emission. The average exposure for the officers was 51.2 g/m 3, with an hourly maximum of more than 500 g/m 3. Collective action from many sectors is needed to assure that everyone can breathe clean air.. Only a year ago, snow clad mountains shone brightly in the winter and we could see the mountains and hills clearly. A recent study by scientists from Peking University (China) and the University of Connecticut (USA) [1] has revealed that 1 in 15 lost pregnancies in South Asia may be due to air . AQI level between 0-50 is Good, 51-100 is Moderate, 101-150 is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, 151-200 is Unhealthy, 201-300 is Very Unhealthy, and anything above 301 is regarded as Hazardous. The leaves of plants are covered in dust particles which limits the photosynthesis rate and affects the plants growth and natural beauty. There is now growing fear that the toxic air of India, which had 22 of the worlds most polluted cities in 2018, will reach Nepal and cause a similar health panic, especially as the country itself has been struggling to check its air pollution levels. Education ministry spokesman Deepak Sharma said about eight million students have been affected by the closures. Every year, we witness a surge in air pollution during the winter season. Around 100 people die every day in Nepal because of air pollution. As reported by the World Bank, Nepal is one of the poorest nations in the world with an estimated GDP per capita of US$470. One of the cheapest energy sources. and a White House pledge to lend more support were met with skepticism in the community. But public outrage does not seem to translate into action to clean up the air. A breakdown of whats known, and whats not, about the incident and its aftermath. Recently the government has decided that the plastics that are less than 40 microns will be banned from use from the month of Shrawan 2078. Kathmandu: Nepal has ordered schools to close for four days after air pollution climbed to hazardous levels, forcing millions of students to stay home across the country. Trans-boundary pollution can affect our air quality too as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, connected to Nepal, are also polluted. This indicates, around a quarterof the total deaths due to air pollution in Nepal are in Kathmandu. Quantifying the socio-economic impact of air pollution on a country will be vital in raising awareness among the public as well as policy makers and leaders, but as we have seen in Nepal it does not immediately lead to policy change. Sonia Awale May 31, 2019. The index stood at 214 as per DoE's data. This also adds to the risk of COVID-19, said Sher Bahadur Pun, a doctor at a tropical and infectious disease hospital in the capital. Their effectiveness also varies depending on the work place, environment and fitting. Your email address will not be published. In . 21 October 2021 Climate and Environment. Moreover, Kathmandu is ranked as one of the most polluted cities in Asia: according to the airvisual.com, Kathmandu is the seventh most polluted city. The smoke generated from the wildfires worsened the pollution, according to an officer at the Division. The World Air Quality Project's index stood at 515 at that time while that of the Department of Environment (DoE) stood at 490. China will be the host nation and will showcase its dramatic progress in cutting pollution. This level is considered hazardous, and can lead to serious aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly, [along with] serious risk of respiratory effects in general population, according to the United States Environment Protection Agency. Taking action to tackle the pollution in Nepal Thenumberofvehiclesin the valley during the last two decades has increasedninefold,and reached 922,900 in total during 2015, according to the Department of Transport Management inNepal. Reuters. Air quality in the capital has deteriorated recently but average pollution readings were not available. All of these vehicles degrade the air quality by emitting huge quantities of smoke into the ambient environment. Chandan Kumar Mandal is the environment and migration reporter for The Kathmandu Post, covering labour migration and governance, as well as climate change, natural disasters, and wildlife. Electrified public transport would have been a good place to start, but 6 months after Prime Minister KP Oli launched an electric mobility action plan to turn at least 20% of public vehicles into battery-operated ones by 2020, progress has been slow. Mass media have been a critical avenue to reach, communicate, and influence people on the alarming intensity and frequency of environmental problems [1, 2, 3].The world is facing a multitude of environmental problems, ranging from biodiversity loss, environmental pollution, spread of the vector-borne diseases and climate change at varying spatial and temporal scales [4]. There is a proportionately very high consumption of gasoline and diesel in the valley. This can significantly affect the local environment and the health of people living nearby. 'We need to transform our commitment into action that will have an impact on the gases that drive climate change.'. We should work for the betterment of the environment because the nature has provided a lot to us and we shouldnt be disgraceful towards it. All living being birds, animals, insects, plants and even human beings are victims of pollution. According to the World Air Quality Report, Kathmandu is the seventh most polluted capital city in the world, based on its average yearly PM2.5 level. The effect of dust is not limited to human beings, but is also felt byplants, particularly to those closer to the road. Air pollution is even more dangerous than previously thought, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned . Nepal is a landlocked nation with the current population of over 27 million people. Introduction. That said, old diesel vehicles are contributing significantly to the poor air quality in the city. Majorities express "a great deal" of worry about the pollution of both drinking water (56%) and rivers, lakes and reservoirs (53%). I would be very thankful to you if you publish my article on your esteemed daily.Hope the government will take immediate action on this matter. Dust from construction works, exhaust from old, poorly maintained vehicles and smoke from coal-burning brick kilns blend in a murky haze that hangs over the ancient city of four million people, raising the risk of cancer, stroke, asthma and high blood pressure, experts say. And with reports of Indias north and its capital New Delhi struggling with extreme air pollution, Sunil wonders how much worse the air will get this winter. I dont remember this level of pollution in Kathmandu in the past, Khadka told Reuters. I have started wearing a mask whenever Im outdoors.. Sunil Paudel, Basudevs son, stopped going on morning walks last year after learning that Kathmandus air quality was reaching unsafe levels. Air pollution is more dangerous than smoking. The study sounds the alarm that the growing global problem, which scientists are only beginning to understand, requires urgent and immediate action. Such particles will not reach Kathmandu because it is surrounded by hills. Indeed, a long-term solution requires policy level intervention and coordination between all branches of government. Ocean pollution poses a clear and present danger to human health and well-being, according to a new study from an international group of researchers. This may collapse the whole ecosystem in general. At the same hour, Bhaktapur's air quality degraded as low as 347 (according to The World Air Quality Project) while as per DoE's data it stood at 348. Even before Covid-19, the World Health Organisation (WHO) had warned that poorair qualityin northern India and the Tarai was already thereducing average lifespanof tens of millions of people by 3.7 years. News about Air Pollution, including commentary and archival articles published in The New York Times. The guidelines recommend new air quality levels to protect the health of populations, by reducing levels of key air pollutants, some of which . Getting prepared now will make that transition smoother. Thefts of the pollution control devices from cars and trucks more than quadrupled from 3,389 in 2019 to 14,433 in 2020, and jumped dramatically again in 2021 . A general view of a street during a smoggy day as the government has orderedschoolsto close for four days after the air pollution climbed to hazardous levels, forcing millions of students to stay home across the country, in Kathmandu, Nepal March 30, 2021. . Department of Environment on January 5 had released a statement mentioning about the change in weather condition in the country and increasing level of pollution in Kathmandu valley. This also adds to the risk of COVID-19, said Sher Bahadur Pun, a doctor at a tropical and infectious disease hospital in the capital. climbed to hazardous levels, forcing millions of students to stay home across the country. "And it wasn't just the . Since the festival of Diwali ended last week, the air quality in New Delhi has drastically deteriorated, resulting in air pollution levels reaching nearly 10 times healthy limits. Kathmandu valley requireshalf of the total gasoline consumed in Nepal. Get access to nearly 50 years of journalism at the Ecologist Archive. The World Health Organisation ('WHO') has reported that PM2.5 levels of particulate matter in urban areas of Nepal . In Nepal, 35,000 people die annually due to illnesses caused by polluted air. We all have been well aware about the problem of environmental pollution which has been very petrifying to the living beings. Nepal is not far behind with 98% of its people living in such areas. It is a major threat to global health and prosperity. The latest edition of Resurgence & Ecologist is out now, and available to buy. Whilstthis shows an improvement over the course of one year, when observing datataken from the capital city . The analysis, based on more than 100 recent peer-reviewed studies, detected over 120 unique PFAS compounds in these animals . People must stay safe indoors and not come out except for emergencies, the health ministry said. Research on microplastic concentration in aquatic environment is attracting scientists from developing countries, but in Nepal no information regarding microplastic in freshwater system is available. PM2.5 levels of 403.72 g/m3 were recorded at 7pm on November 4 in Nepalgunj, the highest for the country in the past week. As women play a significant role in the management and use of energy sources for household cooking, they are disproportionately affected by indoor air pollution [7]. Though the readings slowly became less alarming after the morning hours, at 10:00 am and onwards, the readings for Simara was still lingering above 300; others (stations mentioned above) showed the index between 151 to 200. The PM 10 concentration in major cities such as Kathmandu is . Yet, 2022 could prove to be a seminal year for the environment, with . Espaol. AQ AirVisual, on Thursday, also ranked Kathmandu the ninth most polluted city in the world, with PM2.5 levels reaching 139 g/m3the level at which the air becomes unhealthy for sensitive groups, as per the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Air Quality Index.
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