Give an account of sources, impacts and prevention of air pollution. Comment on Montreal and Kyoto protocol also.

Sources of Air Pollution

Air pollutants originate from both natural and anthropogenic sources.

• Natural Sources: Volcanic eruptions, dust storms, wildfires, and biological decay release particulate matter, gases, and aerosols into the atmosphere.
• Anthropogenic Sources: These are primarily linked to human activities and include:
  • Industrial Emissions: Factories, power plants, and refineries release sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
  • Transportation: Vehicles emit carbon monoxide (CO), NOx, PM, and hydrocarbons.
  • Agricultural Activities: Ammonia (NH3) from fertilizers and livestock, and dust from plowing contribute to air pollution.
  • Residential Fuel Burning: Burning wood, coal, and kerosene for heating and cooking, especially in developing countries, is a significant source of indoor and outdoor air pollution.
  • Construction and Demolition: These activities generate dust and particulate matter.

Impacts of Air Pollution

Air pollution has far-reaching consequences across multiple domains:

• Human Health: Exposure to air pollutants can cause respiratory illnesses (asthma, bronchitis, lung cancer), cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and premature mortality. Children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing conditions are particularly vulnerable.
• Environmental Impacts:
  • Acid Rain: SO2 and NOx react with water vapor to form sulfuric and nitric acids, leading to acid rain, which damages forests, lakes, and buildings.
  • Eutrophication: Nitrogen deposition from air pollution can contribute to excessive nutrient enrichment in water bodies, leading to algal blooms and oxygen depletion.
  • Ozone Depletion: Certain pollutants, like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer.
  • Climate Change: Black carbon and other aerosols contribute to global warming.
• Economic Impacts: Air pollution leads to increased healthcare costs, reduced agricultural productivity, damage to infrastructure, and loss of tourism revenue.

Prevention and Control of Air Pollution

Addressing air pollution requires a multi-pronged approach:

• Technological Solutions:
  • Emission Control Technologies: Installing scrubbers, filters, and catalytic converters in industries and vehicles.
  • Renewable Energy Sources: Transitioning to solar, wind, and hydro power to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
  • Cleaner Fuels: Promoting the use of low-sulfur fuels and alternative fuels like biofuels and hydrogen.
• Policy and Regulatory Measures:
  • Air Quality Standards: Setting and enforcing stringent air quality standards (e.g., National Ambient Air Quality Standards - NAAQS in India).
  • Emission Regulations: Implementing emission standards for vehicles and industries (e.g., Bharat Stage VI emission norms).
  • Carbon Pricing: Implementing carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems to incentivize emission reductions.
  • Promoting Public Transportation: Investing in efficient and affordable public transportation systems.
• Individual Actions:
  • Reducing Vehicle Use: Walking, cycling, or using public transportation.
  • Conserving Energy: Reducing energy consumption at home and work.
  • Proper Waste Management: Reducing waste generation and promoting recycling.

Montreal Protocol

The Montreal Protocol (1987) is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS), such as CFCs, halons, and carbon tetrachloride. It is widely considered one of the most successful environmental agreements ever negotiated. The protocol operates on the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities,” recognizing that developed countries have a greater responsibility to address the problem. Subsequent amendments have accelerated the phase-out schedules and added new ODS to the list.

Kyoto Protocol

The Kyoto Protocol (1997) is an international treaty linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It commits its Parties to stabilize greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. The protocol established legally binding emission reduction targets for developed countries. However, the United States did not ratify the protocol, and its effectiveness was limited by the lack of participation from major emitters like China and India. The Kyoto Protocol was superseded by the Paris Agreement in 2015.