State of Global Air Report 2025

Why in News?

The State of Global Air (SoGA) 2025 Report, released by the Health Effects Institute (HEI) in collaboration with the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), highlights the worsening air pollution levels across the globe, with India contributing the largest share of global air pollution-related deaths.

About the Report

Published by: Health Effects Institute (HEI) and Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), USA.
Purpose: To provide comprehensive global data on air pollution and its health impacts using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) framework.
Coverage: Includes exposure data for PM2.5, ozone (O₃), and household air pollution (HAP) across 200+ countries.

Key Findings about India

1. Mortality Burden

Around 2 million deaths in 2023 in India were linked to air pollution.
This marks a 43% increase since 2000 and represents 52% of global air pollution-related deaths.

2. Ozone Pollution

India has the third-highest population exposure to ozone pollution globally.
Ozone-related health impacts include respiratory diseases, lung inflammation, and premature mortality.

3. PM2.5 Exposure

Nearly 75% of India’s population is exposed to PM2.5 concentrations exceeding WHO standards (5 µg/m³ annual mean).
Major contributors include vehicular emissions, industrial activities, biomass burning, and construction dust.

4. Clean Energy Transition

The report highlights the potential of clean cooking initiatives in reducing household air pollution.
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY):
- Modelling studies show that if all PMUY households switch to exclusive LPG use, more than 1.5 lakh premature deaths can be prevented annually.

Major Concerns

Despite improvements in policy frameworks, implementation gaps remain in urban and rural air quality management.
Household air pollution, especially in rural areas, continues to be a major health risk.
Limited public awareness and economic barriers hinder the adoption of clean energy solutions.

Government Initiatives to Combat Air Pollution

National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), 2019:
- Aims to reduce PM2.5 and PM10 levels by 20–30% by 2024 (from 2017 levels).
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY): Promotes LPG access for rural and low-income households.
Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME): Encourages cleaner transportation.
National Bio-Energy Mission: Promotes biomass and waste-to-energy conversion.
Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): Implements emergency measures during severe pollution episodes.

Way Forward

Strengthen Air Quality Monitoring: Expand real-time monitoring networks to rural and peri-urban areas.
Promote Clean Energy Access: Encourage exclusive use of LPG, biogas, and renewable alternatives in households.
Public Awareness: Launch behavioral campaigns on the health impacts of indoor and outdoor air pollution.
Urban Planning: Implement sustainable transport and green cover strategies in metropolitan areas.
International Collaboration: Leverage data-driven tools and global partnerships for technology and policy exchange.

Conclusion

The State of Global Air 2025 Report underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and sustained action to reduce India’s air pollution burden. Transitioning toward clean energy, efficient public transport, and strict enforcement of emission standards will be vital for improving air quality and public health.

Source: Health Effects Institute (HEI) & Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), United States