A first ever red alert for pollution issued by the Chinese authorities after smog engulfed Beijing has set alarm bells ringing amid concerns about increasing volumes of poisonous particles in the atmosphere. The red alert resulted in the closure of schools, stoppage of work at construction sites and restriction on the plying of vehicles in the Chinese capital. China mostly relies on coal to meet more than 60 percent of its energy needs. It has been facing the problem of pollution since long. Reportedly, China has taken this extreme step amid increased public pressure due to the possible health risks associated with the presence of thick volumes of poisonous particles in the air. Serious health concerns for the inhabitants due to toxic pollution include premature deaths, heart disease and respiratory problems among others. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) standards, fine particles of less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter (PM 2.5) should not exceed 10 micrograms per cubic metre. However, it was recorded as 291 micrograms per cubic metre on Monday, December 7, in Beijing. The level went above 500 or beyond during previous days. Coal-powered industries, massive use of fossil fuels, vehicle emissions and dust from construction sites are the main factors that contribute to the increased level of pollution in China.
Pakistan is facing a similar situation as the federal government, particularly the Punjab government, is investing heavily in coal-based power plant projects due to the availability of massive coal reserves in Thar desert in Sindh and some areas of Punjab. According to WHO, three major cities of the country are already counted among the most polluted cities in the world. Karachi ranks number five, just ahead of Peshawar and Rawalpindi, which stand at six and seven in the list of 20 most polluted cities. Delhi tops the list of the most polluted cities. It is a sharp warning to the Pakistan government that development at the cost of the environment can bring devastating consequences for human life. Keeping in view the example of China and its polluted cities, the government needs to rely more on non-polluting renewable energy to meet its deficit. It is also a wake-up call for other countries to pay attention to the environment issue. At a time when world leaders are deliberating on the hazards of climate change in Paris, there is a need to initiate joint efforts to address environmental woes. The government needs to realise that it has to incrementally cut its dependence on fossil fuels and utilise new green technology to mitigate the bad effects of using coal for producing energy. *