The major metropolitan cities in Pakistan are facing a severe case of air pollution in the form of SMOG. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is ceiling the hazardous level, this season. The government has taken some temporary steps to combat this environmental nuisance. However, we must take some essential steps to manage the air quality to make it breathable and healthy to live in. This article will explore how solar can help combat SMOG in Pakistan.
Health Hazards Caused by SMOG
SMOG- (the term abbreviated from Smoke and Fog) is the worst form of air pollution. Air pollution is responsible for major death counts and health issues around the globe. Pakistan is no exception.
Death Tolls
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), air pollution causes more than 7 million premature deaths on an annual basis. It was published in 2014, just imagine the severity of this death toll in the last decade.
Coming forward to 2024, Lahore- Pakistan remained under the insane blanket of smog from the end of October. Unfortunately, there were many cases reported for ailment in Lahore residents. According to the BBC– it is now a persistent issue and not a seasonal scenario. As of October 2024- Lahore experienced a 25 % increase in air pollution in comparison to October 2023.
Health Issues
Air pollution impacts all living beings- humans, plants and animals widely. For instance, research shows that short-term exposure to air pollution leads to health issues like coughing, difficulty breathing, headache, dizziness, and fatigue.
On the other hand, anyone can experience respiratory disease, cardiovascular damage, harm to the liver, spleen and blood quality, cancer, birth defects, and death in severe cases mostly caused by long-term exposure to air pollution. Unfortunately, it is estimated that citizen in Lahore will lose up to 5 years of their life span due to this polluted air and smog.
Animals & Plants
The wildlife once exposed to air pollution faces health issues like respiratory problems, skin complications and neurological issues.
Causes of Air Pollution and SMOG
Generally, smog is caused by multiple factors. When pollutants interact with sunlight, the smog forms and air becomes unbreathable. Industrial emissions, vehicle exhausts, and crop burning are the primary factors for smog generation.
On the other hand, it comes why it does not go away naturally because of deforestation, unmanaged traffic pollution, cooler temperatures, non-availability of speedy winds, and old brick Kline.
Is There Any Solution?
Short answer- yes! With a combination of short-term and long-term efforts, change is gradually possible in the next 8-10 years. However, if no efforts are made today, Lahore or other smog-effected cities won’t be live able in the coming years.
Proper policymaking and implementation are required to handle this state of air pollution. Furthermore, factors like Urbanisation, poverty, and less to no understanding in public are also major elements in sorting things out.
What Can Solar Energy Do to Turn the Air Pollution Down?
Solar energy can reduce air pollution in the long term. This claim is based on the fact that solar energy is an alternative to traditional electric power which is generated by burning coal or utilising water resources.
While coal burning is practised, the fossil fuels will be there and result in poor air quality. On the other hand, solar power also known as solar energy can eliminate the coal factor. The inclusion of solar energy results in environment-friendly power sources.
It is important to know that shifting to solar power will not eliminate all the responsible factors for causing air pollution or smog. However, it will put forward a positive impact to include solar power in our social transaction of electric power.
Some of the positive factors for including solar in fighting smog are stated below.
How Solar Energy Combats SMOG?
Installing a solar system can be surely helpful in combatting smog in Pakistan because of various factors. A few of the ways solar combats smog in Pakistan are listed below.
Solar Energy helps reduce the Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Sun is the principal power source for solar systems to generate electricity. Hence, installing solar for electricity supply also helps save the environment from air pollution and smog.
Due to non-dependency on the traditional sources, the solar systems do not emit the greenhouse gases. Hence, it results in zero emissions during the power generation process. Which are major factors in the deterioration of the environment.
It is Also Helpful to Decrease the Particulate Matter and Other Pollutants
In traditional electricity production, the major sources are coal, natural gas and water. However, burning coal or natural gas resources is one of the principal sources of fossil fuels and particulate matter in the air. Gases like Sulphur dioxide, Nitrogen oxide, and Carbon dioxide are major players in air pollution and smog.
For the very same reason, the sun-generated power source- solar energy reduces these harmful elements and would be helpful in the reduction of smog.
Opportunity to Eliminate Pollution Causing Power Plants
With the adaptability of solar energy on a wider scale, we shall be able to eliminate the traditional power plants that are traditional and responsible for the generation of harmful emissions.
Solar Energy Results in Cooler Roofs & Lower Carbon Emissions
Normally, solar systems are installed on the rooftops of the buildings. This is beneficial in a couple of ways: it ensures ample sunlight access to the solar panels, and it covers the roofs.
Covering rooftops also results in cooler building temperatures and hence, there is a comparatively reduced need to run air conditioners.
Solar Energy Leads to Improved Air Quality
If we incorporate solar power generation in Pakistan regularly. We will obtain the improved air quality levels sooner than expected.
Get a Free Quote from Zero Carbon
Zero Carbon is a leading solar solutions provider in Pakistan with an impressive portfolio and clientele across residential, commercial and industrial locations across the landscape. You can get a free quotation for your space and install solar systems to combat smog and heavy electricity bills together.
Conclusion
Solar can help combat smog in Pakistan effectively. Fighting smog is essential if we are willing to live our lives without air pollution and resulting ailments. You can contact Zero Carbon for a free survey to get solar installation services on your homes, businesses, or corporate buildings.
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