Editorial | Winter air blues
Summary
Nepal is facing deteriorating air quality due to stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and other factors, leading to significant health risks and urgent calls for regional cooperation and stronger pollution control measures.
Key Points
- Nepal's air quality worsens in winter due to stubble burning and emissions, with Kathmandu often ranking among the world's most polluted cities.
- Air pollution in Nepal caused 41,300 deaths in 2023 and is a leading cause of noncommunicable diseases globally.
- Vehicular emissions are a primary source of pollution in Kathmandu, with ineffective enforcement of emissions tests exacerbating the problem.
- Regional cooperation and targeted local policies, including switching to electric vehicles, are necessary to improve air quality in Nepal.
