To combat climate change, citizens and government must join hands

Addressing pollution involves trade-offs. Politicians must take the initiative

The Perennial Challenge of Air Pollution

Air pollution in India, especially in the National Capital Region (NCR), has transformed from a seasonal inconvenience to a persistent issue. Solving this problem requires challenging decisions at societal and governmental levels, emphasizing the necessity for informed trade-offs between development and environmental preservation.

I.   The Triangle of Decision-Makers

A.   Scientists and Academia

The foundation for informed decision-making lies in the evidence generated by scientists, particularly in atmospheric sciences and the health sector. While gaps may persist, their role is to present evidence, not make trade-offs.

B.   Activists and Their Role

While activists contribute significantly to the debate, their pre-established stances may limit open discussions. Acknowledging the absence of a single "right" trade-off is crucial for a constructive dialogue.

C.   The Political Class

As elected representatives, politicians should ideally lead the decision-making process. Past policies addressing air pollution showcase the potential of political leadership, yet the current political climate lacks effective response.

II.  Lessons from Policy Decisions

A.   BRT Corridor in Delhi

The Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) corridor aimed at prioritizing public transport faced opposition from the car-using middle class, resulting in its dismantling despite meeting its objectives.

B.   Odd-Even Experiment

The 2016 odd-even experiment faced debate regarding its effectiveness. Its political acceptability, despite inconclusive evidence, highlights the role of politics in decision-making during public health emergencies.

C.   Smog Towers and Public Perception

Despite questions about the effectiveness of smog towers, their installation persists due to political efforts to portray sensitivity to public concerns, showcasing the influence of political narratives.

III. Addressing Crop Burning: A Complex Challenge

A.   Technical, Regulatory, Fiscal, and Informational Interventions

Effective solutions to crop burning require a comprehensive approach involving technical advancements, regulatory measures, fiscal incentives, and information dissemination.

B.   The Need for a Political Narrative

The success of addressing crop burning hinges on crafting a political narrative that aligns with the interests of all stakeholders. Convincing all parties requires a well-defined and marketed package of interventions.

IV.  The Role of the Public

A.   Incremental Gains vs. Critical Tipping Point

While incremental gains are being made, reaching a critical tipping point necessitates public acceptance of real and hard trade-offs. The middle class's readiness for compromises will determine the speed of progress.

B.   Incentivizing Public Engagement

Political leadership must incentivize public engagement through appropriate policies. The circular logic of politicians encouraging citizens to move in the right direction and citizens signaling readiness for compromise can lead to a tipping point.

V.   Way Forward: A Tango between Community and Politics

• The ongoing tango between the community and the political class defines the current state of the fight against air pollution.
• The question remains: who is leading the dance? As both parties synchronize their steps, the potential for a cascading effect leading to a tipping point becomes apparent.
• The journey towards cleaner air requires a collaborative effort, and it indeed takes two to tango.