India 13 of the world's 20 most polluted cities. Air qual cutting 660 million lives short by 3 years

[progree]

Filthy India air cutting 660 million lives short by 3 years, AP, 2/21/15


India's filthy air is cutting 660 million lives short by about three years, according to research published Saturday. ... It estimates that 99.5 percent of India's 1.2 billion people are breathing in pollution levels above what the WHO deems as safe.

While New Delhi last year earned the dubious title of being the world's most polluted city, India's air pollution problem is extensive, with 13 Indian cities now on the World Health Organization's list of the 20 most polluted.

While India has pledged to grow its clean energy sector, with huge boosts for solar and wind power, it also has committed to tripling its coal-fired electricity capacity to 450 gigawatts by 2030. Yet there still are no regulations for pollutants like sulfur dioxide or mercury emissions, while fuel standards remain far below Western norms and existing regulations often are ignored.

To meet its goal for coal-fired electricity, the Power Ministry says the country will double coal production to 1 billion tons within five years. The coal expansion plans through 2030 will at least double sulphur dioxide levels, along with those of nitrogen oxide and lung-clogging particulate matter ...

More: http://news.yahoo.com/filthy-india-air-cutting-660-million-lives-short-101636775.html

I thought China was the worst of the worst as far as air pollution. Apparently not.

[darkangel218]

1. I have friends who visited there last year.

YES, it is that bad.