Short overview upon Air Pollution in Nepal

Air pollution is a burning environmental problem that affects the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities around the world. Nepal, a small country located in South Asia, is one of the countries that has been severely impacted by air pollution.

The current status of Nepal's atmosphere indicates that the air quality is often poor, particularly in urban areas. According to the World Air Quality Report 2023, Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, ranked as the first  most polluted city in the world. It's bad news for all of us as it is a matter of health risk. High levels of air pollution in Nepal are primarily caused by vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and household air pollution from burning solid fuels for cooking and heating. Over time, air quality in Nepal has worsened due to rapid urbanisation and the increasing number of vehicles on the roads. However, the Nepalese government has taken steps to address the issue by implementing policies and regulations aimed at reducing emissions. For example, the government has imposed restrictions on the age of vehicles that can be imported and has promoted the use of cleaner fuels. Additionally, efforts are being made to reduce household air pollution by encouraging the use of clean cooking stoves and promoting renewable energy.

Technologies aimed at lowering pollutant emissions are also being developed and deployed in Nepal. For instance, the government has implemented the Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2020 to promote the use of electric vehicles, which are emission-free. Similarly, there are initiatives underway to introduce air filters in public spaces to reduce exposure to air pollution. Additionally, research is being conducted on air capture technologies that can remove pollutants from the air, such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) and direct air capture (DAC).

Causes of global warming, which is a significant environmental challenge, are also related to air pollution. Nepal, like other countries, contributes to global warming through its greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels. To address this, the Nepalese government has set a target of generating 5,000 MW of electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

In conclusion, air pollution is a significant environmental challenge facing Nepal, and it poses a threat to public health and the environment. However, the government and other stakeholders are taking steps to reduce emissions and improve air quality, such as through the promotion of electric vehicles and clean cooking stoves. Continued efforts and investment in clean energy and other related technologies will be necessary to address this critical issue effectively.