A groundbreaking study released on Sunday sheds light on an extraordinary weather phenomenon and its profound impact on air quality trends across India. According to the research, a rare occurrence of three consecutive years of La Niña conditions, known as the “triple-dip” phenomenon, coupled with the effects of climate change, has led to unprecedented shifts in air quality during the 2022-23 winter season.
Led by Gufran Beig, Chair Professor at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, the study underscores the role of rapidly changing climate alongside local emissions in shaping air quality patterns. Published in the Elsevier Journal, the research highlights contrasting trends between north and peninsular India, challenging conventional air quality expectations.
In north Indian cities such as Ghaziabad, Rohtak, and Noida, air quality significantly improved, with Ghaziabad witnessing a remarkable 33 percent reduction in pollution levels. Conversely, peninsular cities like Mumbai, Coimbatore, Bengaluru, and Chennai experienced a surge in PM2.5 levels, marking a departure from previous trends.
The study attributes these divergent outcomes to the “triple-dip” La Niña event, amplified by climate change. R H Kripalani, a climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology and co-author of the report, explained how this phenomenon disrupted wind patterns, preventing stagnation in north Indian cities while exacerbating pollution buildup in peninsular regions.
The dominance of northerly winds in transporting pollutants, combined with calm conditions in peninsular India, intensified transboundary pollution and worsened air quality. Conversely, factors like weaker western disturbances and unique wind patterns contributed to improved air quality in the north.
To validate their findings, researchers utilized the advanced NIAS-SAFAR air quality forecasting model, integrating chemical-transport modeling with modern artificial intelligence algorithms. Their analysis confirmed a return to normal air quality levels in the winter of 2023-24, following the conclusion of the La Niña event.
Beig emphasized the need for long-term strategies to address anthropogenic emissions, stressing the interconnectedness of air quality and climate change. The study underscores the urgency of adopting proactive measures to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events on air quality and climate stability.
As climate change continues to reshape weather patterns, insights from this research serve as a wake-up call to prioritize sustainable practices that safeguard both air quality and environmental health.
Sources By Agencies