Air pollution caused by crop burning remains a severe public health emergency in South Asia, contributing to 2 million deaths annually.
This harmful practice, commonly used by farmers to clear their fields, is driven by the need for cost-effective and efficient land preparation.
However, it significantly worsens air quality and accounts for 40% to 60% of the region’s air pollution during the winter harvest season.
A new study, co-led by Brown University researcher Gemma Dipoppa, presents a promising solution: government incentives to reduce illegal crop burning.
Farmers across India and Pakistan often burn leftover crop residue to prepare for the next planting season.
This practice, while effective, releases vast amounts of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, endangering public health.
Despite the clear risks, previous efforts to curb crop burning have been largely ineffective.
The study, published in Nature, reveals how government action can make a substantial difference.
The study shows that targeted government actions could save lives and reduce pollution from crop burning.Researchers found that government officials were more likely to enforce regulations when the negative effects of crop burning directly impacted their jurisdictions.
The study showed that crop-burning fires increased by 15% when winds carried pollution to neighboring regions, while they decreased by 14.5% when the pollution affected the officials’ areas.
Additionally, government-led interventions, such as fines for violators, proved to be effective. These actions reduced crop burning by an extra 13%.
The study challenges the assumption that controlling this widespread issue is impossible, suggesting that with adequate resources, governments could significantly reduce pollution levels.
The study also underscores the detrimental effects of crop burning on public health, particularly on children.
If measures were taken to curb the practice, an estimated 1.5 to 2.7 deaths per 1,000 children could be prevented, highlighting the urgent need for action.
Government incentives, such as fines, information campaigns, and alternative solutions for farmers, can play a crucial role in addressing this crisis.
Moreover, with stronger enforcement and better resources, the reduction of crop burning could save lives and improve air quality across South Asia.