Science can clear the air for pollution policymakers

Each year, South Asian countries vie for a bleak distinction: having the world’s most polluted air. India scooped the pool in 2021–22, with New Delhi the most polluted capital and Bhiwadi the most polluted city overall. Air pollution represents the region's third-highest risk for premature death (compared to the ninth highest in Western Europe).

Tackling the problem starts with monitoring the pollution to identify its main sources, so they can be regulated. And the best way to monitor the pollution is to track it from all sides, bringing together ground-based observations, satellite data and atmospheric-chemistry modelling. Pollution causes and effects vary over time and across locations, so a one-size-fits-all approach is not helpful.