Active Stocks
Thu Mar 28 2024 15:59:33
  1. Tata Steel share price
  2. 155.90 2.00%
  1. ICICI Bank share price
  2. 1,095.75 1.08%
  1. HDFC Bank share price
  2. 1,448.20 0.52%
  1. ITC share price
  2. 428.55 0.13%
  1. Power Grid Corporation Of India share price
  2. 277.05 2.21%
Business News/ Opinion / Choking on smog
BackBack

Choking on smog

England's experience shows that change is possible if societies focus their collective attention on the quality of air they breathe

Photo: BloombergPremium
Photo: Bloomberg

Readers of Sherlock Holmes stories will remember the unforgettable description of London streets wrapped in a thick fog that provides cover to criminals. Art lovers will remember the famous impressionist painting of the English parliament by Claude Monet seen through the haze that was then so common. It is worth comparing these images with the crystal-clear air in London today.

Now look around at the abysmal air quality in most Indian cities. The haze that shuts down the New Delhi airport every winter is one salient reminder. China is perhaps in an even worse situation. This year has seen Chinese cities choking on smog that seems a throwback to the London of Arthur Conan Doyle.

Most rich countries have cleaned up their urban air in recent decades through a combination of new laws, technology and public pressure. What has happened there shows that change is possible if societies focus their collective attention on the quality of air that they breathe.

Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!

Catch all the Business News, Market News, Breaking News Events and Latest News Updates on Live Mint. Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates.
More Less
Published: 20 Dec 2013, 11:50 PM IST
Next Story footLogo
Recommended For You
Switch to the Mint app for fast and personalized news - Get App