Bryan Johnson, the well-known entrepreneur and biohacker, recently appeared on Nikhil Kamath’s podcast, but what happened next shocked many. Midway through the discussion, he abruptly left, citing unbearable air pollution. He remarked, “The air quality was bad enough to be declared as a national health emergency. I don’t know what interests, money, and power keep things the way they are, but it’s really bad for the entire country.” His statement has once again sparked debate on whether India should declare air pollution a national emergency.
A recent report by AQI.in highlights the top 10 most polluted countries in the world, with India ranking third with an average AQI of 111. Bangladesh tops the list with an AQI of 140, followed by Pakistan at 115. Other countries on the list include Bahrain at 103, Nepal at 100, Egypt at 92, UAE at 90, Kuwait and Tajikistan at 89, and Kyrgyzstan at 87. The deteriorating air quality in India has led to severe health consequences, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and a decline in life expectancy. Medical professionals warn that prolonged exposure can lead to chronic lung conditions and increased mortality rates, particularly among children and the elderly.
Beyond health risks, air pollution significantly impacts the economy. The World Bank estimates that pollution costs India nearly 8.5% of its GDP due to premature deaths and lost labor productivity. Major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata frequently experience hazardous air quality, leading to school closures, work disruptions, and reduced outdoor activities. The thick winter smog that engulfs urban areas further exacerbates these problems, making daily life increasingly difficult.
The Indian government has launched several initiatives to combat air pollution, including the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which aims to reduce particulate pollution by 20-30% in major cities by 2024. Measures such as promoting electric vehicles, improving public transportation, and imposing industrial restrictions have been introduced. However, weak enforcement, inadequate infrastructure, and rising vehicular emissions continue to hinder progress. The seasonal issue of stubble burning in northern states remains a major challenge, despite regulations and subsidies meant to discourage the practice.
Declaring air pollution a national emergency would push the government to take more stringent measures, including stricter industrial regulations, enhanced public health advisories, and immediate action plans. It could also open doors for increased international cooperation and funding to address pollution-related challenges. However, critics argue that a declaration alone would not solve the problem. Experts suggest a multi-pronged approach, focusing on stricter pollution control laws, investments in clean energy, better urban planning, and public awareness campaigns to encourage sustainable practices.
The alarming AQI levels indicate that urgent action is required to mitigate the long-term effects of air pollution. With global attention on India’s pollution crisis, the government has an opportunity to implement robust policies and ensure effective execution. Bryan Johnson’s exit from the podcast serves as a wake-up call. If immediate steps are not taken, India risks not just health consequences but also severe economic and social burdens. The question remains: Will authorities treat air pollution as the national emergency it truly is, or will the crisis continue unchecked?
Following Johnson’s departure from the podcast, Zerodha co-founder Nithin Kamath also weighed in on the issue, sharing his thoughts on the growing pollution crisis. In a social media post, he admitted that he once believed severe air pollution was primarily a problem in Delhi and mostly during the winter. However, he was shocked to find that during the podcast recording in Mumbai’s Bandra area, the AQI had crossed 160. Out of curiosity, he checked the air quality near Zerodha’s Bengaluru office in JP Nagar, only to discover that it was above 120.
Kamath suggested an unconventional approach to addressing air pollution by linking property prices to environmental factors like air and water quality. He proposed that areas with poor air and water conditions should see lower property values, which could create an economic incentive for improving environmental standards. He also emphasized the importance of further research on the health implications of prolonged exposure to pollution and encouraged researchers to collaborate with his Rainmatter Foundation to find sustainable solutions to the crisis. His remarks underscore the urgency of tackling pollution before it worsens further.
