Air pollution has become one of the most pressing public health and environmental challenges in South Asia, with the region consistently ranking among the worst affected in the world. Among the most affected areas are India and Pakistan, two nuclear-armed neighbors that share more than just geographic proximity; they are also grappling with some of the deadliest levels of air pollution. Now, an unlikely catalyst – the deadly smog that has enveloped cities on both sides of the border – is prompting calls for renewed dialogue and cooperative action through what could be called “climate diplomacy.”

Smog and Its Impact on South Asia

Cities like New Delhi in India and Lahore in Pakistan have recently ranked among the most polluted in the world, with air quality indices (AQI) soaring to life-threatening levels. In October and November 2024, New Delhi recorded PM2.5 concentrations – fine particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the lungs – exceeding 500 micrograms per cubic meter. This is nearly five times higher than the threshold considered hazardous by the World Health Organization (WHO), which recommends a safe level of 25 micrograms.

The root causes of this toxic air include a mixture of vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, stubble burning (a practice in both India and Pakistan), and weather conditions that trap pollutants close to the ground. In Lahore, for example, AQI levels exceeded 700 micrograms, while New Delhi briefly surpassed 585 micrograms. This lethal smog is causing severe health risks, including respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and even premature deaths.

A Growing Push for Climate Diplomacy

While relations between India and Pakistan have been historically strained due to geopolitical tensions, an unexpected development is now encouraging both sides to collaborate for the common good: climate diplomacy. Pakistan’s Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, recently proposed that both countries work together to address the worsening air pollution crisis that affects millions on both sides of the border.

Nawaz emphasized that air pollution is a “humanitarian issue,” not a political one, and called for a cooperative, diplomatic response from both nations. “Winds don’t know there is a line [border] in between,” she said, highlighting how pollution knows no national boundaries. Nawaz has even expressed interest in initiating a dialogue with her Indian counterpart, noting that India’s Punjab province, which shares a border with Pakistan’s Punjab, is equally impacted by the worsening air quality.

The idea of working together on air pollution is not entirely new. Last year, both India and Pakistan were criticized for their widespread use of crop stubble burning, which exacerbates the seasonal haze. Farmers on both sides of the border burn the remnants of their crops to clear land for the next season’s planting. While the practice is an economic necessity, it significantly contributes to the region’s already hazardous air quality.

The Role of Weather Patterns and Agriculture

The seasonal nature of the smog exacerbates the crisis, with autumn and winter temperatures concentrating pollutants in the lower atmosphere, where they remain trapped due to low winds and stagnant air. Experts warn that as the weather cools further, the pollution will continue to build up.

The region’s agricultural practices also play a significant role in the pollution levels. In both India and Pakistan, farmers commonly burn crop stubble to quickly clear fields for the next planting season. The practice is especially widespread in India’s northern states, where Punjab alone accounts for a significant portion of the crop residue burning. Though Pakistan faces a similar issue, India’s larger agricultural sector contributes to a higher volume of stubble burning, which is then carried by the wind toward Pakistan, exacerbating the air pollution in cities like Lahore.

Collaborative Solutions: The Male Declaration and Beyond

Historically, South Asian countries have struggled to address cross-border environmental challenges like air pollution. In 1998, countries in the region signed the Male Declaration, an intergovernmental framework aimed at tackling air pollution in South Asia. However, the declaration has failed to lead to significant action. Despite this, some efforts are underway to revive and expand cooperative frameworks to manage transboundary pollution more effectively.

It is believed that collaborative action is crucial for tackling the regional air pollution crisis. A “transboundary pollution management approach” is seen as essential for effectively addressing air quality issues in South Asia. The Male Declaration is highlighted as a strong foundation for fostering deeper cooperation, particularly in areas such as emissions monitoring, sharing technology for cleaner agricultural practices, and facilitating the transition to renewable energy.

The Path Forward: A Joint Effort on Clean Energy and Public Awareness

Experts agree that long-term solutions to air pollution in South Asia will require both immediate and sustained efforts. Countries in the region must invest in cleaner energy sources across all sectors, implement better waste management practices, and curb stubble burning. Additionally, raising public awareness and shifting behaviors, especially in agriculture, will be crucial to reducing emissions.

Maryam Nawaz’s proposal to start climate diplomacy with India is a step in the right direction, offering a glimmer of hope that despite the political challenges, countries in South Asia can find common ground on issues that affect the health and well-being of millions. As Nawaz put it, the fight against air pollution must be seen through a humanitarian lens, not a political one.

While the road ahead is undoubtedly challenging, the shared environmental crisis presents an unprecedented opportunity for India and Pakistan to move past decades of rivalry and work together for a cleaner, healthier future for their people. With collaborative climate diplomacy, this smog-covered region could find a way to clear the air — both literally and figuratively.