Fossil fuel-driven air pollution claimed 1.72 million lives in India in 2022: The Lancet report

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Fossil fuel-driven air pollution claimed 1.72 million lives in India in 2022: The Lancet Report

According to The Lancet Countdown 2025 Report on Health and Climate Change, fossil fuel-driven air pollution caused 1.72 million deaths in India in 2022.
Coal and petrol alone were responsible for over half a million deaths, highlighting the severe human cost of delayed climate action.
The economic loss due to premature mortality from outdoor air pollution amounted to $339.4 billion, approximately 9.5% of India’s GDP.
Household air pollution, primarily from solid biofuels, led to 113 deaths per 100,000 population, with rural areas more affected (125 per 100,000) than urban (99 per 100,000).
In 2024, the average Indian faced 19.8 heatwave days, with 6.6 days directly linked to climate change.
The nation witnessed a record 366 hours of heat exposure, resulting in the loss of 247 billion labour hours and an estimated $194 billion in economic damage.
India’s preparedness for a low-carbon transition declined by 2% in 2024, reflecting a concerning fall in climate resilience.

The average transmission potential (R₀) for dengue via Aedes albopictus rose from 0.86 (1951–60) to 1.60 (2015–2024) — surpassing the epidemic threshold.
The coastal area suitable for Vibrio transmission increased 46% from the 1982–2010 baseline.
18 million Indians live less than one metre above sea level, heightening vulnerability to sea-level rise.
35% of India’s land experienced at least one month of extreme drought annually (2020–2024) — a 138% increase since the 1950s.
Wildfire smoke (PM2.5) caused an annual average of 10,200 deaths (2020–2024), up 28% from the previous decade.

India spent $48.5 billion on net fossil fuel subsidies in 2023, while carbon revenue remained negative.
Coal contributes 46% of total energy and 72% of electricity generation, while renewables account for just 2% of total energy and 10% of electricity supply.
96% of road transport energy is fossil-fuel-based; electricity contributes only 0.3%.
58% of household energy comes from solid biofuels, worsening indoor air pollution.

India lost 2.33 million hectares of tree cover (2001–2023), including 143,000 hectares in 2023.
Urban greenness declined in 110 of 189 major cities; only Tamluk (West Bengal) ranked “high.”
Between 2015–2024, average urban greenness fell by 3.6%.
Agricultural emissions increased 13% (2000–2022), with red meat and dairy responsible for 65% of farm-sector emissions.

In 2024, Indian newspapers published 296 articles on climate and health, up 19% from 2023.
These made up 15.3% of total climate coverage, showing rising awareness.
However, 75% of research focused on health impacts, and just 0.4% addressed indigenous communities.

The report covered 100+ countries, revealing shared global vulnerabilities — rising heat deaths, wildfire exposure, and vector-borne disease outbreaks — notably in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and Chile.
Encouragingly, between 2010–2022, around 160,000 premature deaths were prevented annually worldwide due to reduced fossil fuel use.

The Lancet Countdown:
An annual peer-reviewed global collaboration monitoring the link between climate change and health. It tracks the effects of climate change on health outcomes, systems, and economic conditions.
India’s Climate Challenge:
High dependence on coal and biofuels, low renewable penetration, and vulnerability to extreme weather events amplify health and economic risks.
Key Concern:
Delay in low-carbon transition risks both public health and economic stability.

Updated – 30 Oct 2025 ; 11:34 AM | News Source: The Hindu