A recent study by a government department, The Urban Unit, revealed that private vehicles are the biggest polluter in the city of Lahore. “Sectoral emission inventory shows that 83.15% of the city’s air pollution originates from the transport sector,” a tweet by the former mayor of Narowal, Ahmad Iqbal, mentioned. Lahore ranks as Number. 3 worst city globally for air quality.
🌍🔥 It's official: Private vehicles are the biggest polluter in Lahore.
According to the @UrbanUnitGop sectoral emissions inventory, 83.15% of the city's air pollution originates from the transport sector.
Lahore ranks as #3 worst city globally for air quality. pic.twitter.com/5ikYqzmaZo
— Ahmad Iqbal・احمد اقبال (@AhmadIqbalCh) May 17, 2023
Sharing the details of the study further, Iqbal wrote that over the past decade, the number of vehicles in Lahore has exploded. As per the study, it has grown threefold from 2.4 million vehicles in Lahore in 2011 to a staggering 6.3 million in 2021. “This rapid increase in vehicular traffic is a key factor driving the city’s air pollution crisis,” the report explained.
2/7 🚗📈 Over the past decade, the number of vehicles in Lahore has exploded, growing threefold from 2.4 million vehicles in 2011 to a staggering 6.3 million in 2021. This rapid increase in vehicular traffic is a key factor driving the city's air pollution crisis. pic.twitter.com/anbCKG8nRV
— Ahmad Iqbal・احمد اقبال (@AhmadIqbalCh) May 17, 2023
It also revealed that two-wheelers dominate Lahore traffic, making up approximately 7-% % of motorized transport. “Automobiles are the largest category contributing 23% to the mix,” The Urban Unit report mentioned.
3/7 🛵🚘 The vehicle mix in Lahore is dominated by two-wheelers, which make up approximately 70% of motorized transport. Automobiles are the next largest category, contributing around 23% to the mix. pic.twitter.com/BkD3PGG5g7
— Ahmad Iqbal・احمد اقبال (@AhmadIqbalCh) May 17, 2023
Environmental Consequences
The environmental impacts of these vehicles are critical, i.e., last year touched 48.5C – the hottest year ever in the city’s recorded history. And worryingly, the trend shows no sign of reversing.
4/7 🔥🌡️ The environmental consequences of this surge in vehicles are stark. Last year, Lahore touched 48.5C – the hottest year ever in the city's recorded history. The trend shows no signs of reversing. pic.twitter.com/VTARkD3MtH
— Ahmad Iqbal・احمد اقبال (@AhmadIqbalCh) May 17, 2023
The second more concerning effect is the city’s falling rainfall rate, which is decreasing yearly in Lahore. This has caused a massive increase in heat and contributed to a dangerous loop.
5/7 🌧️💧 What's even more concerning is the city's falling precipitation rate. Rainfall in Lahore is decreasing every year, exacerbating the heat and contributing to a dangerous feedback loop. pic.twitter.com/BjmHrIy0yN
— Ahmad Iqbal・احمد اقبال (@AhmadIqbalCh) May 17, 2023
The data from The Urban City sheds light on the urgency of addressing Lahore’s environmental challenges. “Without significant and radical action, the air quality will continue to get worse, affecting the health of quality of life for millions,” Iqbal commented.
6/7 The data from @UrbanUnitGop underscores the urgency of addressing Lahore's environmental challenges. Without significant & radical action, air quality will continue to deteriorate, impacting the health and quality of life for millions of residents.
— Ahmad Iqbal・احمد اقبال (@AhmadIqbalCh) May 17, 2023
He concluded that this study is a stark reminder that we need urgent and systematic changes to our urban transport system. “We must prioritize clean, sustainable transportation options to mitigate the effect of climate change,” he said.
7/7 This study is a stark reminder that we need urgent 🚨 systemic changes to our urban transport systems. We must prioritize clean, sustainable transportation options to mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure a healthy future for Lahore.
— Ahmad Iqbal・احمد اقبال (@AhmadIqbalCh) May 17, 2023
What is your take on this study on vehicles being the biggest polluter in Lahore? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section.
