On a recent Sunday, Karachi gained the unfortunate distinction of being ranked as the third most polluted city globally, primarily due to the impact of unhealthy air quality driven by eastern winds.
The city’s air quality index recorded a particulate matter reading of 190, a significant indicator of the extent of pollution in the atmosphere. Health experts classified Karachi’s air quality as “very unhealthy” and recommended that residents restrict outdoor activities, particularly during periods of peak pollution.
The air quality index (AQI) provides a scale for assessing air quality, considering a reading of 151-200 as unhealthy, 201-300 as more harmful, and anything beyond 300 as extremely hazardous. The recorded reading in Karachi falls within the unhealthy range, emphasizing the severity of the pollution.
During the winter season, atmospheric conditions change, leading to denser air that causes pollutants to descend and accumulate. This phenomenon contributes to elevated pollution levels.
Despite southwestern winds typically acting as a natural filter, pollutants tend to remain suspended during winter, further exacerbating the air quality issues in the city.
This situation underscores the seasonal challenges faced by Karachi in managing and mitigating pollution, impacting the health and well-being of its residents.
