In November 2017, Delhi earned the unenviable distinction of becoming the most polluted city in the world – pollution levels surging well above the Hazardous category (Air Quality Index of 999). The source of the pollution is cited to be multiple – stubble (remnants of a crop) burning in nearby states, burning of fossil fuels for power, dust, pollution from construction and vehicles and burning of fuel used by the poor to cook and keep warm. The pollution has triggered reverse-migration out of the city.
Finding solutions to urban issues using technology+consulting Beijing, China too has struggled with pollution over the years, sometimes bordering critical levels. The pollution particles tend to bond with water due to the weather, humidity, temperature and wind conditions, leading to the formation of a thick, dense fog. Apart from imposing tighter emissions regulations and higher fines, Beijing has partnered with tech giant, IBM to come up with solutions using artificial intelligence in order to predict and lower pollution levels. The Green Horizons initiative takes into consideration all the factors that contribute to pollution and collects data using connected sensors across the city, air quality monitors and satellites. This data is then used to detect patterns and identify trends. By using machine learning and big data to generate pollution forecast and direct policy, Beijing has been able to reduce ultra-fine particulate matter by 20% in less than a year.📷
