Pakistan lags far behind the rest of the world in implementing contemporary emission norms, as it does in most other spheres of life. We still have Euro 2, which was formally implemented here in 2012, about 12 years after the standards became globally obsolete. And since Euro 2 is still officially in effect in Pakistan, we are now 23 years behind the rest of the world.
Adhering to Euro 2 emission standards in Pakistan has several adverse consequences, affecting both the environment and public health. Here’s how Pakistan suffers by still adhering to these outdated standards:
- Air Pollution: Euro 2 standards allow vehicles to emit higher levels of pollutants, including nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM). This contributes significantly to air pollution, leading to smog, reduced air quality, and various respiratory diseases. Prolonged exposure to these pollutants can cause serious health issues, especially among vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.
- Health Impacts: Poor air quality due to higher emissions affects public health. Respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and allergies become more prevalent. Long-term exposure to air pollution is linked to cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, and other chronic illnesses, putting a strain on the healthcare system and impacting the overall well-being of the population.
- Environmental Degradation: Higher emissions contribute to environmental degradation, harming plants, animals, and aquatic life. Acid rain, a result of air pollutants, damages forests, soil, and water bodies, disrupting ecosystems and agricultural activities.
- Climate Change: Emissions from vehicles, including greenhouse gases, contribute to climate change. By adhering to outdated emission standards, Pakistan indirectly exacerbates global climate issues, affecting weather patterns, sea levels, and agricultural productivity.
- Economic Costs: The health issues arising from poor air quality lead to increased healthcare costs and reduced labor productivity. Additionally, environmental damage affects agriculture and other industries, resulting in economic losses for the country.
- International Reputation: Adhering to outdated emission standards negatively impacts Pakistan’s international reputation. In an era where global efforts are focused on reducing emissions and combating climate change, lagging way behind in emission standards can hinder collaborations, trade partnerships, and international relations.
Related: Pakistan Ranked 3rd Most Polluted Country in World Air Quality Report
To mitigate these issues, Pakistan needs to upgrade its vehicular emission standards to align with international norms (such as Euro 4, Euro 5, or higher). This transition would not only improve air quality and public health but also demonstrate the country’s commitment to environmental sustainability and international environmental agreements.
I don’t eat, sleep or dream of cars, I am just someone who loves to see, think & write about cars. I love Ferrari in Pink but they won’t make one for me. I use X to write my full name, but that doesn’t mean I’m inspired by Altis X, in fact, my dad hates it 😀 Btw I’m an occasional writer so don’t expect too much from me 🙂
