Tehran Faces Severe Smog as Pollution Levels Reach Critical Threshold
Authorities in Tehran have issued a public alert as the air quality in the Iranian capital has deteriorated to hazardous levels. The city, recognized as one of the most polluted metropolitan areas globally, is currently experiencing heightened smog, prompting urgent warnings from environmental agencies.
According to the capital's environmental authority, the air quality index has surged to a critical value of 160. This classification indicates that air pollution poses significant health risks to the entire population, with elderly residents and those with pre-existing health conditions facing heightened dangers. In response, the Ministry of Health has convened an emergency meeting to address the ongoing crisis, given projections that current pollution levels are expected to persist.
Recent data from the health sector reveals that more than 58,000 deaths in the past year have been attributed to air pollution-related causes. The primary contributors to poor air quality in Tehran include the vast number of private vehicles crowding the city streets. Due to limited public transport options, many residents rely on personal cars, exacerbating traffic congestion and emissions. Furthermore, gasoline in Iran is both inexpensive--costing between 15 and 20 euro cents per liter--and often of substandard quality, compounding the environmental challenge.
The situation intensifies during periods of extreme temperature, such as winter and summer, when increased use of heating and cooling systems elevates overall energy consumption. Residents also point to the widespread practice of burning heavy fuel oil in power plants as a major factor in the accumulation of pollutants in the air.
On days when pollution spikes, local authorities are compelled to implement immediate measures to protect public health. These actions have included the temporary closure of schools and universities. Discussions are ongoing regarding the potential suspension of operations in banks and additional government offices, underscoring the severity of the environmental hazard. Tehran, home to a minimum of 15 million inhabitants, sees its daytime population swell to nearly 19 million due to daily commuters.
In addition to the smog crisis, Tehran's residents are contending with an ongoing water shortage resulting from extended drought conditions. The president of Iran recently cautioned that water rationing may be necessary if rainfall does not occur by the end of November. Contingency plans are being considered, including the possibility of evacuating the city should the drought continue to threaten the water supply.
As Tehran confronts these dual environmental challenges, officials are urged to prioritize investments in public transportation infrastructure and the modernization of energy production methods. Addressing the root causes of air and water pollution is increasingly viewed as essential to safeguarding public health and ensuring the sustainability of life in one of the world's most populous urban areas.