AIR QUALITY LIFE INDEX (AQLI) REPORT 2025

Current Context : The Energy Policy Institute (EPIC), University of Chicago, released the AQLI 2025 Report.

• Finding: Air pollution is India’s most severe health threat, cutting average life expectancy by 3.5 years.

About AQLI

• Developed by Michael Greenstone & EPIC.
• Measures particulate pollution (PM2.5) impact on life expectancy.
• Combines global pollution data with long-term health impact research.

Relevant Data – India (2025 Report)

• Average loss: 3.5 years of life expectancy.
• Comparison:
  • Nearly 2× impact of malnutrition.
  • 5× impact of unsafe water and sanitation.
• Population exposure:
  • 100% of Indians live in areas above WHO safe limit (5 µg/m³).
  • 46% Indians live in areas above India’s own standard (40 µg/m³).

Region-wise Findings

• Delhi-NCR: 8.2 years lost (highest).
• Bihar: 5.6 years lost.
• Haryana: 5.3 years lost.
• Uttar Pradesh: 5 years lost.

Global Context

• South Asia is the most polluted region.
• 5 levels rose by 2.8% in 2023 after a dip in 2022.
• On average, air pollution cuts 3 years of life expectancy in South Asia.