- As per study published by researchers at University of Maryland, US, India is overtaking China to become world’s largest emitter of anthropogenic Sulphur Dioxide (SO2).
- SO2 is an air pollutant that causes acid rain, haze and many health-related problems.
- It is produced predominantly during burning of coal to generate electricity and vehicular emissions.
- India’s emissions of SO2 has increased by 50% since 2007 while China’s fell by 75%.
- India opened its largest coal-fired power plant in 2012 and has yet to implement emission controls.
- The rapid decrease of emissions in China far exceeds expectations and projections. It can be attributed to emission control measures undertaken by China.