The United Nations experts have coined the term “the tragedy of air pollution” to describe the dire state of air pollution in Iran. Shockingly, the Center for Air Pollution Research at Tehran University of Medical Sciences reveals that approximately 40,000 people in Iran lose their lives each year due to respiratory infections, lung cancer, and heart attacks caused by air pollution-related issues. This alarming statistic is expected to rise as environmental experts observe a deteriorating situation. Iran’s excessive consumption of mazut, a highly polluting and low-quality fuel, to compensate for natural gas shortages exacerbates the problem.
Burning Mazut and Toxic Emissions:
The combustion of mazut results in the release of toxic gases, including sulfur dioxide, which leads to various diseases and premature deaths. David R Boyd, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment, describes Iran’s current state as an air pollution disaster with high levels of particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere.
Inadequate Fuel Standards and Mismanagement:
The Article 90 Commission of the Iranian Parliament highlights a significant increase in mazut consumption across the country. Out of 16 power plants, 14 rely on mazut as fuel. Shockingly, the commission confirms that the delivered fuels do not adhere to the required standards. Furthermore, the report underscores the failure of government ministries and institutions, such as the Ministry of Energy, to incorporate renewable energy sources into the country’s electricity supply. The lack of implementation of government laws and regulations, particularly in major cities, further exacerbates the air pollution crisis, representing a significant challenge.
Ineffectiveness of Environmental Organizations and Ministries:
Despite the Clean Air Law’s existence, the Environmental Organization responsible for implementing 60 legal decrees has failed to enforce more than 10 percent of them. The Ministry of Industry, Mining, and Commerce, despite being aware of the major role outdated industries and transportation play in Tehran’s air pollution, has not taken appropriate actions to address the issue. Similarly, the Ministry of Oil has failed to implement necessary standards for the use of mazut fuel in power plants and has supplied various fuels, including gasoline, gas oil, kerosene, and white oil, without adhering to approved national standards.
Economic and Budgetary Considerations:
The World Bank, in 2018, declared Tehran’s air as one of the most polluted in the world and estimated the annual cost of air pollution-related diseases in Iran to be around $2.6 billion. This figure, however, does not account for the costs incurred due to reduced agricultural productivity and school closures. Unfortunately, despite a 40 percent increase in the budget for the year 2023, the allocated funds for combating air pollution have nearly halved to approximately three million dollars at the official exchange rate, raising concerns about the government’s commitment to addressing the crisis.
Root Causes and the Need for Change:
The excessive consumption of mazut and the ongoing environmental crisis in Iran stem from a combination of political and managerial failures. The regime’s neglect and disregard for scientific principles while exploiting natural resources without accountability have led to environmental degradation and public dissatisfaction. To address the deep-rooted issues, it is imperative to remove the root cause, which lies within the current regime. The people of Iran, well-aware of the regime’s culpability, demand a change that prioritizes the preservation of their environment and the well-being of all living beings.
Iran’s air pollution crisis represents a dire situation that demands urgent attention and corrective action. The excessive burning of mazut, inadequate fuel standards, mismanagement by government ministries, and the failure to enforce environmental regulations have resulted in severe health consequences and economic losses. To safeguard Iran’s environment and protect its citizens, a comprehensive national plan and a commitment to renewable energy sources are imperative. Additionally, removing the root cause, the existing regime, is necessary to establish responsible governance that prioritizes environmental preservation and the welfare of the Iranian population.
