From LA To New Delhi, For A Breath Of Fresh Air

As I end my service as US ambassador to India, I consider myself a proud Dilliwala. I’ve relished exploring, learning, and celebrating this diverse and driven metropolis and I have shared my enthusiasm for this city — one of the great global cities — throughout my tenure here.While Delhi has become my family’s home for nearly two years, my hometown is Los Angeles, California, with its bountiful sunshine, incredible beaches, and of course, the glamour of Hollywood. I had the honour of serving as the mayor of Los Angeles for nearly a decade, but growing up in LA, we were a city once notorious for our air pollution. As a child, there were days I and my fellow students weren’t even allowed to play outside at school, as thick, brown smog choked our lungs and stung our eyes. Sound familiar?In my lifetime, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of collaboration and innovation in tackling air pollution in my hometown. Today, I urge us to join hands in a concerted effort to improve air quality in the greater Delhi Capital Region.The air quality crisis in Delhi is not just an environmental issue; it is a public health emergency. According to WHO, air pollution is responsible for over 1.5 million deaths in India each year. The economic costs are staggering, with some estimates saying that air pollution in India costs 3 points of yearly economic growth. Lost productivity, increased healthcare burdens, a diminished quality of life — these are the invisible yet brutal taxes of air pollution. Imagine a workforce struggling to concentrate or forced to care for children home from canceled school, or a tourism industry crippled by the fear of respiratory illness. This is not the future India deserves. But beyond the economic costs, it is the human stories that resonate most deeply — children who struggle to breathe, elderly who suffer from chronic respiratory diseases, and families who live in constant fear of the next smog-filled day, including those of the nearly 2,500 Americans and Indians that work for our collective better future at the US Embassy in New Delhi.In LA, we faced similar challenges. The city’s infamous smog became a symbol of unchecked industrial growth and environmental neglect. But through a combination of stringent regulations, technological innovation, and public awareness campaigns, we were able to turn the tide. Today, LA boasts some of the cleanest air among major American cities and is 90% cleaner than when I was growing up. This transformation was not easy, nor was it quick, but it was possible because we recognised that clean air is a fundamental right for all citizens.India and US have a unique opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences. US can offer its expertise in regulatory frameworks, emissions control technologies, and public health initiatives. India, with its vibrant tech sector and entrepreneurial spirit, can drive innovation and implement scalable solutions tailored to its unique challenges.One promising area of collaboration is the development of low-cost air quality monitoring systems. By deploying a network of sensors across Delhi, we can gather real-time data on pollution levels and identify hotspots. Sensors can be attached to vehicles, student backpacks, and in parks and green spaces to give people real-time, personal data that they can use to take action. This data-driven approach will enable targeted interventions, such as traffic management, industrial emissions control, and green infra projects. These sensors can also spawn whole new industries and create smart new solutions for rising challenges.Another critical aspect is public awareness and community engagement. In LA, we launched campaigns to educate residents about the health risks of air pollution and the steps they could take to protect themselves. We also worked closely with schools, businesses, and community organisations to foster a culture of environmental stewardship. In India, similar efforts can empower citizens to demand cleaner air and hold polluters accountable. These are just some of the ways we can work together. We should explore others that will get us from where we are to where we want to go. We are ready. India, with its burgeoning economy and ambitious goals, has the potential to leapfrog traditional solutions and strategies, leading a path for the rest of the world to follow.In LA during the 1970s, the air quality crisis was a call to action for all of us. Today in Delhi and in other Indian cities, high AQI days are reminders that the health and well-being of our citizens are inextricably linked to the health of our environment. As a former mayor of LA, I have seen the power of collaboration and innovation in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges. As the outgoing US ambassador to India, I have seen India’s dynamism, spirit of innovation, and the yearning to usher in tomorrow’s opportunities and benefits faster. As one who loves this city and its people, I am confident that by working together, India and US can create a future where clean air is not a luxury but a reality for all.