Report on environmental pollution in Asia

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                          REPORT

             ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION IN ASIA

Submitted to:
Prof. Dr. Ramesh Dhakal
Department of Environmental Science
Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur

Submitted by:
Anjana Gurung
B.E. Student, Environmental Group

20 November 2026

Abstract

Asia is the largest and most populous continent, and its rapid industrial and urban growth has brought serious environmental pollution. This report reviews the state of air, water and land pollution in Asia, based on published reports of the World Health Organization, the United Nations Environment Programme and national agencies. It finds that most of the world's most polluted cities are in Asia, especially South Asia, with PM2.5 levels many times higher than the WHO guideline. Major rivers, such as the Ganges, Yangtze and Citarum, receive untreated sewage and industrial waste. Plastic waste, e-waste and the burning of crop residue add to the problem. Pollution causes millions of premature deaths each year and costs a large share of national income. The report concludes that coordinated action is necessary and recommends cleaner energy, stronger laws, waste management and regional cooperation.

Introduction

Asia is home to more than half of humankind. In the last fifty years, its cities have grown very quickly, its factories have multiplied, and the use of coal, petrol and diesel has risen sharply. Environmental protection has often been neglected for the sake of economic growth.

Pollution is the addition of harmful substances to air, water or land. In Asia, the main kinds are:

1. Air pollution: from vehicles, coal-based power plants, factories, brick kilns and the burning of waste and crop residue.
2. Water pollution: untreated sewage, chemicals, fertilizers and plastics in rivers, lakes and coastal waters.
3. Soil and solid waste pollution: unmanaged garbage, pesticides, mining waste and electronic waste.
4. Noise pollution: in crowded cities.

The aim of this report is to describe the present situation and its causes and effects, and to suggest ways to reduce pollution. The report is based on secondary sources, and it focuses on South Asia and East Asia.

Recommendations

1. Switch from coal and oil to solar, hydro, wind and other clean energy, and give subsidies for electric vehicles.
2. Introduce and enforce strict emission standards for vehicles and industries, with fines for violators.
3. Build sewage and wastewater treatment plants in all large cities, and ban the discharge of untreated waste into rivers.
4. Promote waste reduction, segregation, recycling and the safe disposal of electronic and plastic waste.
5. Replace crop burning with machines, and give incentives to farmers.
6. Increase green space and public transport in cities.
7. Establish regional cooperation among Asian countries on transboundary air and water pollution, sharing data and technology.
8. Educate the public and include environmental education in schools.