Theme: Aerosol Impacts to Air Quality, Human Health & Climate Change
Date: December 17-20, 2024
The conference will focus on the latest developments in aerosol science. It will also cover insights gained in recent years regarding the impacts of aerosols on human health and climate change, including the following broad areas:
Uttarakhand, a state in northern India, is known for its diverse geography, ranging from the Himalayas to dense forests and river valleys. The state’s natural environment has traditionally contributed to relatively clean air compared to other parts of India. However, urbanization, industrialization, and increased vehicular traffic have started to impact air quality negatively.
On average, air quality in Uttarakhand varies from good to moderate, but certain areas, especially urban centers, experience unhealthy levels of air pollution, particularly during the winter months when temperature inversions can trap pollutants. The state has established several air quality monitoring stations, particularly in urban areas, to track pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and SO2. As Uttarakhand continues to develop, especially in tourism and industry, there is a risk of worsening air quality if adequate measures are not taken to manage pollution. As temperatures rise and dry seasons become more prolonged, the frequency and intensity of forest fires may increase, worsening air pollution during certain times of the year. The associated impact may affect national food and water security, as the state is the origin of two major rivers in India.