Lahore’s Smog Season
As October unfolds, Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city, is engulfed in what many refer to as “smog season.” This phenomenon, marked by severe air pollution, is primarily driven by the burning of agricultural stubble after the rice harvest. This seasonal practice, combined with urban pollution, has positioned Lahore at the forefront of the world’s most polluted cities. According to the Swiss-based air quality monitoring organization IQAir, Lahore recently recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 299—just two points shy of being classified as “hazardous.” In contrast, Delhi’s AQI stood at 207, reflecting the widespread air quality crisis across the region.
The Challenge of Finding Activists
In this dire context, British artist Dryden Goodwin sought a local activist to highlight the urgent need for clean air through his art for the 2024 Lahore Biennale 03. However, he faced a significant challenge: no one came forward. The founder of the Pakistan Air Quality Initiative, Abid Omar, eventually volunteered to be sketched, illustrating the troubling reality that clean air activism is often overlooked in Lahore.
The Breathe: Lahore Project
Goodwin’s project, titled Breathe: Lahore, serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of clean air. Omar’s sketches, alongside those of other activists, are being displayed across Lahore in over 1,500 locations, including posters, digital billboards, and projections. Goodwin aims to ignite critical discussions about environmental issues through this visual representation of activism.
Health Impacts of Air Quality
Experts warn that Lahore’s air pollution poses serious health risks, particularly to children and vulnerable populations. Particulate matter, especially PM2.5, is especially hazardous as it can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause long-term health problems. With Lahore’s smog season arriving earlier this year, residents are increasingly affected by poor air quality.
Goodwin’s Artistic Motivation
Goodwin’s interest in air pollution began in 2012 when he created an animation focusing on the health impacts of toxic air on children. His subsequent projects, including Breathe:2022 and Breathe For Ella, have aimed to highlight the fragility of life in polluted environments. Breathe For Ella honors Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, the first person in the world to have air pollution recognized as a cause of death. Goodwin’s work has a profound emotional connection, revealing how air quality affects everyday lives.
Future Directions and Collaboration
The Breathe: Lahore initiative is just the beginning. Lucy Wood, producer from Invisible Dust, envisions expanding the project to other cities, including Delhi, which also suffers from severe air pollution. Recently, environmental experts from both Pakistan and India convened to discuss collaborative approaches to tackle air quality issues. This dialogue is vital for fostering cooperation between the two nations, particularly given their complex political history.
Conclusion
As Lahore grapples with its air quality crisis, initiatives like Breathe: Lahore serve as crucial efforts to raise awareness and encourage public engagement. Goodwin’s art not only highlights the urgent need for clean air but also strives to inspire future activism in a city where such efforts are desperately needed. The hope is that, in time, there will be no shortage of volunteers willing to advocate for a healthier environment.
