By Mukila Maitha
Mukila Maitha, Associate Professor of Geography at Harper College in Palatine, Illinois, was a 2020 participant in the CAORC-AIIS Faculty Development Seminar to India. In this essay, he examines the factors behind Delhi’s suffocating smog and what is being done to lessen its impact. All photos provided by the author unless otherwise noted.
When introducing the study of atmospheric processes, I often ask students why they think this topic is important to study. One of the top reasons given is because atmospheric pollutants can have adverse effects on human health and structures. The nature of air pollution and the environmental factors that affect pollutants, such as winds, topography, and temperature inversions, are a regular part of my physical geography courses. Little did I know, prior to being accepted on this program, that I would have the opportunity of being immersed in some of the world’s most polluted air. In spite of some trepidation, due to seasonal allergies, my excitement about visiting India was undiminished.