Tehran’s Struggle Against Severe Air Pollution: Government's Efforts to Cool Down Citizens' Homes
Recently, the air quality in Tehran has reached alarming levels, with social media and news reports highlighting the serious pollution in the city. The situation has become so dire that Tehran is considered one of the most polluted cities in the world. Air pollution, combined with widespread power outages, has led to significant dissatisfaction among residents. To address the issue, the government has launched a campaign urging citizens to reduce their home temperatures by 2 degrees Celsius.
The call for energy conservation comes directly from Iran's president, who has asked people to help ease the pressure on the country's power grid by lowering indoor temperatures. This has triggered a public campaign, supported by several government officials, to raise awareness about this request. The government's move, however, has been met with mixed reactions. Some see it as a sign of helplessness in managing the ongoing crisis, while others argue that the initiative promotes a sense of civic duty and responsibility, especially considering the severe environmental impacts.
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According to IQAir, a global air quality monitor, the air quality index in Tehran has recently been categorized as "very unhealthy." The capital’s air is filled with pollutants that are hazardous to public health. The situation has led to various restrictions, including the imposition of measures to reduce energy consumption. Tehran residents have been asked to limit their energy usage, and state offices and banks have been instructed to reduce consumption by 50% compared to the same period last year. Additionally, the government has recommended setting thermostats to a maximum of 18 degrees Celsius.
One of the contributing factors to Tehran's air pollution is the burning of mazut (a low-quality fuel) at power plants, particularly at the Shazand power station, which has resumed burning this fuel after a month-long halt. This has exacerbated the already critical air quality situation.
Despite the government’s push for energy saving, some Tehran residents have expressed their willingness to follow the temperature reduction advice, particularly for the sake of fellow citizens in colder regions. Others feel frustrated by the lack of a clear solution to the underlying pollution issues.
In the meantime, the environmental crisis in Tehran and other large cities in Iran continues to escalate, leading to the temporary closure of schools and the growing public outcry about the government's failure to improve air quality. Tehran’s residents now find themselves caught in a struggle between the need for immediate relief from the unbearable pollution and the long-term solutions that remain elusive.
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