Siberia witnesses over 150% rise in air pollution

Subject: Environment

Section: Pollution

Context:

Decadal data analysis has suggested that newer geographies are now experiencing high levels of fine particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) emissions.

PM 2.5 pollution:

Quantification of PM2.5 geospatial data — Monthly Global Estimates of Fine Particulate Matter and Their Uncertainty — shows the polar regions, which are sparsely populated, are reporting much higher levels of PM2.5 when compared to a decade back as seen in the map.
PM 2.5 is defined as particulate matter with a diameter less than or equal to 2.5 microns and is linked to significant health concerns.
The Central and Eastern Siberian Taiga (CEST) region has reported the maximum decadal increase in pollution levels, percentage-wise.
In 2010, the annual mean PM2.5 levels were a little less than six micrograms per cubic metre of air (μg/m3). By 2021, the levels had shot up to over 16 μg/m3 — a rise of over 180 per cent.
CEST has experienced a gradual rise in PM2.5 emission since 2011.
Causes of rise in PM 2.5 level: Influence of emissions from fires in Siberia.
- The total area burnt annually due to wildfires in Siberia has increased over 150 per cent — from over six megahectares (Mha) of land (2005-2011 average) to a little over 16 Mha in the 2016 to 2020 average.

Central and Eastern Siberian Taiga (CEST):

This vast ecoregion is located in the heart of Siberia, stretching over 20° of latitude and 50° of longitude.
The climate in the CEST is subarctic (the trees growing there are coniferous and deciduous) and displays high continentality, with extremes ranging from 40 °C (104 °F) to −65 °C (−85 °F) and possibly lower.
Winters are long and very cold, but dry, with little snowfall due to the effects of the Siberian anticyclone. Summers are short, but can be quite warm for the northerly location.
Precipitation is low, ranging from 200 to 600 millimetres (8 to 24 in), decreasing from east to west.
The topography of this ecoregion is varied, consisting of wide, flat plains and areas of karst topography.
In contrast to the neighboring West Siberian taiga, large bogs and wetlands are conspicuously absent. Some trees also shed their leaves annually, a characteristic of deciduous forests.
Protected areas in this ecoregion include:
- Stolby Nature Sanctuary
- Olyokma Nature Reserve
- Tunguska Nature Reserve
- Central Siberia Nature Reserve