IN recent years, Pakistan’s urban centres, particularly Lahore, have faced a persistent and severe smog problem. Each winter, the air quality in cities across the country reaches hazardous levels, with Lahore often ranking among the most polluted cities worldwide. This phenomenon, a combination of smoke, fog, and various airborne pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur dioxide (SO2), poses serious threats to human health, the environment, and infrastructure. As Pakistan confronts this crisis, ethanol fuel emerges as a potential solution, offering an environmentally cleaner alternative to conventional fuels. In this essay, we explore the causes and consequences of smog in Pakistan, evaluate the viability of ethanol production, and discuss how ethanol adoption could benefit the country’s health, economy, and environment.
The smog problem in Pakistan is a result of multiple sources, predominantly vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and agricultural practices. As Pakistan’s cities grow, vehicle numbers have surged, contributing significantly to urban air pollution. Major pollutants from cars, trucks, and motorcycles—such as NOx and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—interact with sunlight to form ground-level ozone, a key smog component. Factories and power plants, primarily burning fossil fuels, release sulphur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter (PM), further polluting the atmosphere. Additionally, farmers burn crop residues to clear fields after harvest, a common practice that contributes heavily to smog in rural areas and its spread to nearby urban centres. Rapid urbanization, construction activities, and specific meteorological conditions like temperature inversions worsen the smog, particularly during winter when the atmosphere traps pollutants close to the ground.
The consequences of Pakistan’s smog crisis are extensive, impacting health, agriculture, infrastructure, and public safety. Research indicates that exposure to smog increases the risk of respiratory illnesses, with asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory issues spiking during winter. Chronic exposure has been linked to severe health problems, including heart and lung diseases, and even premature death. Economically, smog’s effects are also damaging: pollutants reduce photosynthesis, harming crops and agricultural productivity, and acid rain caused by smog can erode historic buildings and monuments, negatively affecting tourism and cultural heritage. Visibility is often sharply reduced during heavy smog episodes, increasing road accidents and posing public safety risks, especially in densely populated cities.
Amidst the ongoing smog crisis, ethanol fuel appears to offer a promising alternative. Derived from renewable sources like sugarcane and corn, ethanol burns more cleanly than conventional gasoline. Ethanol-blended fuels emit fewer pollutants, including carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM), and other smog-forming chemicals. Research shows that ethanol blends can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 39%, potentially lowering the smog burden on Pakistan’s urban centres. Moreover, ethanol is biodegradable, non-toxic, and less environmentally harmful in the case of spills, posing fewer risks to water and soil quality. By switching to ethanol as a renewable energy source, Pakistan could not only improve air quality but also reduce its dependency on fossil fuels, achieving greater energy security and environmental sustainability.
Pakistan’s agricultural resources and infrastructure provide a strong foundation for ethanol production, making it a feasible solution. The country is one of the largest global producers of sugarcane, a crop with high sucrose content that is ideal for ethanol production. Sugarcane is cultivated predominantly in the Punjab and Sindh provinces, regions that could supply a steady feedstock for ethanol, reducing reliance on imported fuels. Additionally, the sugar industry in Pakistan produces large quantities of molasses—a by-product used for ethanol production. Rather than exporting molasses, utilizing it for domestic ethanol production could help fulfil Pakistan’s fuel needs while keeping more value within the country. In addition to sugarcane, Pakistan’s corn production offers an alternative feedstock for ethanol. Diversifying ethanol production sources with corn could ensure steady production even when one crop underperforms. The existing ethanol production facilities, currently geared for export, could be expanded for domestic use, helping Pakistan meet local fuel demands without a large initial capital investment. With policy incentives, public awareness, and improved infrastructure, Pakistan has the resources to successfully adopt ethanol as a fuel source.
Transitioning to ethanol fuel, however, comes with challenges. Ethanol production, storage, and distribution infrastructure require significant investment, particularly in adapting current fuel stations and developing ethanol production facilities. Educating the public about the benefits of ethanol would also be essential for widespread acceptance, as misconceptions about its environmental and economic advantages persist. Government support, including subsidies and incentives, will be crucial to promote ethanol adoption. Policies that encourage ethanol use in public transport and government fleets could serve as a model for broader adoption. Additionally, continuous research is necessary to enhance ethanol production technologies, reduce costs, and make the industry more sustainable, potentially through collaborations between government, industry, and research institutions.
Ethanol fuel holds the potential to reduce Pakistan’s smog levels, providing a cleaner and more sustainable fuel alternative. By leveraging abundant agricultural resources, particularly sugarcane and corn, Pakistan can produce ethanol domestically, reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and supporting the local economy. Transitioning to ethanol requires a coordinated effort involving government policies, public awareness, and private sector collaboration. Yet, the benefits—including improved air quality, reduced health risks and a more secure energy future—make ethanol a worthwhile investment. By adopting renewable energy solutions like ethanol, Pakistan can work toward a cleaner, healthier future, protecting the well-being of its citizens and fostering sustainable growth.
—The writer is contributing columnist.
