Shared Environmental Crises as an Impetus for Improving India-Pakistan Relations.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2025

Publication Title

Cureus

Abstract

The recent rise in air pollution in India and Pakistan offers an avenue for public health experts in the two countries to work together to mitigate risks. The effects of climate change transcend borders, and limited resources in a volatile environment open a door for stakeholder involvement. Amid the deteriorating pulmonary health, school closures, and compromised livelihoods, there is an argument to be made that joint healthcare initiatives, harmonized policy frameworks, and integrated environmental monitoring can serve as catalysts for easing longstanding geopolitical tensions. Such collaborative endeavors may include shared research on immediate and long-term health impacts, the joint development of clean technologies, and the alignment of industrial and vehicular emission standards. There are actionable frameworks that leverage shared health priorities and environmental stewardship that can be leveraged as an impetus for change and can be co-led by Pakistani and Indian equivalents of a health ministry, medical universities, and teaching hospitals. Such synergistic approaches not only improve public health outcomes but also foster stability, trust, and enhanced collaboration in a region profoundly affected by climatic and political uncertainties. However, challenges like political resistance, funding constraints, and resource limitations may hinder progress, highlighting the importance of clear stakeholder roles and multilateral support.

Volume

17

Issue

1

First Page

76736

Last Page

76736

DOI

10.7759/cureus.76736

ISSN

2168-8184

PubMed ID

39897277

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