Strategic reductions in residential emissions: A perspective through enhanced GAINS modeling

This study employs the Greenhouse gas – Air pollution Interactions and Synergies (GAINS) model to analyse air pollution in Bathinda, Delhi, and Kanpur within the Indo-Gangetic Plain of South Asia, contrasting a Business-As-Usual (BAU) scenario with a Residential (RES) scenario that advocates for cleaner household energy use. It highlights the issue of ambient PM_2.5 levels exceeding India's National Ambient Air Quality Standards, a common challenge in urban areas worldwide. The RES scenario's transition to cleaner fuels, including Liquefied Petroleum Gas, biogas, and renewable sources, forecasts significant emission reductions: a 26.76 % decrease in PM_2.5 and a 10.67 % reduction in SO₂ emissions. This adjustment leads to a 16.14 % improvement in average PM_2.5 exposure, from 90.62 to 75.99 μg/m³, potentially preventing nearly one-third of premature deaths due to air pollution. By quantitatively evaluating residential emission control strategies and their health impacts using the GAINS model, this study offers a replicable framework for clean air planning in highly polluted regions. The Indo-Gangetic Plain case study provides transferable insights into sustainable energy transitions, supporting global air quality strategies. These findings highlight the critical role of household energy reform, technology adoption, and policy integration in reducing pollution exposure—core principles that can guide international environmental and public health agendas.