Google launches new feature through which now you'll have real-time pollution information

On Wednesday, Google launched Air View+ with the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI). It is an ecosystem-based solution to fill the existing information gap in India related to air quality data. With the help of AI, Google processes large amounts of air quality data at the hyperlocal or local level and provides necessary suggestions to government agencies. For this project, Google has partnered with researchers from various Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and climate tech firms. Under this, special sensors have been installed in 150 Indian cities, which will monitor air quality.

Severe level of air pollutants in Delhi-NCR, including PM10 and PM2.5, indicates the gravity of air pollution. Only a couple of big hurdles are standing in the way of solving this, the non-availability of air quality data and technology that can convert this into actionable information. Google says its AI-powered offering, Air View+, can bridge both. This ecosystem-based solution collects small-area air quality data and processes it.

Recently, Google collaborated with climate tech companies like Aurassure and Respirer Living Sciences. Along with these companies, air quality sensors have been built that will measure a host of pollutants- PM2.5, PM10, CO2, NO2, ozone, VOCs, or volatile organic compounds- along with temperature and humidity. These sensors send constant data by measuring every minute.

Over 150 Indian cities have a network installation of these sensors. They are fixed at places that are receiving a good amount of visitors, including administrative buildings and other commercial establishments. These sensors were validated by researchers from IIT Delhi, IIT Hyderabad, state pollution control boards, and climate action groups.