At the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026 in Davos, prominent economists and business leaders warned that India's severe air pollution is no longer just a health crisis but a major macroeconomic drag that poses a greater threat to long-term corporate profits than global trade tariffs. Recent reports from the 2025–2026 earnings season indicate that pollution-related disruptions are directly compressing margins across multiple sectors.

Key Drivers of Profit Erosion

The "smog season" (typically November–January) has become a recurring period of economic inefficiency, impacting businesses through several channels:

Decreased Consumer Footfall: Retailers in major hubs like Delhi and Mumbai reported significant revenue losses during peak pollution months. For example, the retail chain Shoppers Stop noted lower foot traffic in North India due to hazardous air quality."#Write2Earn @EthiocoinGiram1 #BinanceBitcoinSAFUFund