28 January 2019

UNEP air pollution report presented at high level Singapore political event

Researchers from the IIASA Air Quality and Greenhouse Gases (AIR) program contributed significantly to a major report on air pollution in Asia that was presented at the third forum of ministers and environment authorities of Asia Pacific in Singapore on 23-25 January 2019.

© Waihs | Dreamstime.com

© Waihs | Dreamstime.com

Air Pollution in Asia and the Pacific: Science-based Solutions, is a joint report from the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), and the Asia Pacific Clean Air Partnership (APCAP). It identifies 25 clean air measures that can positively impact human health, crop yields, climate change and socio-economic development, as well as contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Implementing these measures could help 1bn people breathe cleaner air by 2030 and reduce global warming by a third of a degree Celsius by 2050.

The theme of the Singapore forum, attended by UN member states in the Asia Pacific region, was ‘Innovative solutions for environmental challenges and sustainable consumption and production’. The discussions are intended to form the basis of the region’s input into the UN Environment Assembly which will meet in Nairobi, Kenya, in March 2019. Air Pollution in Asia and the Pacific: Science-based Solutions was expected to be useful material for delegates.

IIASA scientists from the AIR program led the development and analysis of the mitigation measures addressing the air pollution and climate challenges in Asia, including through the use of the GAINS (Greenhouse Gas - Air Pollution Interactions and Synergies) model to develop scenarios. The top 25 measures not only represent wins for cities and countries looking to improve air quality, but also provide next-generation business opportunities and boost economic growth.

The key measures include clean cooking, efficiency improvements and flue gas cleaning at industrial facilities, as well as addressing agricultural sources through improved fertilizer application, manure management, and offering alternatives to the open burning of agricultural residues.

“This report underlines the importance of strong engagement with governments, the private sector and civil society – and the importance of simple and clear communication with citizens to be able to fully-implement recommended solutions,” says Markus Amann, AIR program director.


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Last edited: 28 January 2019

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