Reducing Air Pollution: Global Strategies For Cleaner Air

Air pollution is a serious problem, and it is one that can be solved. In 2019, 99% of the world's population was living in places where the WHO air quality guidelines levels were not met, and 4.2 million premature deaths were caused by ambient outdoor air pollution. To reduce air pollution, changes need to happen on a national and global scale, but individual and community-level actions are also important. These can include driving less, using public transportation, biking, or walking, as well as using cleaner household energy sources such as biogas, ethanol, and liquefied petroleum gas. Communities can also come together to demand change, such as investing in better public transportation and developing city plans that include infrastructure for walking and biking.

Reduce vehicle emissions

Vehicle emissions are a major source of air pollution. Here are some ways to reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality:

Drive Less

The most effective way to reduce vehicle emissions is to drive less. This can be achieved by walking, biking, carpooling, or using public transportation whenever possible. Combining multiple errands into one trip can also help reduce the number of miles driven and the amount of emissions produced.

Choose Fuel-Efficient Vehicles

When purchasing a new vehicle, opt for fuel-efficient models with low greenhouse gas emissions. Electric, hybrid, and fuel-efficient gas vehicles emit fewer pollutants than traditional gasoline or diesel cars. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and cleaner-burning gasoline vehicles are all good options.

Maintain Your Vehicle

Regular maintenance and tune-ups can help ensure your vehicle is running as efficiently as possible. Keep your car in good repair, follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule, and use the recommended motor oil. Check your tire pressure regularly, as under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage and increase fuel consumption.

Drive Efficiently

The way you drive can also impact your vehicle's emissions. Avoid excessive idling, as idling vehicles produce zero miles per gallon and create unnecessary pollution. Drive at a steady speed, accelerate gradually, and avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking. Observing posted speed limits can also help reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

Avoid Short Journeys

Short trips can have a disproportionately high impact on fuel consumption and emissions. Consider combining shorter trips into one longer journey, or opt to walk or cycle for shorter distances. This will not only reduce emissions but also keep you active and reduce wear and tear on your vehicle.

Optimise Deliveries

When shopping online or scheduling home deliveries, consider requesting all your packages to be sent in one shipment with minimal packaging. For scheduled deliveries, choosing a longer time window allows delivery trucks to optimise their routes and avoid unnecessary trips.

Improve energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is a powerful lever to reduce air pollution, with the potential to deliver a range of economic, environmental, and health benefits. Energy production and use is the largest source of anthropogenic air pollution globally, and improving energy efficiency can reduce both indoor and outdoor concentrations of air pollutants.

Buildings and Infrastructure

Designing and constructing "green" buildings and infrastructure is a critical strategy. Green buildings are designed, built, and operated with energy efficiency in mind. This includes simple measures such as placing windows to maximize natural sunlight during winter, reducing the need for heating. Implementing building standards and retrofits that reduce energy consumption can significantly lower the demand for power generation. Additionally, insulating homes and sealing leaks can help retain heat and reduce energy usage.

Energy Generation

Improving the efficiency of fossil fuel power plants, particularly those burning coal, can substantially reduce air pollution. Carbon capture and storage technology can lower carbon emissions per unit of electricity generated. Smart combustion unit design can improve efficiency by utilizing the thermal heat from one unit to power others, reducing the need for combustion and, consequently, pollution.

Renewable Energy Sources

Transitioning to renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, or hydropower, is an effective way to improve energy efficiency and reduce air pollution. Once installed, renewable energy plants require less investment to operate and produce power from natural sources. For example, solar power harnesses energy directly from the sun.

Energy-Efficient Products and Equipment

Adopting energy-efficient products and equipment can significantly reduce energy consumption and associated pollution. Look for the ENERGY STAR label when purchasing appliances, lighting, and office equipment. Energy-efficient light bulbs, such as compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) or LED lights, can save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Transport Sector

The transport sector contributes significantly to energy consumption and air pollution. Introducing or strengthening mandatory vehicle fuel efficiency standards can effectively reduce pollution within cities. Additionally, encouraging the use of electric vehicles, promoting public transportation, carpooling, and active travel options like walking and cycling can help improve transport efficiency and reduce emissions.

By implementing these measures and investing in energy efficiency improvements, we can effectively reduce air pollution, protect public health, and promote a cleaner environment.

Use cleaner fuels

Cleaner fuels are an essential aspect of reducing air pollution, particularly in the transport sector, which has an enormous impact on the environment. Motor vehicles are one of the largest sources of air pollution, and their emissions can make the air in highly populated areas unhealthy to breathe, contributing to global warming and climate change.

One way to reduce emissions from gasoline-powered vehicles is to use blends of up to 85% ethanol (E85). These blends have been shown to reduce emissions and are a cleaner-burning option. Additionally, electricity-powered vehicles are becoming more prevalent and offer a sustainable alternative to traditional gasoline or diesel engines.

For households, access to clean fuels is crucial. In low- and middle-income countries, the burning of biomass fuels such as wood, animal dung, and dried crops for cooking and heating remains common. This practice has detrimental health effects, leading to various diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, child pneumonia, and low birth weight. Clean fuel alternatives, such as natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, electricity, solar power, and biogas, can significantly reduce household air pollution and improve health outcomes.

The use of natural gas vehicles is another option to reduce emissions. Natural gas is an abundant fuel that helps lower NOx, particulate matter, and other emissions. Similarly, sustainable aviation fuel provides a flexible and compatible option for the aviation sector, contributing to a cleaner environment.

Overall, selecting cleaner fuels is a powerful way for individuals and organizations to reduce harmful emissions and create a healthier environment for future generations. By transitioning to cleaner fuel options, we can mitigate the environmental and health impacts of air pollution caused by traditional gasoline and diesel engines.

Implement better waste management

Implementing better waste management is a crucial step in reducing air pollution. Here are some detailed strategies and practices that can be adopted to improve waste management and combat air pollution:

Recycling and Composting:

Promote and encourage recycling practices among communities. High-income countries have been more successful in implementing recycling policies, and their waste management systems tend to be cleaner and better organized. However, it's important to note that measures focusing solely on increasing recycling and composting have a marginal impact on reducing waste generation. Implementing waste separation and providing clear guidelines on what can be recycled can improve recycling rates.

Waste Reduction and Reuse:

Focus on reducing waste generation at the source. This can be achieved by encouraging the adoption of circular waste management systems, which involve restrained landfilling, increased material recycling rates, technological improvements, and behavioral changes such as reducing food and plastic waste. Strategies that target waste reduction, such as the 3 Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), can play a significant role in minimizing waste.

Improved Landfill Management:

Open burning of waste, especially in low-income countries, contributes significantly to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Methane (CH4) released from landfills is a potent greenhouse gas, and its impact on global warming is 28 times higher than carbon dioxide (CO2) over a 100-year timeframe. Improved landfill management practices, such as compacting and covering landfills to meet environmental standards, can help reduce air pollution and methane emissions.

Anaerobic Digestion:

Implementing anaerobic waste digestion to treat organic waste can produce biogas, providing an alternative to incineration. This method not only reduces air pollution but also generates energy, contributing to a more sustainable waste management approach.

Incineration with Strict Emission Controls:

In cases where incineration is unavoidable, it is crucial to employ combustion technologies with strict emission controls. This ensures that harmful pollutants and greenhouse gases are not released into the atmosphere, minimizing their impact on air quality and human health.

Policy Implementation:

Governments and local authorities play a vital role in waste management. Policies and regulations that support waste reduction, separation, recycling, and reuse should be prioritized. Examples include the EU Waste Framework Directive and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act in the United States. Additionally, providing incentives and guidelines for businesses and communities can promote better waste management practices.

By implementing these strategies and practices, we can significantly improve waste management, reduce air pollution, and protect human health and the environment.

Promote clean household energy

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified access to clean household energy as a key strategy to reduce ambient air pollution in some regions.

Cleaner Fuels and Stoves

The transition to clean household energy can be facilitated by the introduction of cleaner technologies and fuels for cooking, heating, and lighting. This includes the use of biogas, ethanol, liquefied petroleum gas, electric, wind, and solar energy. These options minimize the health risks associated with household air pollution, which is a leading risk factor for various diseases, including childhood pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), acute respiratory infections, heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer.

Improved Housing and Ventilation Design

Installing ventilation systems, such as chimneys or hoods, in households can reduce exposure to smoke indoors. However, pairing ventilation with the use of cleaner fuels and low-emission stoves is crucial to prevent smoke from re-entering the home and contributing to outdoor air pollution. Additionally, strategic placement of windows, insulated walls, and reflective roofs can reduce the demand for space heating in cool climates.

Supportive Government Policies and Economic Incentives

Effective policies can play a vital role in enabling households to adopt cleaner technologies and fuels. Governments can provide financial support, such as subsidies or tax incentives, to make clean household energy more accessible and affordable for under-resourced families. For example, the Fondo de Inclusión Social Energético LPG subsidization program in Peru and the Ujjwala program in India provide subsidies for clean household fuels and technologies.

Education and Awareness-Raising Campaigns

Education and awareness-raising campaigns are essential to stimulate and sustain clean energy-related behaviour changes. These campaigns can utilize various mediums, such as educational programs, radio ads, flyers, billboards, or posters, to highlight the benefits of clean fuel use and the negative impacts of polluting fuels. Establishing clean energy use as a social norm, with trusted community members promoting its adoption, can also encourage behaviour changes.

Frequently asked questions