Cities Choking: Who Goal 11 To Reduce Air Pollution

Air pollution is a pressing issue that poses a serious threat to human health and the environment. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been working to address this issue by including health-relevant indicators of household and ambient air pollution exposure in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG 11, which focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities, is closely linked to air quality. This goal aims to make cities and communities inclusive, safe, resilient, and environmentally friendly. Achieving this goal requires addressing the sources of air pollution, such as the use of dirty fuels, and improving access to clean and affordable energy. By reducing air pollution, we can not only improve public health but also drive progress towards other SDGs, including those related to climate action, social inequality, and economic growth. Therefore, tackling air pollution is crucial for building a sustainable future and ensuring that no one is left behind.

Reducing deaths and illnesses from air pollution

Air pollution is a major environmental health problem affecting people in low-, middle-, and high-income countries. It is a public health emergency that causes an estimated seven million premature deaths worldwide every year. It is the second-highest risk factor for non-communicable diseases, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, which are major contributors to global mortality rates.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has been working to ensure that health-relevant indicators of household and ambient air pollution exposure and disease burden are included in the formal system of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicators. WHO monitors and tracks progress on health indicators to measure achievements toward SDG3 on health, SDG7 on energy, and SDG11 on sustainable cities and communities.

To reduce deaths and illnesses from air pollution, policies and investments should focus on the following:

• Supporting the use of clean technologies to reduce industrial smokestack emissions.
• Improving waste management practices, including capturing methane gas emitted from waste sites as an alternative to incineration (for use as biogas).
• Ensuring access to affordable, clean household energy solutions for cooking, heating, and lighting.
• Promoting cleaner modes of power generation and transport, such as electric vehicles.
• Encouraging energy-efficient housing and municipal waste management to reduce ambient air pollution.
• Implementing interventions and initiatives for healthy sectoral policies, including energy, transport, housing, urban development, and electrification of healthcare facilities.
• Providing technical support and guidance to member states on health issues related to air pollution and its sources.

By addressing these areas, significant progress can be made toward reducing deaths and illnesses caused by air pollution, improving public health, and contributing to sustainable development goals.

Monitoring health impacts of air pollution

Air pollution is the presence of one or more contaminants in the atmosphere, such as dust, fumes, gas, mist, odour, smoke or vapour, in quantities and durations that can be harmful to human health. The main pathway of exposure from air pollution is through the respiratory tract. Breathing in these pollutants leads to inflammation, oxidative stress, immunosuppression, and mutagenicity in cells throughout our body, impacting the lungs, heart, and brain, among other organs, and ultimately leading to disease.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has worked to ensure that health-relevant indicators of household and ambient air pollution exposure and disease burden are included in the formal system of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicators. WHO monitors and tracks progress on health indicators to measure progress toward achieving the SDGs 3 (good health and well-being), 7 (affordable and clean energy), and 11 (sustainable cities and communities).

WHO's Air Quality and Health Unit works in three cross-cutting areas: knowledge, evidence, and measuring progress; institutional capacity building and technical support; and leadership and coordination. WHO monitors the exposure levels and health impacts (i.e. deaths, DALYs) of air pollution at the national, regional, and global levels from ambient (outdoor) and household air pollution. Such estimates are used for official reporting, such as world health statistics and the SDGs. WHO uses national reference-grade ground measurements, satellite data, chemical transport models, and population information to derive model population-weighted concentrations of particulate matter that are reported as annual air pollution.

The health impacts of air pollution depend on the types, sources, and concentrations of the pollutants in the air pollution mixture to which an individual is exposed. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is an especially important source of health risk, as these very small particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and travel to organs, causing systemic damage to tissues and cells. Other pollutants of significant concern for public health include carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulphur dioxide (SO2). Both short- and long-term exposure to air pollutants can lead to a wide range of diseases, including stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, trachea, bronchus and lung cancers, aggravated asthma, lower respiratory infections, type 2 diabetes, obesity, systemic inflammation, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia. Maternal exposure to air pollution is also associated with adverse birth outcomes, such as low birth weight, pre-term birth, and small gestational age births.

To reduce air pollution levels and protect populations from health risks, integrated policies are required to achieve energy access, limit climate change, and reduce air pollution. Strategies and investments supporting cleaner transport, energy-efficient homes, power generation, industry, and better municipal waste management would reduce key sources of outdoor air pollution. Access to clean household energy would also greatly reduce ambient air pollution in some regions.

Access to clean energy

To address this issue, organizations like the WHO and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promote the adoption of cleaner household energy technologies and fuels. The WHO introduced guidelines for indoor air quality and household fuel combustion, encouraging countries to transition to cleaner options. Their Clean Household Energy Solutions Toolkit (CHEST) provides a repository of policies supporting cleaner fuels and technologies. Similarly, the EPA works with partners to increase the sustained use of cleaner home cooking technologies that are affordable, reliable, efficient, and safer.

Cleaner fuels, such as biogas, ethanol, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), play a crucial role in minimizing health risks associated with household air pollution. Improved distribution networks and subsidies are making these cleaner options more accessible in emerging economies. Electric stoves, including induction cookers, are also a clean option, provided they are powered by a clean energy source. Solar stoves and micro-grids are viable alternatives for communities with ample sunlight but limited grid access.

In addition to technological solutions, supportive government policies and economic incentives are essential. Conditional cash transfers, for instance, can motivate households to adopt clean energy sources. Effective policies can provide financial support for the purchase of improved energy devices or clean fuels, increasing their supply and availability. Additionally, strategic housing designs, such as improved ventilation and insulation, can reduce indoor air pollution and heating demands.

By implementing these strategies and increasing access to clean energy, significant progress can be made towards reducing air pollution, improving health, and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Addressing air pollution through clean energy solutions has far-reaching benefits, positively impacting health, the economy, and the environment.

Reducing environmental impact of cities

Air pollution is a pressing issue, with harmful consequences for human and environmental health. It is linked to many of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

To reduce the environmental impact of cities, several strategies and interventions can be implemented to improve air quality. Here are some approaches to reducing the environmental footprint of urban areas:

Urban Planning and Green Spaces

Urban planning can play a crucial role in reducing air pollution. Incorporating more green spaces, such as urban gardens and parks, helps absorb pollutants and release oxygen, improving air quality. The presence of trees and vegetation can also reduce urban heat island effects, providing cooling for residents. Additionally, urban planners can design cities with improved infrastructure and transportation structures that minimize the impact of vehicles, one of the major sources of air pollution.

Sustainable Transportation

Encouraging the use of public transportation, bicycles, and electric vehicles can significantly reduce air pollution. Cities can provide incentives for residents to use these alternative modes of transport, reducing the number of private cars on the road. Developing efficient public transportation systems, such as subways, can also play a crucial role in reducing vehicle emissions and congestion.

Industrial Regulation

Strict laws and policies regulating industrial emissions are essential. Governments should enforce improved industrial structures and regulations to minimize the release of harmful pollutants. Licensing procedures, increased fines for emissions, and temporary halts on factory operations during pollution emergencies are effective measures to reduce industrial air pollution.

Education and Community Initiatives

Educating communities about the impacts of air pollution and providing guidance on reducing their environmental footprint is crucial. Local businesses, city offices, and schools can be directed towards programs that promote sustainability and pollution reduction. Incentives and best practices can be shared to encourage behavioral changes that benefit the environment.

Energy Transition

Transitioning from dirty fuels to clean and sustainable energy sources is vital for reducing both outdoor and indoor air pollution. This includes promoting the use of clean technologies for cooking, heating, and lighting, as well as investing in renewable energy sources.

By implementing these strategies and working towards the Sustainable Development Goals, cities can significantly reduce their environmental impact and improve the health and well-being of their residents.

Waste management

Air pollution is a pressing issue that affects the health and well-being of individuals worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been working to address this issue by including health-relevant indicators of household and ambient air pollution exposure in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). One of the key targets of SDG 11, which focuses on sustainable cities and communities, is to reduce the environmental impact of cities by improving air quality.

To address this issue, it is essential to promote proper waste management practices. This includes reducing waste generation, reusing and recycling materials, and separating waste to ensure correct disposal. Individuals, companies, and governments all have a role to play in improving waste management. Companies can contribute by reducing packaging, designing easily recyclable products, and supporting improved waste management regulations.

Additionally, there is a need to shift towards more sustainable waste management methods. Recycling, composting, and waste-to-energy technologies can help reduce the environmental impact of waste disposal. However, it is important to ensure that waste management workers have access to safe working conditions and proper protective gear, especially when handling hazardous materials.

By improving waste management practices and adopting more sustainable solutions, we can significantly reduce air pollution and move closer to achieving SDG 11. This will not only benefit the environment but also positively impact the health and well-being of communities worldwide.

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