Join the Conversation: Solutions for Health and Climate by Reducing Air Pollution
Online discussion on solutions to reduce pollutants, organized by the World Bank
At least seven million premature deaths annually are attributed to air pollution – one in eight premature deaths globally. By reducing urban air pollution levels, cities and countries can reduce the burden of disease from stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and both chronic and acute respiratory diseases, including asthma.
Urban air pollution is also a critical climate issue. Short-lived climate pollutants such as black carbon and methane are main contributors to health-harmful air pollution. These SLCPs have a short lifespan in the atmosphere meaning that harmful concentrations of SLCPs can be reduced in a matter of weeks to years, resulting in near-term climate benefits as well as health benefits from improved air quality.
At least seven million premature deaths annually are attributed to air pollution.
There are a range of affordable technologies, investment strategies and policy options that municipalities can choose to significantly reduce short-lived climate pollutants. The CCAC is taking action through initiatives to reduce air pollution from key sources, such as, heavy-duty diesel vehicles, municipal solid waste, brick production and domestic cookstoves to improve people’s health immediately and provide near-term climate benefits.
The World Bank is hosting a 2-week dialogue on pollution solutions from 9 February to 20 February 2015. Panelists from the World Health Organization, China’s Ministry of Environmental Protection, the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, and the Center for Science and Environment, India are answering questions and providing personal insight into the problems and solutions to stopping pollution and improving health around the world.
What do you think? Join the conversation!
Expert assistance
Our Expert Assistance is a no-cost service that connects you to an extensive network of professionals for consultation and advice on a range of short-lived climate pollution issues and policies.
Experts will provide guidance on technological options, mitigation measures (like those carried out by our initiatives), funding opportunities, application of measurement tools, and policy development.
