BAQ 2018 Session: Air Pollution in Asia and the Pacific: Science-based Solutions

The Asia Pacific region accounts for one-third of global air pollution deaths and is one of the most vulnerable to the impacts of the changing global climate. Aside from the focus on criteria pollutants that directly affect the environment and human health, short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) can directly impact climate and form tropospheric ozone which has been linked to increased mortality due to ambient air pollution.

Immediate action is needed in the region to address this issue, and it has been home to numerous and tested solutions that can abate air pollution-thus protecting human health and the planet. The Air Pollution in Asia and the Pacific: Science-based Solutions is the first comprehensive, solution-oriented interdisciplinary scientific assessment of the air pollution outlook and policy measures in Asia Pacific. This was prepared in response to Resolution 1/7 of the First Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly in 2014, which called for UN Environment to prepare regional reports on air quality issues.

The report identifies a suite of top 25 clean air solutions that can contribute to achieving the World Health Organization’s Air Quality Guidelines and the Sustainable Development Goals while delivering the greatest near-term benefits for human health, crop yields, climate and the environment.

The session will introduce the solutions package, highlighting potential benefits for clean air and climate, showcase successful case studies from the region, and discuss opportunities for its implementation.