Insights on Building Capacity to Support the Integration of Earth Observations into Air Quality Operations in South Asia

Air quality in South Asia poses a major threat to human health and requires transboundary cooperation to address. Earth observations (EOs) can play a critical role in air quality monitoring and operations but require training to enable their effective integration. This article describes the outcome of a training in Kathmandu, Nepal, organized by the SERVIR Hindu Kush Himalaya program, on Earth observation–derived air quality products and numerical modeling techniques. It explores the challenges air quality practitioners face when using these products, as well as provides insight into how Earth observations from space can support their long-term goals of reducing the impacts of air quality in the region. Last, it provides lessons learned for more effective training and first-hand accounts of how participants used their knowledge from the training in their work.