Tackling air pollution in Europe and Central Asia for improved health and a greener future

The UNDP Europe and Central Asia region is one of the most carbon intensive areas of the world, with 88 percent of its primary energy supply coming from fossil fuels, which substantively contributes to air pollution. The main sources of air pollution come from the burning of fossil fuels in energy production and from household, transport, industrial and agricultural activities. The  direct impact of air pollution on human health is of growing concern today, although important steps have been made in the last three decades with natural gas displacing coal in the region. Furthermore, exposure to air pollution is a risk factor for many chronic diseases, such as chronic respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses. Recent studies suggest a link between long-term exposure to air pollution and COVID-19 morbidity and mortality as it can suppress an early immune response to the infection, or it can increase pre-existing conditions, such as the risk of stroke, diabetes and hypertension, among many other diseases.
Improvements in air quality and the prevention of detrimental effects on health and ecosystems would therefore have economic and environmental benefits for the whole society. As a transboundary environmental issue solving the problem of air pollution requires multiple resources, partnerships and diverse capacities. This paper aims to provide a solid base for knowledge exchange and forthcoming discussions, including a regional overview with a set of multi-sectoral priority areas and interventions, for future programming and investment.