Putting Air Pollution Back on the Agenda A health and economic opportunity for developing Asian cities

摘要

Urban air pollution kills 1.1 million people each year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Air pollution is estimated to contribute 8% of lung cancer deaths, 5% of cardiopulmonary deaths, and 3% of respiratory infection deaths globally.~1 People living within 500 m of major roads are exposed to hazardous emissions from transport, which includes 55% of Delhi and 77% of Beijing residents.~2 The air in more than six out of 10 developing cities in Asia is considered unhealthy, based on a CAI-Asia survey of 234 cities, comparing particulate matter levels against WHO interim targets. A mere 1% (or three surveyed cities) has clean air (see Figure 1).~3 Several air pollutants, including black carbon, which is a component of particulate matter, methane, and tropospheric ozone, are called short-lived climate forcers. This is because they contribute to climate change and while their lifespan is shorter than carbon dioxide emissions, their impact is felt immediately.