Around 91 per cent of the world’s population lives in places where air quality levels exceed limits recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The major outdoor pollution sources include vehicles, power generation, heating, agriculture, waste incineration, shipping and industry.

The economic rationale in fighting air pollution

The economic impact of air pollution, from e.g. loss of workdays and direct healthcare, is far higher than the investments neededto reduce air pollution. Calculations made by the European Commission show that in the European Union, the expected benefits to society are more than 20 times the cost of implementing the legislation. Globally, there is an economic rationale to act and cost-effective solutions already exist to address the challenge of air pollution. Policies and investments supporting cleaner transportation, power generation, industry, energy-efficient housing and better municipal waste management can effectively reduce key sources of ambient air pollution.

Air pollution is closely linked to the challenges of climate change and biodiversity. Combustion of fossil fuels is a major contributor to both air pollution and greenhouse gases. Policies to reduce air pollution therefore often offer climate benefits as well as benefits for ecosystems and health.

Existing solutions and technological development must go hand in hand

Technological innovation is key in beating the challenge of air pollution without hampering the economic growth and welfare of societies. Here, the private sector plays a crucial role in terms of finding and developing new efficient solutions that can reduce air pollution. Solutions that often need to be incentivised through public taxes, regulation and other initiatives once they enter the market. However, many solutions to fight air pollution already exist and are available in transportation, urban planning, power generation, local heat production, industry, shipping and agriculture. Adoption and adaptation of existing clean-tech innovations from other countries is a central input to a successful policy and implementation.

Cross boarder collaboration is needed to fight the challenge of air pollution

While the preconditions to fight air pollution might differ from region to region across the globe, it is still essential to share experiences between countries and regions to ensure an efficient and cost-effective response to the challenges of air pollution worldwide.

The UNECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution has been providing a legal and organisational framework for the exchange of knowledge and joint commitment since 1979. In addition, the  clean-tech industry plays a vital role in the exchange of experiences and technologies between countries and regions. The aspect of regional and inter-regional cooperation and the exchange of experiences was a main theme at the third United Nations Environment Assembly in
2017 as well as central at the WHO Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in 2018. Furthermore, at the C40 World Mayors Summit in Copenhagen in 2019, 35 city mayors signed the C40 Clean Air Declaration, agreeing to coordinate and integrate policy strategies for improving air quality as well as share experiences.

Achieving a sustainable and healthy future for all requires action on air pollution

The UN Sustainable Development Goals on health (SDG3), energy (SDG7), sustainable cities (SDG11) and climate change (SDG13) provide a massive opportunity for addressing the challenge of air pollution and the related burden of disease. The list of targets with relevancy to indoor and ambient air pollution includes:

• SDG target 3.9, which calls for a substantial reduction in deaths and illnesses from air pollution
• SDG target 7.1, which aims to ensure access to clean energy in homes
• SDG target 11.2, which aims to provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all
• SDG target 11.6, which aims to reduce the environmental impact of cities by improving air quality