Accelerating Access to Clean Air for a Livable Planet

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About Accelerating Access to Clean Air

Outdoor air pollution is taking a heavy toll on both people and economies across the world. Reducing it will require effective, targeted, and integrated policies.

 

This report identifies the main sources of air pollution in the world today, with a focus on ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5). It assesses the extent to which current air pollution policies will reduce exposure to PM2.5 by 2040, to show how integrated policies across various sectors can unlock cleaner air, with substantial development benefits.

 

The report also assesses strategies and financing requirements to mobilize clean air investments and emphasizes the features of effective air quality management governance. 

Main Messages

Ambient (outdoor) air pollution kills roughly 5.7 million people globally each year. Its economic costs are estimated at nearly 5 percent of global GDP, due to its impacts on health, productivity, and life expectancy. Taking a “business as usual” approach will only worsen these impacts.

Despite ongoing efforts around the world to reduce pollution, current policies will not be enough. As urbanization, economic activity, and population growth accelerate, more people are exposed to dirty air. Already a crucial development challenge today, curbing air pollution will be imperative for future growth and prosperity on a livable planet.

Substantial progress is within reach. This report shows that halving the number of people exposed to highly polluted air globally by 2040 is feasible and affordable. Because air pollution stems largely from manmade sources, effective policies can reduce it.

Although specific priorities will vary depending on regional context, all successful policies and measures will hinge on efforts to:

To accelerate clean air access, policymakers must prioritize air quality governance. Countries that have successfully reduced air pollution have made clean air a key part of their economic and social policies, supported by top government leaders. The first step is to create a clear plan that government agencies can follow, with goals, responsibilities, and sufficient resources. Local governments and multisectoral solutions are crucial because air pollution comes from many different sources and requires coordinated efforts.

Effective clean air policies rely on solid evidence, particularly data on pollution sources, impacts, and drivers. Many low- and middle-income countries lack comprehensive monitoring networks. Despite these gaps, existing global knowledge is sufficient to take action now. As better information becomes available, reducing air pollution can become faster and more cost-effective. Public access to accurate air quality data can drive support for clean air initiatives.

Investing in clean air can be affordable. Policymakers can attract private investments by creating clean air markets and complementing public spending.  Public authorities should align incentives to unlock investment in sustainable solutions, for example, innovations in heating or cooking. Key actions include enacting regulations, leveraging public procurement, and repurposing subsidies.