Air pollution: Which countries tackle it in their climate plans?
Albania, Colombia, Moldova: Which countries are doing the most for air pollution and climate? Euronews
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G20 Countries Failing to Integrate Air Pollution into Climate Plans, Study Finds
G20 countries are failing to integrate air pollution into their climate plans, a new study finds. The authors want that fixed at COP28.
The Impact of Fossil Fuels on Air Pollution
When we think about the dangers of fossil fuels, we tend to imagine the climate consequences on a grand scale from wildfires to flooding. But there is, of course, a more insidious and direct way that burning coal, oil, and gas harms us – air pollution.
“Air pollution sits at the nexus of public health and climate change, yet too many countries are still failing to reap the health benefits of clean air and climate action,” says Nina Renshaw, head of health at the Clean Air Fund.
“This means they are missing out on better air quality, which would dramatically reduce the number of people suffering from heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and asthma.”
All of these conditions are caused or worsened by air pollution, she adds.
The Need for Integration of Air Quality in National Climate Plans
To highlight this intersection, the Global Climate and Health Alliance (GCHA) examined which countries include air quality in their national climate plans. Looking at 170 countries’ nationally determined contributions (NDCs) – their national plans for climate change mitigation – it has produced a revealing clean air scorecard.
Key Findings
- Colombia and Mali top the GCHA’s Clean Air NDC rankings, scoring 12 out of a possible 15 points.
- Albania and Moldova rank highest for air quality considerations in Europe.
- The European Union fails to make the link between air pollution, health, and climate action explicit.
- Indonesia and Saudi Arabia are lowest on the scorecard with one and zero points respectively.
Campaigners Demand Action at COP28
With 99% of the world’s population breathing air that exceeds the WHO’s guideline safe limits, it’s clear that greater action on clean air is needed. Campaigners see COP28 – which is designating a day to health for the first time this year – as the perfect time to address this issue.
“This December, the COP28 president has the opportunity to put air pollution firmly on the agenda and to catalyze national commitments and international funding to improve air quality”, says Jeni Miller, executive director of the Global Climate and Health Alliance.
More specifically, campaigners want to see air quality commitments woven into key pillars of the negotiations – including the first-ever Global Stocktake and the summit’s final deal.
“A full stop to burning fossil fuels is essential to unlock the enormous co-benefits of clean air” adds Beagley.
Air quality groups have written to COP28 President Dr. Al Jaber, calling on him to focus on air pollution during the climate summit.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.
-
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5 and PM10) in cities.
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SDG 13: Climate Action
- Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
- Indicator 13.1.2: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5 and PM10) in cities. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | Indicator 13.1.2: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer. |
Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 13: Climate Action.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are:
– Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
– Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
– Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. The indicators are:
– Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.
– Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5 and PM10) in cities.
– Indicator 13.1.2: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer.
These indicators can be used to measure progress towards reducing deaths and illnesses from air pollution, improving air quality in cities, and strengthening resilience to climate-related hazards.
By addressing these targets and indicators, countries can work towards improving public health, reducing air pollution, and mitigating climate change impacts.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: euronews.com
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