Improving the capacity of countries to report on air quality in cities
Improving the capacity of countries to report on air quality in cities World Health Organization
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Overview
In 2019, WHO estimated that 6.7 million premature deaths could be attributed to ambient and household air pollution from particulate matter (particles with a diameter less than 2.5 μm, PM2.5). Of the 4.2 million deaths attributed specifically to ambient air pollution exposures.
Air Quality Guidelines Update
In 2021, WHO updated its air quality guidelines with more stringent values for selected pollutants, particularly NO2 and PM2.5 – the most widely accepted indicators for health impacts.
Global Air Pollution Levels
WHO data on air quality from some 6700 cities worldwide, updated in 2022, reveals that air pollution in 83% of high-income cities and 99% of low-income cities that are monitoring air quality exceeds WHO recommended levels.
Addressing the Gap
This guidance and tools presented in this report represent an effort to address this yawning gap between reality and aspirations for better air quality – in a stepwise approach that advances progress on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 – “Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.”
Progress on SDG Target 11.6
The aim is to offer a way forward for cities and national ministries to develop frameworks for monitoring air quality in cities as one of the indicators of progress on SDG 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.”
Tools for Air Quality Monitoring
This one-stop shop includes tools for national governments, cities, and other subnational entities at all levels of development in air quality monitoring – including cities that currently have no programmes in place.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | No specific indicators mentioned in the article. |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article specifically mentions SDG 11 as the goal that is connected to the issues highlighted. It emphasizes the need to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, which aligns with the focus on air quality in urban areas.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- 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.
The article mentions Target 11.6 as the specific target under SDG 11 that can be identified based on its content. It highlights the importance of reducing the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, with a specific focus on air quality.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
No specific indicators are mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards Target 11.6. However, the article does mention that WHO updated its air quality guidelines with more stringent values for selected pollutants, particularly NO2 and PM2.5. These pollutants can be considered as potential indicators for measuring progress towards improving air quality in cities.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | No specific indicators mentioned in the article. |
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: who.int
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