Air pollution is a significant challenge for development. It is responsible for a substantial portion of premature deaths globally, and nearly one in nine deaths are attributed to air pollution-related diseases such as respiratory infections, lung cancer, and other cardiovascular diseases. Vulnerable populations, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, are disproportionately affected by air pollution, exacerbating inequality and hindering sustainable development.

Additionally, the cognitive impacts of air pollution, including an increased risk of neurological disorders, further threaten the potential for human capital development. The negative impact on population health also leads to a severe economic burden on development. The economic burden of air pollution is profound, significant losses in global GDP, particularly in regions like Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific, where a large portion of the population is exposed to hazardous air quality. Addressing air pollution is therefore critical not only for improving public health but also for ensuring long-term economic growth and sustainable development.

What we are doing

Recognizing the need to tackle air pollution, the UNDP Global Centre for Technology, Innovation, and Sustainable Development is approaching the issue from a few different angles: