This brief evaluates the merits of using satellite observations in aiding air quality management. It also identifies challenges in the effective application of satellite observations. By providing insights into the scope of use of satellite data for air quality applications, it recommends the way forward for key stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers.Given the high upfront cost of setting up ...

This report, in collaboration with Urban Emissions, evaluates the 102 city-specific clean air plans in India approved under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). Based on an extensive review of global literature on clean air planning, this report identifies key components of a clean air plan. It suggests ways in which these components can be integrated into the existing city action plans. Given...

The 2023 WHO review of Health in Nationally Determined Contributions and long-term strategies provides a snapshot of the overall progress governments have made in addressing the health risks of climate change to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. This report synthesizes information from the latest available NDCs, communicated by 193 Parties to the Paris Agreement and recorded in the officia...

The Clean Air NDC Scorecard assesses the integration of air quality considerations into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). NDCs are country commitments to deliver the goal of the Paris Agreement, limiting global temperature rise to well below 2C, and preferably to 1.5C. Air pollution and climate change share fossil fuel combustion as a common driver. Meanwhile, climate change worsens exis...

Every child has the right to clean air. But every day, hundreds of millions of children, mainly in low-and middle-income countries, have no choice but to breathe air laced with dangerous pollutants. Because children are uniquely vulnerable to the damaging health effects of air pollution, many die, get ill or bear lifelong consequences from exposure.We can change this reality. We can stop children ...

During the 1970s and 1980s, air pollution from the combustion of gasoline which contained lead was found to cause serious damage to children’s nervous systems and cognitive development. Countries around the world responded to this threat decisively, banning leaded gasoline almost everywhere.What research is showing us now is that a variety of other air pollutants may also be harming children’s bra...

Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) have a core role to play in supporting air quality action in low- and middle-income countries. Only 1% of international development assistance is allocated to projects with a specific aim to improve air quality. Yet integrating clean air into their projects is a smart way for DFIs to maximise their resources for people, planet and economy.This toolkit has be...

This notebook provides you a practical introduction to the calculation and interpretation of the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Europe. Air pollution is the single largest environmental health risk in Europe, causing cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, that, in the most serious cases, lead to premature deaths. The European Environment Agency’s European Air Quality Index allows users to understand...

This webpage of the Indian Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) provides detailed information on the national Air Quality Index (AQI), how it is calculated, its limitations, real-time maps and daily bulletins....

This guidance is designed to aid local agencies in reporting air quality using the U.S. Air Quality Index as required in 40 CFR Part 58.50 and according to 40 CFR Appendix G to Part 58.The AQI is EPA’s tool for communicating air quality. The AQI is divided into six categories that correspond to different levels of health concern. For ease of use, the categories are color-coded and provide statemen...