Outlook for clean air in the context of sustainable development goals

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Peter Rafaj - , International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg (Author)
  • Gregor Kiesewetter - , International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg (Author)
  • Timur Gül - , Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (Author)
  • Wolfgang Schöpp - , International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg (Author)
  • Janusz Cofala - , International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg (Author)
  • Zbigniew Klimont - , International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg (Author)
  • Pallav Purohit - , International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg (Author)
  • Chris Heyes - , International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg (Author)
  • Markus Amann - , International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg (Author)
  • Jens Borken-Kleefeld - , International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg (Author)
  • Laura Cozzi - , Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (Author)

Abstract

Air pollution is linked with many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Strategies aiming at the improved air quality interact directly with climate mitigation targets, access to clean energy services, waste management, and other aspects of socio-economic development. Continuation of current policies in the key emitting sectors implies that a number of sustainability goals will likely not be met within the next two decades: emissions of air pollutants would cause 40% more premature deaths from outdoor air pollution than today, carbon emissions would rise globally by 0.4% per year, while nearly two billion people would not have access to clean cooking. This paper examines integrated policies to put the world on track towards three interlinked goals of achieving universal energy access, limiting climate change and reducing air pollution. Scenario analysis suggests that these goals can be attained simultaneously with substantial benefits. By 2040, emissions of main pollutants are projected to drop by 60–80% relative to today, and associated health impacts are quantified at two million avoided deaths from ambient and household air pollution combined. In comparison to costs needed for the decarbonization of global economy, additional investments in air pollution control and access to clean fuels are very modest against major societal gains. However, holistic and systemic policy assessment is required to avoid potential trade-offs.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-11
Number of pages11
JournalGlobal Environmental Change
Volume53
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2018
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes

External IDs

ORCID /0000-0002-5465-8559/work/150883949

Keywords

Keywords

  • Air quality policy, Emission control, Energy access, Health impacts, Sustainable development