• India CSR Awards 2025
  • India CSR Leadership Summit
  • Guest Posts
Saturday, October 18, 2025
India CSR
  • Home
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
    • Art & Culture
    • CSR Leaders
    • Child Rights
    • Culture
    • Education
    • Gender Equality
    • Around the World
    • Skill Development
    • Safety
    • Covid-19
    • Safe Food For All
  • Sustainability
    • Sustainability Dialogues
    • Sustainability Knowledge Series
    • Plastics
    • Sustainable Development Goals
    • ESG
    • Circular Economy
    • BRSR
  • Corporate Governance
    • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Interviews
  • SDGs
    • No Poverty
    • Zero Hunger
    • Good Health & Well-Being
    • Quality Education
    • Gender Equality
    • Clean Water & Sanitation – SDG 6
    • Affordable & Clean Energy
    • Decent Work & Economic Growth
    • Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
    • Reduced Inequalities
    • Sustainable Cities & Communities
    • Responsible Consumption & Production
    • Climate Action
    • Life Below Water
    • Life on Land
    • Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
    • Partnerships for the Goals
  • Articles
  • Events
  • हिंदी
  • More
    • Business
    • Finance
    • Environment
    • Economy
    • Health
    • Around the World
    • Social Sector Leaders
    • Social Entrepreneurship
    • Trending News
      • Important Days
        • Festivals
      • Great People
      • Product Review
      • International
      • Sports
      • Entertainment
    • Case Studies
    • Philanthropy
    • Biography
    • Technology
    • Lifestyle
    • Sports
    • Gaming
    • Knowledge
    • Home Improvement
    • Words Power
    • Chief Ministers
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
    • Art & Culture
    • CSR Leaders
    • Child Rights
    • Culture
    • Education
    • Gender Equality
    • Around the World
    • Skill Development
    • Safety
    • Covid-19
    • Safe Food For All
  • Sustainability
    • Sustainability Dialogues
    • Sustainability Knowledge Series
    • Plastics
    • Sustainable Development Goals
    • ESG
    • Circular Economy
    • BRSR
  • Corporate Governance
    • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Interviews
  • SDGs
    • No Poverty
    • Zero Hunger
    • Good Health & Well-Being
    • Quality Education
    • Gender Equality
    • Clean Water & Sanitation – SDG 6
    • Affordable & Clean Energy
    • Decent Work & Economic Growth
    • Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
    • Reduced Inequalities
    • Sustainable Cities & Communities
    • Responsible Consumption & Production
    • Climate Action
    • Life Below Water
    • Life on Land
    • Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
    • Partnerships for the Goals
  • Articles
  • Events
  • हिंदी
  • More
    • Business
    • Finance
    • Environment
    • Economy
    • Health
    • Around the World
    • Social Sector Leaders
    • Social Entrepreneurship
    • Trending News
      • Important Days
        • Festivals
      • Great People
      • Product Review
      • International
      • Sports
      • Entertainment
    • Case Studies
    • Philanthropy
    • Biography
    • Technology
    • Lifestyle
    • Sports
    • Gaming
    • Knowledge
    • Home Improvement
    • Words Power
    • Chief Ministers
No Result
View All Result
India CSR
No Result
View All Result
India CSR Awards
ADVERTISEMENT
Home Environment

Air Pollution Levels Rise by 8%, Action on Renewables, Cook Stoves and Clean Fuels Bring Hope of Tackling Public Health Emergency

India CSR by India CSR
May 24, 2016
in Environment
Reading Time: 4 mins read
Share Share Share Share
WhatsApp icon
WhatsApp — Join Us
Instant updates & community
Google News icon
Google News — Follow Us
Get our articles in Google News feed

Mixed progress on air quality still falls far short of what is needed to save 7 million lives each year

India CSR News Network

NAIROBI: As global air quality declines, threatening to add to the seven million people air pollution kills each year, increased action in some air quality areas points to political will to tackle this “global public health emergency”, according to reports released today at the second United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-2).

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), global urban air pollution levels increased by 8 per cent between 2008 and 2013. More than 80 per cent of people living in urban areas that monitor air pollution are exposed to air quality levels that exceed WHO limits, threatening lives, productivity and economies.

However, Actions on Air Quality, a report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), found improvements in areas such as access to cleaner cooking fuels and stoves, renewables, fuel sulphur content and public transport – pointing to a growing momentum for change.

United Nations Environment Programme Executive Director, Achim Steiner, said, “A healthy environment is essential to healthy people and our aspirations for a better world under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

“We are indeed making progress on air pollution, but the fact remains that many people are still breathing air outside of World Health Organization standards. The health, social and economic costs are massive and rising. UNEP’s study on ten areas for policy intervention provides a roadmap for countries to follow as they look to reduce air pollution, and we will support them every step of the way.”, he added.

For example, 97 countries have increased the percentage of households that have access to cleaner burning fuels to more than than 85 per cent – a key move to tackle indoor air pollution, which claims over half the seven million lives.

At least 82 countries out of 194 analyzed have incentives that promote investment in renewable energy production, cleaner production, energy efficiency and/or pollution control equipment. Last year, for the first time, renewables accounted for a majority of the new electricity-generating capacity added around the world, at an investment of $286 billion, according to research by UNEP, Bloomberg and the Frankfurt School.

However, action in other areas is less impressive. Policies and standards on clean fuels and vehicles could reduce emissions by 90 per cent, but only 29 per cent of countries worldwide have adopted Euro 4 emissions standards or above. Meanwhile, less than 20 per cent of countries regulate open waste burning, which is a leading cause of air pollution.

A second report released today, which looks at attempts to control Beijing’s air pollution over a 15-year period, also finds steady improvements are being made. A Review of Air Pollution Control in Beijing: 1998-2013 analyzed measures implemented since Beijing began launching air pollution control programmes, which saw a steady downward trend in the concentrations of many harmful pollutants.

In 2014, the international community, at the first UNEA, asked UNEP to support global efforts to improve air quality. UNEP has launched several programmes, including an initiative to develop a low-cost sensor that can be used across the developing world to track and address pollution hotspots.

Actions on Air Quality, part of UNEP’s push, focuses on ten basic measures to improve air quality. It shows that the majority of countries world-wide are still to adopt the top-ten air quality policy actions, but highlights many good examples that can be followed.

  • More than three billion people still use solid fuels and inefficient cook stoves, but the Seychelles was able to improve indoor air quality by transitioning the whole country from solid fuels and inefficient cook stoves to liquefied petroleum gas.
  • Only a quarter of countries have advanced fuels and vehicles standards, which can significantly reduce small particulate matter pollution, especially in cities. Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda, decided that from 1 January 2015 only low sulphur fuels would be allowed in their countries. This reduced their emissions by over 90 per cent.
  • Electric cars have been on the increase, with strategies being developed in many countries around the world. One-third of all cars bought in Norway are now electric, the result of incentives instituted by the government.
  • However, some countries and cities have been able to increase waste recycling, reducing the need to burn waste. In Brazil, for example, millions of hectares of land are under conservation agriculture, which leaves crop residue from previous harvests on the land rather than burning it.
  • The majority of countries around the world have now put in place national air quality standards. India, with major air quality challenges in many cities, has established air quality laws and regulation and also an implementation strategy for these laws.

The Beijing analysis, carried out by UNEP and the Beijing Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau, found that carbon monoxide and sulphur levels are now below limits set by China’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards, while nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter ten levels are also creeping closer to the standards.

This trend has been driven by a decrease in coal consumption in the power sector and a drop in vehicle emissions resulting from vehicle emission control measures. Coal use fell from a peak of 9 million tonnes in 2005 to 6.44 million tonnes in 2013, while the 2013 levels of carbon monoxide dropped by 76 per cent compared to 1998.

“Even though the air pollution control programmes in Beijing have made substantial progress, the environment quality is far from satisfactory,” said Chen Tian, Director General of the Beijing Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau. “We will continue to explore approaches that could work effectively for improving the environment in this region.”

Download the report and infographics from www.unep.org/transport/airquality

Photo Credit: Financial Express

CSR Leadership Summit
ADVERTISEMENT
India CSR Awards
ADVERTISEMENT
ESG Professional Network
ADVERTISEMENT
India CSR Image 1 India CSR Image 2
Tags: Achim SteinerAir PollutionFUELFUEL NGOKetan DeshpandeUnited Nations Environment AssemblyUnited Nations Environment ProgrammeWorld Health Organization

CSR, Sustainability, and ESG success stories
India CSR

India CSR

India CSR is the largest media on CSR and sustainability offering diverse content across multisectoral issues on business responsibility. It covers Sustainable Development, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Sustainability, and related issues in India. Founded in 2009, the organisation aspires to become a globally admired media that offers valuable information to its readers through responsible reporting.

Related Posts

CSR: Hyundai Plants 5 Lakh Trees in Pune Under IONIQ Forest Initiative
Environment

CSR: Hyundai Plants 5 Lakh Trees in Pune Under IONIQ Forest Initiative

2 days ago
Responsible Disposal: Meaning, Practice, and Importance for a Sustainable Future
Environment

E-Waste: Definition, Meaning, Purpose and Challenges

4 days ago
Environmental Sustainability: Definition, Meaning, Pillars, Applications and Significance
Environment

Environmental Sustainability: Definition, Meaning, Pillars, Applications and Significance

4 days ago
Non-Biodegradable Waste
Environment

Non-Biodegradable Waste: Definition, Examples, Impact, and Management

4 days ago
Responsible Disposal: Meaning, Practice, and Importance for a Sustainable Future
Environment

Responsible Disposal: Meaning, Practice, and Importance for a Sustainable Future

4 days ago
E-Waste Day: Meaning, History, and Significance
Environment

E-Waste Day: Meaning, History, and Significance

4 days ago
Load More
16th CSR Leadership Summit 2025
ADVERTISEMENT
India CSR Awards
ADVERTISEMENT

LATEST NEWS

18 Highlights from PM Modi’s NDTV World Summit 2025 Speech Every CSR and Social Leader Must Know

AISECT Sets Goal to Empower 10 Million Youth in AI by 2030

MAHE Boosts Asian Universities’ Global Education Capacity

PM Modi at NDTV World Summit 2025: 12 Speech Highlights Every Business Leader Must Know

New India Doesn’t Endure Terror Silently, Says PM Modi on Operation Sindoor at NDTV World Summit 2025

JSW MG Motor Highlights Local Heroes Through Diwali Kindness

Ad 1 Ad 2 Ad 3
ADVERTISEMENT
ESG Professional Network
ADVERTISEMENT

TOP NEWS

Beyond Compliance: Why India’s CSR Law Needs an ESG Mindset

Maruti Suzuki to Set up 10 Automated Driving Test Tracks in Tamil Nadu under CSR

14,000 Engineering Jobs Coming to Tamil Nadu as Foxconn Invests Rs 15,000 Cr

CSR: पंतनगर में ग्रामीण स्वास्थ्य के लिए हिन्दुस्तान जिंक की पहल, हैल्थ वैन को दिखाई हरी झण्डी

MRPL Q2 FY26 Results: Revenue at Rs 25,953 Crore, Swings to Rs 639 Crore Profit

CSR: Hyundai Transforming 90.5 Acres into Maharashtra’s Largest Urban Forest

Load More
STEM Learning STEM Learning STEM Learning
ADVERTISEMENT

Interviews

Smita Jatia Chairperson RMHC-India. Image: India CSR
Interviews

Smita Jatia Interview: Inside Ronald McDonald House India’s Compassionate CSR

by India CSR
October 14, 2025

How Ronald McDonald House India Is Transforming CSR from Cheque-Writing to Lasting Compassionate Impact.

Read moreDetails
Ankit Mathur, Co-founder and CEO of Greenway Grameen Infra

Empowering Rural Women in India: An Exclusive Interview with Ankit Mathur, Co-founder and CEO of Greenway Grameen Infra

September 22, 2025
Ashish Aggarwal, Chief Administrative Officer and Head of Corporate Responsibility at Cummins India

Driving CSR Impact in India: An Interview with Ashish Aggarwal, Head of Corporate Responsibility, Cummins India

September 18, 2025
Rajani Jalan, Director, CSR & People Relations, mPokket

Driving Impactful CSR at mPokket: An Interview with Rajani Jalan, Director, CSR & People Relations, mPokket

September 16, 2025
Load More
Facebook Twitter Youtube LinkedIn Instagram
India CSR Logo

India CSR is the largest tech-led platform for information on CSR and sustainability in India offering diverse content across multisectoral issues. It covers Sustainable Development, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Sustainability, and related issues in India. Founded in 2009, the organisation aspires to become a globally admired media that offers valuable information to its readers through responsible reporting. To enjoy the premium services, we invite you to partner with us.

Follow us on social media:


Dear Valued Reader

India CSR is a free media platform that provides up-to-date information on CSR, Sustainability, ESG, and SDGs. We need reader support to continue delivering honest news. Donations of any amount are appreciated.

Help save India CSR.

Donate Now

Donate at India CSR

  • About India CSR
  • Team
  • India CSR Awards 2025
  • India CSR Leadership Summit
  • Partnership
  • Guest Posts
  • Services
  • ESG Professional Network
  • Content Writing Services
  • Business Information
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Donate

Copyright © 2025 - India CSR | All Rights Reserved

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
    • Art & Culture
    • CSR Leaders
    • Child Rights
    • Culture
    • Education
    • Gender Equality
    • Around the World
    • Skill Development
    • Safety
    • Covid-19
    • Safe Food For All
  • Sustainability
    • Sustainability Dialogues
    • Sustainability Knowledge Series
    • Plastics
    • Sustainable Development Goals
    • ESG
    • Circular Economy
    • BRSR
  • Corporate Governance
    • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Interviews
  • SDGs
    • No Poverty
    • Zero Hunger
    • Good Health & Well-Being
    • Quality Education
    • Gender Equality
    • Clean Water & Sanitation – SDG 6
    • Affordable & Clean Energy
    • Decent Work & Economic Growth
    • Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
    • Reduced Inequalities
    • Sustainable Cities & Communities
    • Responsible Consumption & Production
    • Climate Action
    • Life Below Water
    • Life on Land
    • Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
    • Partnerships for the Goals
  • Articles
  • Events
  • हिंदी
  • More
    • Business
    • Finance
    • Environment
    • Economy
    • Health
    • Around the World
    • Social Sector Leaders
    • Social Entrepreneurship
    • Trending News
      • Important Days
      • Great People
      • Product Review
      • International
      • Sports
      • Entertainment
    • Case Studies
    • Philanthropy
    • Biography
    • Technology
    • Lifestyle
    • Sports
    • Gaming
    • Knowledge
    • Home Improvement
    • Words Power
    • Chief Ministers

Copyright © 2025 - India CSR | All Rights Reserved

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.