Background​   [Download Brochure​]

​In many Asian countries, the level of air pollution is continuously increasing at an alarming rate from urbanization, industries, constructions, traffic, residential cooking, open burning of agricultural residuals and municipal waste, and other economic activities. World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that globally over 90 percent of people are getting exposed to high levels of air pollution, which is resulting in premature deaths of over 7 million people every year. Premature deaths are mostly occurring in developing countries including Asian countries. In fact, many Asian cities are among the list of the most po​lluted cities in the world. Most Asia countries are lagging behind the timeframe of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) link to improving air quality including reducing PM_2.5 concentration levels to a level of Interim Target (IT-1) set by WHO. Increasing air pollution is not only affecting human health and the environment but also is causing a large economic burden on the national health budget of countries and significant loss in agriculture productivity. 

Many Asian countries are lacking technical capabilities to monitor key air quality parameters, including particulate matters (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5) and trace gases (CO, NOx, O₃, SO₂, etc.). Some countries do not have reliable emission inventories, models/tools to assess the impacts, nor effective air pollution mitigation policies. The capacity development program is necessary to enhance the air quality management capabilities of these countries leading to effective policy formulation and sound decision-making including policies and actions for emission reduction of particulate matters and gaseous pollutants and measures to address air pollution issues. Proper monitoring and better air quality management are needed to be in place to reduce its impacts on human health and the environment.

In line with the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN)’s priority thematic areas, particularly on transboundary air pollution and its impact on human health, the Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific (RRC.AP), along with partners, will organize a one-week training program on the “Capacity Development Program on Air Quality Management and Emission Reduction of PM_2.5 for Asian Countries” during 13-17 September 2021, on an online platform.