Reports/Indices
UNEP Action on Air Quality Report Released
- Action on Air Quality report, released on May 24, 2016 at the second United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-2) in Nairobi, Kenya, found that there is a growing momentum for change, such as improved access to cleaner cooking fuels and stoves, renewables, fuel sulphur content and public transport.
- Air pollution kills seven million people each year, according to the WHO, with more than 80% of people living in urban areas exposed to air quality levels that exceed WHO limits.
- While, policies and standards on clean fuels and vehicles could reduce emissions by 90%, only 29% of countries worldwide have adopted ‘Euro 4’ vehicles emissions standards or above. Meanwhile, less than 20% of countries regulate open waste burning, which is a leading cause of air pollution.
First World Cities Report 2016 – Urbanisation and Development
- In a report released by United Nations on May 18, 2016, it was found that India is projected to add 300 million new urban residents by 2050.
- In India, urban areas already contribute more than 60% of the GDP and an extra 300 million new urban residents are projected by 2050. It requires by the Indian government to build 100 new cities over the period.
- The report said that central to this challenge are j the twin bottlenecks of municipal finance and infrastructure finance for transport, electricity, communications, water supply and sanitation in support of production. In order to realise the potential of ICT towards sustainable development, an enabling environment has to be created, with participatory governance models, the right infrastructure and technical platforms, including capacity building, ensuring inclusion and bridging the digital divide.
