Background
The purpose of this symposium focuses on gather leading scientists to present their work on selected aspects of air pollution science to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the available methodologies, determine the most likely leading causes of air pollution, and recommend areas for future research.
According to 2018 World Air Quality Report[1], Asia-Pacific region has several most-polluted cities in the world. All such cities in the region are beginning to see the effects of air pollution resulting from a combination of unclean energy, industrial pollution, vehicles and transport, burning policies, and a number of other causes. A recent report of UNEP: “Air Pollution in Asia and the Pacific: Science-based solutions, 2019”[2] indicates that some 2.3 billion people in the region are exposed to levels of air pollution several times the WHO guideline for safe air. The most damaging air pollutants are fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) and Ground-level Ozone. In 2015, the majority of global deaths from ambient (outdoor) air pollution 35% occurred in East Asia and the Pacific, and approximately 33% occurred in South Asia. This meeting will review air-pollution data and trends in Thailand, as well as scientific and technological options to strengthen the understanding of the causes and impacts of air pollution in the country.
To address these topics, it is necessary to strengthen the science/policy interface to develop and implement policies to mitigate air pollution in member states to meet their 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well Being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
ESCAP is currently undertaking analytical and capacity development activities to strengthen cooperation on air pollution, with particular effort to enable evidence – based decision making at the city level to reduce urban air pollution. Using data-science-based evidence, ESCAP aims to enable policymakers to make planning decisions that effectively tackle air pollution for resilient and sustainable urbanization and economic development. To effectively achieve these goals, reliable data and science-based understand are vital.
The thematic areas of this symposium will focus on a detailed analysis of how to strengthen the science/policy interface, particular in the context of transboundary air pollution as well as innovative approaches and new insights on health impacts. The discussions on these points will be incorporated into a report summarizing air pollution trends and mitigation policy options and to guide subsequent mitigation activities and research priorities.
