Nairobi: Every Sh129 (USD1) invested in tackling climate change and air pollution together could generate about Sh1,942 (USD15) in economic benefits.
According to a new report on Monday by UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), titled *Hidden Assets: The Economic and Health Case for Climate and Clean Air Action*, integrated action would deliver greater economic, health, and environmental benefits than addressing climate change and air pollution separately.
According to Kenya News Agency, In a press release by UNEP, implementing 25 proven measures across various sectors such as energy, industry, transport, agriculture, cooking and heating, and waste management could generate annual economic benefits equivalent to 2.8 percent of global GDP by 2035 and 4.5 percent by 2050. ‘For too long, we have treated climate action as a cost to be managed and air pollution as the unfortunate outcome of development. This report shows the opposite: clean air is a key driver of development, health, food and energy security, and climate stability, an asset we must invest in,’ said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP. Anderson emphasized that while proven solutions exist, decisive leadership from governments, financial institutions, and businesses is necessary to deliver them with the speed and coordination the crisis demands.
Elliott Harris, independent co-chair of the Assessment, warns that delaying action by a year could cost the global economy more than Sh194 trillion (USD1.5 trillion) annually in lost benefits. ‘Finance ministries and investors who keep climate and air quality in separate budget lines are leaving trillions on the table,’ he said.
According to the report, air pollution is also imposing a major health burden, citing that last year, exposure to human-caused outdoor air pollution was linked to an estimated 6.4 million premature deaths globally, while household air pollution contributed a further two million deaths. The proposed measures include expanding renewable energy and energy efficiency, promoting cleaner cooking, tightening vehicle emission standards, expanding electric mobility, improving agricultural and livestock practices, better waste management, and reducing methane, black carbon, and hydrofluorocarbon emissions.
By 2050, the report suggests that full implementation could cumulatively prevent 144 million air-pollution-related premature deaths, including 96 million linked to ambient air pollution, as well as hundreds of millions of cases of chronic disease. Addressing the barriers could unlock up to Sh1.29 quadrillion (USD10 trillion) in additional health benefits by 2040, according to the report.
Air pollution in Kenya presents a serious public health threat, with average levels of tiny airborne particles measuring 2.5 micrometres or less running roughly four times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended guidelines.
