Air Pollution in Kathmandu: A Threat to Sustainable Development
As Kathmandu endures severe air pollution issues, exacerbated by climate change, residents face increased health risks.
Abhaya Raj Joshi reports for Mongabay.
In short:
- Local emissions and geographical features contribute to pollution, which is intensified by climate warming.
- Reduced rainfall and prolonged dry periods due to climate change worsen air quality.
- Wildfires contribute significantly to the pollution levels, with the situation expected to deteriorate as global temperatures rise.
Key quote:
“In the short term, the level of pollution in Kathmandu is determined by the amount of rainfall it receives. However, the amount and frequency of rainfall in Nepal has been changing due to rising temperatures.”
— Sudeep Thakuri, climatologist
Why this matters:
The health implications of deteriorating air quality in Kathmandu are profound, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with preexisting respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. The increased pollutants can lead to higher incidences of asthma attacks, lung infections, and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. Furthermore, the economic impact, including healthcare costs and lost labor productivity, can be substantial, straining local economies.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9 By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination | – Incidences of asthma attacks, lung infections, and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases – Health care costs related to air pollution – Lost labor productivity due to health issues caused by air pollution |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6 By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management | – Air quality index in Kathmandu – Amount of pollutants in the air – Effectiveness of waste management systems in reducing pollution |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.1 Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries | – Impact of climate change on air quality in Kathmandu – Frequency and intensity of wildfires contributing to pollution levels – Temperature rise in Kathmandu and its effect on air pollution |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article discusses the health risks faced by residents of Kathmandu due to severe air pollution. It highlights that increased pollutants can lead to higher incidences of asthma attacks, lung infections, and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. This aligns with SDG 3, which aims to ensure good health and well-being for all.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article mentions that local emissions and geographical features contribute to pollution in Kathmandu. It also discusses the adverse impact of reduced rainfall and prolonged dry periods on air quality. These issues are connected to SDG 11, which focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities.
SDG 13: Climate Action
The article highlights the exacerbation of air pollution in Kathmandu due to climate warming and the expected deterioration of the situation as global temperatures rise. This is directly related to SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Under SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, the specific target that can be identified is Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
Under SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, the specific target that can be identified is Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
Under SDG 13: Climate Action, the specific target that can be identified is Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.
For Target 3.9 under SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, the following indicators can be used:
– Incidences of asthma attacks, lung infections, and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases: This indicator can measure the impact of air pollution on respiratory health.
– Health care costs related to air pollution: This indicator can assess the economic impact of air pollution on healthcare systems.
– Lost labor productivity due to health issues caused by air pollution: This indicator can measure the economic impact of air pollution on productivity.
For Target 11.6 under SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, the following indicators can be used:
– Air quality index in Kathmandu: This indicator can measure the level of air pollution in the city.
– Amount of pollutants in the air: This indicator can assess the concentration of pollutants contributing to air pollution.
– Effectiveness of waste management systems in reducing pollution: This indicator can evaluate the impact of waste management practices on reducing pollution levels.
For Target 13.1 under SDG 13: Climate Action, the following indicators can be used:
– Impact of climate change on air quality in Kathmandu: This indicator can measure the influence of climate change on air pollution levels.
– Frequency and intensity of wildfires contributing to pollution levels: This indicator can assess the impact of wildfires on air pollution.
– Temperature rise in Kathmandu and its effect on air pollution: This indicator can measure the correlation between temperature rise and air pollution levels.
Overall, these indicators can help track progress towards the identified targets and provide insights into the effectiveness of interventions and policies addressing air pollution in Kathmandu.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9 By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination | – Incidences of asthma attacks, lung infections, and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases – Health care costs related to air pollution – Lost labor productivity due to health issues caused by air pollution |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6 By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management | – Air quality index in Kathmandu – Amount of pollutants in the air – Effectiveness of waste management systems in reducing pollution |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.1 Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries | – Impact of climate change on air quality in Kathmandu – Frequency and intensity of wildfires contributing to pollution levels – Temperature rise in Kathmandu and its effect on air pollution |
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