A new report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) claims that levels of air pollution in cities increased by 8% between 2008 and 2013. The report calls for greater use of renewable energy and of clean stoves, increased access to public transport and reductions in sulphur content in fuels in order to help tackle the problem. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 7m people die each year from air pollution. Half of these deaths are caused by indoor air pollution. Over 80% of people living in cities are also thought to inhale air with pollution levels in excess of those recommended by the WHO. Just 29% of countries have implemented Euro 4 vehicle standards that could cause a 90% decrease in emissions.
A new report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) claims that levels of air pollution in cities increased by 8% between 2008 and 2013. The report calls for greater use of renewable energy and of clean stoves, increased access to public transport and reductions in sulphur content in fuels in order to help tackle the problem. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 7m people die each year from air pollution. Half of these deaths are caused by indoor air pollution. Over 80% of people living in cities are also thought to inhale air with pollution levels in excess of those recommended by the WHO. Just 29% of countries have implemented the “Euro 4” vehicle standards that could cause a 90% decrease in emissions.