What are the most innovative air pollution prevention strategies and how can they be scaled up?

Air pollution is a major threat to human health and the environment, causing millions of premature deaths and contributing to climate change. However, there are many innovative solutions that can help prevent and reduce air pollution from various sources, such as transport, industry, energy, agriculture, and waste. In this article, we will explore some of the most promising air pollution prevention strategies and how they can be scaled up to achieve cleaner air for all.

1 Cleaner fuels and vehicles

One of the main sources of air pollution is the combustion of fossil fuels for transportation, which emits harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and greenhouse gases. To prevent this, we can switch to cleaner fuels and vehicles that use less or no fossil fuels, such as electric, hybrid, hydrogen, or biofuel vehicles. We can also promote public transport, cycling, walking, and car-sharing to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. Moreover, we can implement stricter emission standards and regulations for vehicles and fuels, as well as incentives and subsidies for cleaner alternatives.

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Sussan Cressey

Architect with expertise in Design,Construction Drawings and coordinating consultants ie project management
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Cleaner air and fuels what a great 💡 It is a great incentive however the health mobility and wellness of the community is always a consideration. My experience working directly in the community is the distance between their home And where they have to go for appointments is a logistical issue. Look at cleaner alternatives that might be getting near by help. Increasing pubLic transport capacity could be a great option.

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Gulzeb Rajput

Asst. Manager HSE at DP World | Environmental Engineer | Decarbonization, Climate Change & QHSE Professional | LEAN SSBB | ICAM Investigator | Environmental Impact | ESG | Sustainability | Ports and Terminals | Logistics
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Some of the most innovative air pollution prevention strategies include implementing green infrastructure such as green roofs and living walls, promoting the use of electric vehicles and public transportation, adopting renewable energy sources, and implementing air quality monitoring systems. To scale up these strategies, it is important to collaborate with government agencies, industry stakeholders, and community organizations to develop and implement policies and initiatives that promote sustainable practices and reduce air pollution on a larger scale. Additionally, investing in research and technology advancements can help drive innovation and create more effective solutions for air pollution prevention.

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2 Renewable energy and energy efficiency

Another major source of air pollution is the burning of coal, oil, and gas for electricity and heating, which releases sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and greenhouse gases. To prevent this, we can increase the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass, that do not produce air pollutants or greenhouse gases. We can also improve energy efficiency and conservation, by using less energy or using it more wisely, such as by using LED lights, smart meters, insulation, and energy-saving appliances. Furthermore, we can adopt policies and regulations that support renewable energy and energy efficiency, such as carbon taxes, feed-in tariffs, renewable portfolio standards, and energy audits.

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Sussan Cressey

Architect with expertise in Design,Construction Drawings and coordinating consultants ie project management
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I don’t believe the renewable energy industry is less invasive on the environment. The amount of holes punctured into roves to set a solar panels leaves itself open to another set of problems. Leaks and the degradation of the silicon around the holes Punched into the roof. I’m no expert but I feel renewables is market driven more than environmental concerns.

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3 Sustainable agriculture and waste management

Another significant source of air pollution is the agricultural and waste sectors, which emit methane, ammonia, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter. To prevent this, we can practice sustainable agriculture and waste management, by using organic farming, integrated pest management, crop rotation, composting, and biogas production. These methods can reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which are major sources of ammonia and nitrous oxide emissions, as well as the generation of organic waste, which is a major source of methane emissions. Additionally, we can enforce laws and regulations that limit the burning of agricultural and municipal waste, which is a major source of particulate matter and black carbon emissions.

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4 Green infrastructure and urban planning

Another important source of air pollution is the urban environment, which is affected by the emissions from transport, industry, energy, and waste, as well as by the lack of green spaces, natural ventilation, and biodiversity. To prevent this, we can develop green infrastructure and urban planning, by planting trees, gardens, parks, green roofs, and walls, creating pedestrian and bicycle lanes, improving public transport networks, and designing compact and mixed-use neighborhoods. These measures can enhance the urban ecosystem services, such as air purification, temperature regulation, noise reduction, and carbon sequestration, as well as the urban livability, health, and well-being.

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Andrew Wickham, PLA, ASLA

Landscape Architect. Creator. Advocate.
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Planning cities to be walkable and bikeable with easy access to transit options reduces pollution and promotes healthier lifestyles. Green infrastructure in the form of street and shade trees, parks that also help manage stormwater, and pocket parks help to clean the air naturally.

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5 Citizen science and awareness

Another key factor for air pollution prevention is the involvement and empowerment of citizens, who can monitor, report, and act on air quality issues. To achieve this, we can use citizen science and awareness, by engaging citizens in collecting and analyzing air quality data, using low-cost sensors, mobile apps, and online platforms, such as AirVisual, PurpleAir, and Plume Labs. We can also educate and inform citizens about the sources, impacts, and solutions of air pollution, using campaigns, workshops, media, and social networks, such as Clean Air Day, BreatheLife, and AirCare. These initiatives can increase the public awareness, participation, and demand for cleaner air.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the most innovative air pollution prevention strategies and how can they be scaled up?

1

2

3

4

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1 Cleaner fuels and vehicles

2 Renewable energy and energy efficiency

3 Sustainable agriculture and waste management

4 Green infrastructure and urban planning

5 Citizen science and awareness

6 Here’s what else to consider

Environmental Services

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What are the most innovative air pollution prevention strategies and how can they be scaled up?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Cleaner fuels and vehicles

2 Renewable energy and energy efficiency

3 Sustainable agriculture and waste management

4 Green infrastructure and urban planning

5 Citizen science and awareness

6 Here’s what else to consider

Environmental Services

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