UNEP report says investments in controlling air pollution pay off

08 Feb '06

3 min read

Governments that invest in air pollution control measures can save billions of dollars as health care costs are slashed, worker productivity soars and ecosystems flourish, according to a report released in Dubai by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP).

These savings, along with other economic gains such as sounder bridges, public buildings and other infrastructure that endure less corrosive air pollutants can be six times greater than the initial investments in techniques and equipment to curb air pollution, says UNEP's Global Environment Outlook Year Book 2006.

Released at the environmental agency's Global Ministerial Environment Forum now underway in the United Arab Emirates, this year's Year Book focuses on energy's impact on air quality. The leaders gathering at the Forum, which ends tomorrow, are looking at ways to deliver sustainable energy and environmentally safe tourist activities.

Klaus Toepfer, UNEP's Executive Director, said governments should set the framework for industry, trade unions and civil society to promote energy efficiency and diversify the world's sources of energy away from fossil fuels.

“The benefits, as the new GEO Year Book shows, are potentially huge, covering health, environment, improved management of natural resources, reducing the risks of climate change and, last but not in least, improved security regionally, nationally and at the level of households,” Mr. Toepfer said.

The report's findings on the economic savings emanating from investments in air pollution controls stem from work by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the experiences of city governments in Mexico City and Santiago, Chile.

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