世界银行-尼泊尔清洁空气_益处_污染源和解决方案（英）_161页_14mb

Summary: Air Pollution in Nepal

Air pollution in Nepal poses significant health and economic challenges, with the Kathmandu Valley and the Terai being the primary hotspots. Average PM₂.₅ levels in these areas are seven to eight times higher than the WHO guidelines, leading to approximately 26,000 premature deaths annually and a loss of 3.4 years in life expectancy. The economic cost of poor air quality accounts for over 6% of Nepal's GDP each year.

The main pollution sources include industrial emissions, transportation, household cooking, and agricultural/biomass burning. Transboundary pollution from neighboring countries in the Indo-Gangetic Plain and Himalayan Foothills exacerbates the issue.

Key recommendations to improve air quality include adopting cleaner industrial boilers, promoting efficient cookstoves, and implementing stricter vehicle emission standards. Strengthening data monitoring, enforcement, economic incentives, and infrastructure are crucial enabling foundations. Nepal should enhance regional collaboration to address transboundary pollution and meet its 2035 target of 35 µg/m³ PM₂.₅ concentration.

The Kathmandu Valley and Terai have seen stable or slightly improving air quality, but without further interventions, exposure is projected to increase by 2035, worsening health outcomes and economic losses. Immediate action is needed to implement multi-sectoral measures and build institutional capacity for effective air quality management.