Sánchez-Triana, Ernesto

Person:
Sánchez-Triana, Ernesto

Global Practice on Environment and Natural Resources, The World Bank

Author Name Variants

Sánchez-Triana, Ernesto, Sanchez-Triana, Ernesto, Sánchez Triana, Ernesto, Sanchez Triana, Ernesto

Fields of Specialization

environmental economics, environmental policy, air quality, green growth, poverty assessment

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Global Practice on Environment and Natural Resources, The World Bank

Last updated:January 31, 2023

Biography

Ernesto Sánchez-Triana is Global Lead for Environmental Health and Pollution Management for the World Bank. He has worked on projects in Afghanistan, Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Bhutan, India, Mexico, Pakistan and Peru. Prior to joining the Bank in 2002, he worked for the Inter-American Development Bank and served as Director of Environmental Policy at Colombia’s National Department of Planning. He has lead numerous operations including analytical work on Climate Change and Environmental Priorities in Yucatan, Mexico, which served as the basis for this book. Dr. Sánchez-Triana holds two MS and one PhD degrees from Stanford University and has authored numerous publications on environmental economics, environmental policy, organizational learning, poverty assessment, and green growth.

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/10986/38872

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Publication Search Results

Now showing1 - 10 of 17

Artisanal Scale Gold Mining: A Framework for Collecting Site-Specific Sampling and Survey Data to Support Health-Impact Analyses
(Washington, DC: World Bank, 2022) von Stackelberg, Katherine; Williams, Pamela R.D.; Sánchez-Triana, Ernesto
This framework document provides a pragmatic approach for designing representative studies and developing uniform sampling guidelines to support estimates of morbidity that are explicitly linked to exposure to land-based contaminants from artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM) activities. A primary goal is to support environmental burden-of-disease evaluations, which attempt to attribute health outcomes to specific sources of pollution. The guidelines provide recommendations on the most appropriate and cost-effective sampling and analysis methods to ensure the collection of representative population-level data, sample size recommendations for each contaminant and environmental media, biological-sampling data, household-survey data, and health-outcome data. This framework focuses on ASGM activities that are known to use and generate mercury (Hg) as well as other metals, such as arsenic (As) and lead (Pb), depending on the specific ores being mined. A particular concern with Hg is the conversion to methylmercury (MeHg) in aquatic environments, leading to bioaccumulation and biomagnification in fish that may be locally consumed. Exposures to Hg, MeHg, and Pb are strongly associated with neurodevelopmental health outcomes in children. Exposures to Hg and MeHg are also associated with neurological illnesses in adults. Exposures to Pb are associated with renal outcomes in children and adults, and cardiovascular outcomes in adults. Exposures to As are associated with neurodevelopmental health outcomes in children, arsenicosis and skin disorders in children and adults, and potential cancers in adults, including skin, bladder, and lung. The primary objective of this framework is to guide research to assess the relationship between environmental contamination, exposures, and health outcomes related to a subset of contaminants originating from ASGM activities for particularly vulnerable populations (such as children) and the general population within a single household in the vicinity of ASGM sites in low- and medium-income countries. To achieve this objective, biomonitoring and health-outcome data are linked to household-survey and environmental data (for example, soil, dust, water, agricultural products, and fish) at the individual level from an exposed population compared to individuals from an unexposed (reference) population. Data on exposures and health outcomes in the same individual across a representative set of individuals is required to support an understanding of the potential impact of ASGM activities on local populations. These guidelines can also assist in building local capacity to conduct environmental assessments following a consistent methodology to facilitate comparability across ASGM sites in different geographic areas. Sampling strategies and methods are prioritized given information needs, resource availability, and other constraints or considerations. The framework includes a number of supporting appendixes that provide additional resources and references on relevant topics.
When the Dust Settles: A Review of the Health Implications of the Dust Component of Air Pollution
(World Bank, Washington, DC, 2021-09-03) Ostro, Bart; Awe, Yewande; Sanchez-Triana, Ernesto
This review of the epidemiological literature on fugitive dust indicates the likelihood of significant public health impacts from both short- and long-term exposure to both fine and coarse dust. These impacts are observed in populations that are both near to and distant from the original dust sources. However, given the difficulties in measuring exposures to fugitive dust and the lack of health and exposure data in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), additional studies are warranted. This requires careful monitoring of ground-level ambient air quality, as well as high-quality data on both mortality and morbidity. Pending further studies, global and local quantification of health impacts of outdoor air pollution should not exclude the contribution of dust from the measurement of particulate-matter concentrations. However, it is reasonable to provide a sensitivity analysis to the impact assessment that excludes the contribution of dust. Unless or until additional evidence is forthcoming, it is reasonable to assume that the health risk per microgram of dust is generally similar to that of other constituents of particulate matter with the exceptions of sulfates and elemental carbon, for which there is fairly good evidence of greater effects than other constituents. The existing evidence indicates that countries affected by dust and dust storms should provide appropriate warnings, shelter, and other actions to prevent and treat exposure to fugitive dust. Other actions could include educating and providing medical intervention for those at particular risk including infants, young children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing heart and lung disease, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In addition, there could be a focus on providing proper ventilation, including systems with high-efficiency filters, to schools and other public buildings. Additional proactive measures to mitigate dust storms, such as land restoration or desertification-management programs, could be considered. Decision-making in selecting specific measures or interventions should be informed by the analysis of the economic effectiveness of alternatives.
Are All Air Pollution Particles Equal? How Constituents and Sources of Fine Air Pollution Particles (PM2.5) Affect Health
(World Bank, Washington, DC, 2021-09-03) Thurston, George; Awe, Yewande; Ostro, Bart; Sanchez-Triana, Ernesto
Global studies of the health impacts of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) have been based on particle mass, but there is evolving evidence indicating that adverse health effects can vary depending on the source and composition of PM2.5. This complicates the equitoxicity assumption commonly made regarding particle air pollution while raising the question as to which types of PM2.5 are most toxic. This report provides a comprehensive review of health effects of short- and long-term exposures to source-related components and trace constituents (specific markers of the individual sources) of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in outdoor air pollution. The analysis evaluates the data and methods used, as well as the uncertainties in the underlying epidemiological studies, based on the relevant published literature. Most deaths attributed to outdoor PM2.5 air pollution (for example, by the Global Burden of Disease study) are caused by cardiovascular disease (CVD). The current evidence summarized in this report indicates that trace constituents from PM2.5 and PM2.5 mass from fossil-fuel combustion are among the greatest contributors to PM2.5 toxicity. Notably, PM2.5 from fossil-fuel combustion poses a larger cardiovascular disease risk per unit mass of PM2.5 than soil or biomass particles. Of the fossil-fuel combustion particles, coal- and traffic-related PM2.5 were found to be most consistently associated with cardiovascular mortality, especially due to ischemic heart disease (heart attacks) in both the short- and long-term exposure studies that were reviewed.
Recycling of Used Lead-Acid Batteries: Guidelines for Appraisal of Environmental Health Impacts
(Washington, DC: World Bank, 2022) von Stackelberg, Katherine; Williams, Pamela; Sánchez-Triana, Ernesto; Enriquez, Santiago
This framework document provides a pragmatic framework for designing representative studies and developing uniform sampling guidelines to support estimates of morbidity that are explicitly linked to exposure to land-based contaminants from used lead acid battery recycling (ULAB) activities. A primary goal is to support environmental burden of disease evaluations, which attempt to attribute health outcomes to specific sources of pollution. The guidelines provide recommendations on the most appropriate and cost-effective sampling and analysis methods to ensure the collection of representative population-level data, sample size recommendations for each contaminant and environmental media, biological sampling data, household survey data, and health outcome data. These guidelines focus on small-scale ULABs that are known to generate significant amounts of lead waste through the smelting process, as well as other metals including arsenic and cadmium. A primary concern with lead exposures is the documented association with neurodevelopmental outcomes in children as demonstrated by statistically significantly reduced performance on a battery of cognitive tests. These associations are evident even in the youngest children, and toxicological and epidemiologic data indicate these effects have no threshold. Other potential exposures include arsenic and cadmium, and exposure to these contaminants is also associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes in children, as well as arsenicosis, bladder, lung, and skin cancers, and renal outcomes. The primary objective of this framework document is to guide research to assess the relationship between environmental contamination, exposures, and health outcomes related to a subset of contaminants originating from ULAB activities for particularly vulnerable populations (such as children) and the general population within a single household in the vicinity of ULAB sites in low- and middle-income countries. To achieve this objective, biomonitoring and health outcome data are linked to household survey and environmental data (for example, soil, dust, water, and agricultural products) at the individual level from an exposed population compared to individuals from an unexposed (reference) population. Data on exposures and health outcomes in the same individual across a representative set of individuals is required to support an understanding of the potential impact of ULAB activities on local populations. The guidelines can also assist in building local capacity to conduct environmental assessments following a consistent methodology to facilitate comparability across ULAB sites in different geographic areas. Sampling strategies and methods are prioritized given information needs, resource availability, and other constraints or considerations. The framework document includes a number of supporting appendixes that provide additional resources and references on relevant topics. Data obtained following these recommendations can be used to support consistent, comparable, and standardized community risk and health impact assessments at contaminated sites in low- and middle-income countries. These data can also be used to support economic analyses and risk management decision making for evaluating site cleanup and risk mitigation options in the most cost-effective and efficient manner. Following these recommendations will facilitate comparisons and meta-analyses across studies by standardizing data collection efforts at the community level.
Environmental Challenges for Green Growth and Poverty Reduction: A Country Environmental Analysis for the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
(World Bank, Washington, DC, 2021-06-01) Sánchez-Triana, Ernesto; Sánchez-Triana, Ernesto
The Environmental Challenges for Green Growth and Poverty Reduction in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic report reveals strong linkages among environmental quality, economic growth, and social wellbeing of the nation’s 7 million inhabitants. This report is a comprehensive presentation prepared after two years of targeted diagnostic research and analysis of issues and conditions within Lao PDR. The analysis was conducted by an international team of World Bank researchers in cooperation with counterparts in lead government agencies in Lao PDR. Information from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and others, provided an initial basis for the assessments, and this was complemented by other international information. The results can be regarded as a state-of-the-art contribution of information to decision makers in Lao PDR having an interest in achieving sustainable growth consistent with the 2019 National Green Growth Strategy. The report’s scope includes consideration of impacts on key economic sectors and on risk factors influencing the health of the population. The assessments encompassed the economic costs of degradation in the forestry, agriculture, fisheries, mining, and hydropower sectors. The report identifies solid waste management and plastics as an important priority to which the Government of Lao PDR has already pledged its support in regional and global initiatives. Within the context of the Mekong River and its watershed, this report addresses climate-change impacts including increased risks of flooding.
Energy Subsidy Reform Assessment Framework: Local Environmental Externalities Due to Energy Price Subsidies — A Focus on Air Pollution and Health
(World Bank, Washington, DC, 2018-06-30) Enriquez, Santiago; Larsen, Bjorn; Sánchez-Triana, Ernesto
This note aims to provide an overview and guidance on the use of tools to assess the environmental and health effects of changes in the levels of fine particulate matter caused by higher consumption of energy due to subsidized prices at the country level. It also provides information to help practitioners develop reliable estimates even in the absence of data and with limited resources. The topic of the note is highly complex and involves multiple fields and disciplines. The note attempts to reduce such complexity by breaking the assessment down into several distinct steps, each with its own methodologies. The note is intended to serve as a source of resources and practical advice to guide practitioners along each of these steps. This note focuses the analysis of price subsidies on primary and secondary fine particulate matter (PM2.5, atmospheric particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 microns), the pollutant with the largest health effects worldwide, and using intake fractions to estimate population exposure to PM2.5 from fossil fuels and solid biomass. This approach is like that of recent global studies of energy price subsidies and taxes. The intake fractions are combined with the relative-risk functions for major health outcomes of air pollution from the Global Burden of Disease study to estimate the health effects associated with energy price subsidies. The note proposes three geographic-demographic scales: urban areas with a population over 100,000, urban areas with a population less than 100,000, and rural areas. The note also discusses the availability of monitoring measurement data and alternative options for determining ambient PM2.5 concentrations at the proposed geographic-demographic scale, as well as approaches to deal with data scarcity. The method for estimating the economic value of mortality caused by air pollution follows a recent World Bank report, using a cross-country transfer method of the value of statistical life (VSL). In addition, the note proposes methods for incorporating valuation of increased illness, although morbidity is generally found to constitute a relatively minor share of the health costs of air pollution.
Opportunities for Environmentally Healthy, Inclusive, and Resilient Growth in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula
(Washington, DC: World Bank, 2020) Ruitenbeek, Jack; Sánchez-Triana, Ernesto; Siegmann, Katharina; Enriquez, Santiago; Sánchez-Triana, Ernesto; Ruitenbeek, Jack; Enriquez, Santiago; Siegmann, Katharina; Larsen, Bjorn; Pethick, John; Scandizzo, Pasquale Lucio; Strukova Golub, Elena; Skjelvik, John Magne; Cufari, Daniele
Approximately 4.1 million people live in the three states of the Yucatán Peninsula: Quintana Roo, Yucatán, and Campeche. Some 30 municipalities are in a coastal territory of almost 2,000 linear kilometers, spanning the oil fields of the Gulf of Mexico to the world-renowned beaches of Cancún, just north of the second-largest barrier reef in the world. The peninsula's natural assets also include notable Mayan temples. With poverty far from eliminated, and economic development opportunities beckoning in agriculture, manufacturing, and hydrocarbon development, the region faces growing risks from environmental hazards. Oil spills, hurricanes, coral bleaching, extreme flooding, and erosion have all been experienced over the past decade. Based on preliminary identification of environmental priorities, this report explores selected topics that aim to inform decision-making in the region. A general context of integrated coastal zone management is used to explore issues, constraints, and potential solutions. The role of geomorphology is examined with a view to identifying how shore management plans can contribute to improved coastal management. Economic studies find that the main environmental health risks in the peninsula result in more than 1,000 premature deaths every year and in more than 9.36 million days lost to illnesses. These risks generate substantial economic losses, representing 2.2–3.3 percent of gross regional income. Scenarios relating to the economic cost of extreme weather events generate similar levels of damages: 1.4–1.5 percent of GDP in 2020 and 1.6–2.3 percent of GDP in 2050. A social accounting matrix examines the social and environmental interconnectedness to the various parts of the economy. An institutional analysis considers the mandates of existing institutions in the states, and of the potential role that regulatory measures may contribute to environmentally sustainable development without undermining economic growth prospects. The report concludes with options for consideration in the years ahead.
Strategy for Adapting to Climate Change and Conserving Biodiversity in the Bangladesh Sundarbans
(Taylor and Francis, 2016-05-14) Ortolano, Leonard; Sánchez-Triana, Ernesto; Ferdausi, Shakil Ahmed
The Bangladesh Sundarbans region is a difficult place to live and the region will become increasingly inhospitable over time. Sea level rise, cyclonic storms, and embankment failures are constant hazards and the biodiversity of the mangrove forest is being reduced. In addition, increased waterlogging and soil and water salinization pose serious threats to agriculture, a livelihood option for a majority of residents. Research was undertaken to answer the following question: what strategy could the Government of Bangladesh consider in order to enhance the security of inhabitants of the Bangladesh “Sundarbans Impact Zone (SIZ)” and conserve the biodiversity of the Sundarbans mangrove forest? The proposed strategy, which was based on data and analyses from a team of social and natural scientists and engineers, includes two central elements: incentives to encourage migration out of the SIZ successfully and measures to reduce dangers from natural hazards for inhabitants who choose to remain. In addition, the strategy includes measures to conserve biodiversity and actions to strengthen government agencies operating in the Sundarbans so that other elements of the strategy can be implemented effectively.
Managing Water-Related Risks in the West Bengal Sundarbans: Policy Alternatives and Institutions
(Taylor and Francis, 2016-07-12) Ortolano, Leonard; Sánchez-Triana, Ernesto; Paul, Tapas
Persistent pressures from water-related threats – sea-level rise, soil and water salinization, and flooding due to embankment overtopping and failure – have made the West Bengal Sundarbans a challenging place to live, and effects of global climate change will only worsen conditions. Four alternative policy directions are examined: business as usual; intensive rural development; short-term out-migration of residents; and embankment realignment and facilitation of voluntary, permanent out-migration. The last of these is the recommended approach. Study findings have informed ongoing deliberations to build consensus on future policy directions for reducing the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters.
Cleaner Production in Pakistan's Leather and Textile Sectors
(Elsevier, 2014-04) Ortolano, Leonard; Sanchez-Triana, Ernesto; Afzal, Javaid; Ali, Chaudhary Laiq; Rebellón, Susan A.
This study evaluates the dissemination of cleaner production in Pakistan’s industrial sector by assessing the performance of two of Pakistan’s three cleaner production (CP) centers. The study examines the adoption of CP measures by firms, as well as firms’ compliance with Pakistan’s National Environmental Quality Standards and certification to ISO 14001. A survey of 80 leather tanneries and textiles processing firms served by a CP center is the primary data source. Surveyed firms adopted the majority of CP measures proposed by the centers, even though firms had little understanding of CP concepts. Many of the commonly reported factors motivating CP adoption were present, but one was conspicuously absent: the need to meet ambient environmental quality standards. Survey results also indicate that firm size and engagement with foreign business customers are correlated with: the adoption of CP, the establishment of environmental management systems and certification to ISO 14001.