Towards Clean Air in Nepal: Benefits, Pollution Sources, and Solutions

Publication:
Towards Clean Air in Nepal: Benefits, Pollution Sources, and Solutions

dc.contributor.author	World Bank
dc.date.accessioned	2025-06-06T18:12:16Z
dc.date.available	2025-06-06T18:12:16Z
dc.date.issued	2025-06-06
dc.description.abstract	Hazardous air pollution poses significant health and economic challenges for Nepal. Air pollution raises public health concerns in Nepal, particularly in the country’s two geographic hotspots: the Kathmandu Valley and the Terai (southern plain areas bordering India). In these two areas, the annual average particulate matter (PM) (i.e. PM of less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, which is the most critical air pollutant) concentrations reach 37 and 39 µg/m3, respectively. This exposure is between seven to eight times higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline value of 5 µg/m3. These levels of air pollution shorten the average life expectancy of Nepal’s residents by more than three years, and lead to almost 26,000 premature deaths each year. Beyond health impacts, poor air quality leads to reduced labor productivity and negatively impacts tourism (lower visibility of the Himalayas and cancelled flights). Overall, poor air quality is estimated to cost the equivalent of more than six percent of Nepal’s gross domestic product (GDP) each year. The main objectives of this report are to identify the levels, patterns, and sources of air pollution in Nepal, assess its health and economic impacts, and present solutions to improve air quality. The recommendations are based on a foundational diagnostic review of Nepal’s existing air quality management actions. The report aims to provide comprehensive insights and actionable policy options for the government, stakeholders, and the public to support urgent and effective interventions.	en
dc.identifier	http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/099060525033528377
dc.identifier.uri	https://hdl.handle.net/10986/43303
dc.language	English
dc.language.iso	en_US
dc.publisher	Washington, DC: World Bank
dc.rights	CC BY-NC 3.0 IGO
dc.rights.holder	World Bank
dc.rights.uri	https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/igo
dc.subject	GOOD HEALTH
dc.subject	AIR POLLUTION
dc.subject	IMPACT ON TOURISM
dc.subject	AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
dc.subject	WELL-BEING
dc.title	Towards Clean Air in Nepal	en
dc.title.subtitle	Benefits, Pollution Sources, and Solutions	en
dc.type	Report
dspace.entity.type	Publication
okr.date.disclosure	2025-06-06
okr.date.lastmodified	2025-06-06T17:05:53Z	en
okr.doctype	Economic & Sector Work::Other Environmental Study
okr.doctype	Economic & Sector Work
okr.docurl	http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/099060525033528377
okr.guid	099060525033528377
okr.identifier.docmid	P176456-fd25d1c4-c05a-4740-9984-ada6a89056a2
okr.identifier.externaldocumentum	40019740
okr.identifier.internaldocumentum	40019740
okr.identifier.report	202059
okr.import.id	7595
okr.imported	true	en
okr.language.supported	en
okr.pdfurl	https://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/099060525033528377/pdf/P176456-fd25d1c4-c05a-4740-9984-ada6a89056a2.pdf	en
okr.region.administrative	South Asia
okr.region.country	Nepal
okr.sector	FY17 - Other Agriculture, Fishing and Forestry
okr.sector	Agriculture, Fishing and Forestry
okr.theme	FY17 - Adaptation,FY17 - Mitigation,FY17 - Pandemic Response,FY17 - Inclusive Growth,FY17 - Climate change,FY17 - Green Growth,FY17 - Economic Growth and Planning,FY17 - Disease Control
okr.theme	FY17 - Environment and Natural Resource Management,FY17 - Human Development and Gender,FY17 - Economic Policy
okr.topic	Environment::Pollution Management & Control
okr.topic	Environment::Air Quality & Clean Air
okr.topic	Environment::Tourism and Ecotourism
okr.topic	Environment::Climate Change and Environment
okr.topic	Health, Nutrition and Population::Environment and Health
okr.unit	SAR Environment PM 1 (SSAE1)