London is Cleaning Up It's Air

Following Zoe Williams’s article on pollution in the capital I’d like to reassure readers that the recent spate of alarmist claims are ridiculous and taken out of context (Welcome to London – the planet’s most toxic town, 8 July). Read more @ the Guardian

Emissions research “has found nitrogen dioxide concentrations on Oxford Street to be worse than they are anywhere else on Earth”, Williams says. Anyone who has visited Beijing, Mexico City or Delhi really knows what bad air pollution looks and feels like. Pollution levels in London are in fact lower than in many other world cities: average levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) from monitoring sites near busy roads in Stuttgart, Paris, Munich, Rome and Milan are all higher than those recorded for London.

Some cities place their monitoring stations in vast green parks or traffic-free courtyards, hence the lower figures they report. We do the responsible thing and place our monitoring stations directly in the most polluted roads. Most experts do not rank locations, precisely because of the variability between sites, and as such it’s misleading to talk about a “worst location”.


Even though it was estimated in 2010 that there were 50,000 premature deaths a year in the UK, says Williams, “pollution still isn’t taken seriously as a health issue”. At City Hall we are the first to admit that London’s air quality is not good enough. Buses and taxis are major contributors to air pollution on busy roads, so we’ve retired 900 of the oldest buses, and are putting 1,700 ultra-low emission hybrid buses on our streets. Removing 3,000 of the oldest, most polluting taxis met initial opposition but we have pushed on: from 2018 all new taxis will be capable of zero emissions.

We’ve also been busy making 400,000 homes and public buildings energy-efficient and have established a £20m fund to tackle air quality hotspots.

We’ve reduced emissions of NOx by 20% and particulates by 15% since the mayor was elected, and we have halved the number of Londoners living in areas that break EU limits for NO2. The mayor is now drawing up plans for an ultra-low emission zone from 2020, which no other city has ever proposed. This is expected to more than halve emissions of NOx and dangerous particles.

“The fact that only 2% of [children] cycle to school, compared with 50% in the Netherlands, is attributable to the fact that we don’t take road safety seriously across the country,” says Williams. City Hall has invested millions into reclaiming public space for pedestrians and cyclists. As a cyclist I’ve personally appreciated these changes, and the £1bn investment into cycling, which has seen a 55% increase since the mayor was elected. And with more measures, continuous monitoring and a pollution awareness campaign set to launch this autumn, I hope any reasonable observer would agree that London is in the vanguard of improving air quality.

Coal Shortage for the Thermal Power Plants in Andhra Pradesh

As against the requirement of at least 80,000 tonnes of coal every day, the State is able to get 55,000 tonnes as of now and officials are worried over the prospects if the supply situation worsens further. Senior officials of the A.P. Power Generation Corporation, who are working overtime to ensure supply of coal from conventional sources as well as outside, are keeping their fingers crossed over the availability of the fuel to meet the requirements.

According to officials, the 1,760 MW Dr. Narla Tatarao Thermal Power Station at Vijayawada required 30,000 tonnes of coal, 1,050 MW Rayalaseema Thermal Power Project 15,000 tonnes and the Krishnapatnam thermal power plant 20,000 tonnes on a daily basis to ensure generation at full capacity.

Alarmed over the situation, the State government has dashed of a letter to the Central government seeking allotment of 80,000 tonnes a day to meet the demand of the thermal power plants. The government, in its communication to the Union Coal Ministry, maintained that the State could generate 2,000 MW against the total installed capacity of over 3,000 MW due to shortage of coal. 

Read more @ the Hindu

Maps of Methane Leaks in US Cities

New maps from Google reveal the locations of natural gas leaks in U.S. cities and highlight the extent of "fugitive" methane emissions associated with the nation's aging infrastructure. The Environmental Defense Fund partnered with Google Street View to map leaks in the nation's natural gas system, using cars equipped with air-quality sensors that collected millions of readings across Boston, Indianapolis, and Staten Island. The analysis found thousands of methane leaks in highly-populated areas — particularly in Boston, where half of the pipes are more than 50 years old and leaks were detected every few blocks.

Although the leaks did not appear to pose explosion hazards, their prevalence highlights the potential for fugitive methane — a greenhouse gas with an impact 20 times that of carbon dioxide — to contribute to global warming. Read more @ Yale 360

More maps @ EDF

Congestion Pricing Could Work for Beijing (EMBARQ)

China’s capital city of Beijing is already home to 5.4 million cars, the most of any Chinese city. The country’s rising wealth means that this is a trend unlikely to stop. This rapid motorization has led to many city government “quick fixes” aimed at easing congestion problems in the short-term. In Beijing and other cities, these include creating numerous expressways, flyovers, and tunnels throughout the city. But this infrastructure that immediately “fixes” the problem never quite seems to keep up with the mounting number of vehicles on the road for long.

To provide better air quality and faster, safer mobility for its 11.5 million residents, on November 5, 2013, the Beijing launched its “Work Plan for Vehicle Emission Control 2013-2017”. This plan includes lowering car-licensing quotas from 240,000 to 150,000 cars per year, while increasing the annual quota for electric vehicles from 20,000 units in 2014 to 60,000 units by 2017, and creating the charging stations needed to support these vehicles.

Congestion pricing is one of the most contested components of the work plan, but is also one of the potentially transformational moves that will bring sustainable transport investment and equitable mobility to Beijing. The success of congestion pricing will rest on how this new charging scheme is perceived and how its revenue is reinvested in the community.

Read more @ EMBARQ

Tax Free Electric Vehicles in China, till 2017

China will exempt electric cars and other types of "new energy" vehicles from purchase tax, the government said, as it seeks to reduce pollution and conserve resources. The State Council, or cabinet, said that buyers of new energy vehicles – fully electric, hybrid and fuel cell cars –would not have to pay the levy from September to the end of 2017, according to a statement.

The tax is 10% of the net value of the vehicle, according to state media. "For achieving industrial development and environmental protection, this is a win-win," the state council said in a statement on Wednesday. The exemption applies to imported vehicles as well as domestically produced ones, the statement said, adding the government would compile a catalogue of eligible models.

China has sought to increase ownership of electric and hybrid vehicles to ease chronic pollution and reduce reliance on oil imports, but high prices, lack of infrastructure and consumer reluctance have been obstacles. The government has set a target of having five million new energy vehicles on the streets by 2020.

Read more @ The Guardian

Expediting Solar Power Projects in Telegana (India)

State government wants to overcome power shortage in the long term. The development follows the recent announcement of the department on its plans to establish solar power projects with a capacity of 1,000 MW to overcome power shortages in the longer term. Read more @ the Hindu

Expediting the process, the Energy department had identified government lands at two locations — a stretch of land in possession of the Industries department near Nagarjunasagar project in Guntur district and another owned by the AP Industrial Infrastructure Corporation at MP Kunta near Kadiri in Anantapur — for setting up the plants. Sources in the Energy Department said teams of officials would be deputed to inspect the locations and prepare a feasibility report at the earliest.

Waste Management Coming to Gurgaon

 

Sixty villages from Gurgaon district have been short-listed for the implementation of Solid and Liquid Waste Management Project under the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan (NBA) for the current financial year. The project will help in segregation of solid waste and considerably enhance wastewater treatment capacity and help in generation of recycled water for agricultural and other purposes. Read more @ The Hindu

Deputy Commissioner Shekhar Vidyarthi said only those villages which have won or figured in the list of the Nirmal Gram Puraskar have been chosen for the project. The pilot project for waste management is already underway at Mubarakpur, Hasanpur and Kankrola villages in the district. In Hasanpur and Kankrola, the project is being run by the Institute of Global Development, a non-government organisation, with good results. Mr. Vidyarthi said encouraged by the response to the project in these villages, they have now decided to extend it to other villages.

Waste Management in Pune

 

In the first phase, the project will be implemented in 16 villages, including Barmoli, Badshahpur, Devlavas, Ransika, Heraheri, Bhakraka, Maujabad, Mahchana, Bapas and Uccha Majra. Under the project, pits will be dug up under sheds in each village to convert wet waste into manure. Tri-cycles will be hired to collect solid waste from around the village every morning and bring it to the pits for recycling. “The wet waste will then be separated from dry waste like polythene bags, glass, iron and cardboards and can be composted. The separated non-biodegradable waste will be sold to scrap dealers,” said Mr. Vidyarthi, adding that two safai karamcharis will be appointed in each village to collect waste. These karamcharis will be initially paid through the District Rural Development Agency, but later the village panchayat will bear their cost.

No More New Ambassador Cars

Last week the Magazine reported that production of India's famous Ambassador car has been stopped due to low demand. The article, which reflected on some of the cars finest and most frustrating features, prompted readers to send us their own memories of the iconic car.

I had the pleasure and pain of travelling in Ambassadors in the 1980s. I remember one journey when the glove box kept on falling open, and while still driving along (at speed) the driver took the keys out of the ignition, leaned over and locked the glove box. Jamie, St Albans, UK

For the me Ambassador is India. I remember as a teenager living in Bombay how keys fitted several cars and they all looked alike. Sometimes you drove off in the wrong one and had to go back and find your own. Lis Homan, Northumberland, UK

The only car I know that could lose a wheel and maintain its inimitable road-holding. In 1980 I lost one outside the Calcutta Zoo swerving to avoid a surging mass of humanity fleeing a torrential storm. The old bus got me home regardless and was back on the road next day. G J Prosser, Toronto, Canada

Read more @ BBC

Delhi Traffic Problems Double With Rains

Heavy rains on Sunday in the Capital and adjoining areas not only brought down the high temperature, it also washed away the tall claims of monsoon preparedness made by the civic bodies in Delhi.

Air Pollution in Indian Cities

Journal Article @ Atmospheric Environment - Nature of Air Pollution, Sources, and Management in Indian Cities.

The global burden of disease study estimated 695,000 premature deaths in 2010 due to continued exposure to outdoor particulate matter and ozone pollution for India. By 2030, the expected growth in many of the sectors (industries, residential, transportation, power generation, and construction) will result in an increase in pollution related health impacts for most cities. The available information on urban air pollution, their sources, and the potential of various interventions to control pollution, should help us propose a cleaner path to 2030.

In this paper, we present an overview of the emission sources and control options for better air quality in Indian cities, with a particular focus on interventions like urban public transportation facilities; travel demand management; emission regulations for power plants; clean technology for brick kilns; management of road dust; and waste management to control open waste burning. Also included is a broader discussion on key institutional measures, like public awareness and scientific studies, necessary for building an effective air quality management plan in Indian cities.

Public Transport in Delhi has a Long Way to Go !!

The exponential increase in the Capital’s population is also reflected in the number of vehicles registered here. Around 75 lakh vehicles are registered in the city, almost equal to the number of vehicles in three most-populous metros of the country put together. More @ the Hindu

50 Children Treated Every Day for Respiratory Diseases in Delhi

With Delhi expanding in all directions, several business districts have developed in different parts of the city. Moreover, several unauthorised colonies coming up across the city have mixed land use, thus restricting the movement of people to far and wide places as several residents work and live in the same area.

India Should Swtich to Bharat-V, Nation-wide, Soon, for Better Air Quality

However, development of satellite towns like Gurgaon and Noida into commercial hubs has altered transport requirement as people travel to and fro from Delhi to these centres. While the planners have been laying thrust on promoting public transport as the only solution to the transport problems of the city and services like the Delhi Metro have made a positive impact, commuting in the city continues to remain a nightmare.

Role of Transport in Making Cities Green

With the city lacking adequate public transport, people are forced to use private vehicles. As a result, the roads remain choked, many a times leading to road rage incidents. While around 25 lakh people commute by the Delhi Metro everyday, another 45 lakh depend on buses for their travel needs. Experts feel promoting a mass rapid transit system and simultaneous discouragement of personal vehicles is the only solution to the transport and traffic woes of the city.

Shortage in Bus Manufacturing Leading to Scrapped Buses Plying on the Delhi Roads

“With the city having expanded far and wide, a network of fast moving public transport like the metro, with last-mile connectivity, is the only way out. Other means of transport, like bus rapid transit [BRT], also need to be developed both for connecting the missing links as well as creating an alternate transport network, which could come handy in case of any kind of technical failure in facilities like the metro,” said P.K. Sarkar, the head of Transport and Planning Department at the School of Planning and Architecture.

A Rough Road For BRT Systems in New Delhi

“Promotion of public transport without discouraging people from using private vehicles will not solve the purpose. The government needs to introduce measures like steep hike in the cost of vehicle registration and parking charges to make private travel costlier,” Mr. Sarkar added.

NASA Satellite Images Showing Reduction in NOx Pollution Over Six US Cities

New satellite images recently released by NASA show that air pollution is on the decline in some of the largest U.S. cities. In particular, levels of nitrogen dioxide — a brownish gas linked to respiratory problems — have dropped significantly since 2005, the agency’s scientists say. Read more @ Next City

The gas is produced by gasoline combustion in cars and burning natural gas in power plants. Its decrease at a time when more people are consuming energy and driving cars can be seen as a victory for the Environmental Protection Agency and other agencies that enforce clean air regulations. The progress also indicates that new clean air technologies are helping us shrink our environmental footprint. Still, NASA scientists warn that its still far too soon to begin taking strolls under your local smoke stacks.

“While our air quality has certainly improved over the last few decades, there is still work to do — ozone and particulate matter are still problems,” said Bryan Duncan, an atmospheric scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland in a published statement. And while air quality may be improving, power plant emissions of carbon dioxide — a greenhouse gas — remain an unmitigated threat.

National Committee Cracking Down on Polluters in Ulaanbaatar

The National Committee for Reducing Air Pollution (NCRAP) has sent official statements to 2,000 air polluting businesses operating in Ulaanbaatar, demanding they strictly follow pollutant emission standards as stated in the law. These 2,000 businesses produce around 20 percent of air pollution in Ulaanbaatar City, according to Secretary of NCRAP J.Erdenetsogt. More @ UB Post.

The businesses noted that their reason for poor enforcement of the standards was connected to their limited understanding of air pollution laws, so NCRAP provided guidance for meeting the standards as well. NRCAP will inspect each of the businesses from September 15 through October 15 to check whether they have fixed their stoves and other pollutant emitting equipment to keep their emissions within permitted levels. If they’ve failed in meeting standards, the business owners will face fines between 570,000 to 1,700,000 MNT, equal to three to nine times the minimum monthly wage, or will have their operation permits terminated.

More on Air Pollution in Ulaanbaatar

J.Erdenetsogt highlighted that such a wide range action against air polluters has never been taken before and NCRAP has high expectations of positive results. Emission standards for all types of stoves have been clearly outlines in their statement. “Professional organizations have found that air pollution has decreased over the past few years, although the public is not very convinced. Actually, air pollution in Ulaanbaatar can be reduced by 70 to 80 percent if households use improved stoves and briquettes properly, according to instructions,” J.Erdenetsogt also noted.

The UB Post has re-released its extensive coverage of air pollution in UB and its effects on public health. See our Facebook page for more information.

Air Pollution News & Alerts - July 11th, 2014

Last on June 8th, 2014

Indian Express, July 11th, 2014
State’s Power Crisis Temporary.

Japan Times, July 11th, 2014
Utilities’ power output falls for third straight month in Japan.

Next City, July 11th, 2014
NASA Images Capture How Air Has Gotten Cleaner in 6 Cities.

The Hindu, July 11th, 2014
New lines will improve coal linkages.

Energy Central, July 10th, 2014
16,564 MW to be added to national grid by 2018 in Pakistan.

Climate Spectator, July 10th, 2014
China, US will share 'clean coal' technology.

AA News, July 10th, 2014
Turkey 'could use more coal' to meet power demand.

The City Fix, July 9th, 2014
Turning the car around: Decreasing high-emission automobiles is the first step to a greener China.

Wall Street Journal, July 9th, 2014
Get Outside While You Can: Beijing and Shanghai’s Air Pollution, By the Clock.

Zee news, July 9th, 2014
Govt rejects study report on pollution level in India.

First Post, July 9th, 2014
Modi govt rejects WHO, Yale study on pollution level in India.

WHO, July 9th, 2014
Tackling air pollution, climate change and chemicals: European environmental priorities to protect health.

The Hindu, July 9th, 2014
Power production falls short of target by 8 billion units.

Asian Age, July 9th, 2014
Coal, water shortage may hit power.

The Guardian, July 8th, 2014
UN issued with roadmap on how to avoid climate catastrophe.

The City Fix, July 8th, 2014
How ‘zero’ became the biggest number in road safety.

Business Standard, July 8th, 2014
Union Budget: Why should Electric and Hybrid Cars get more subsidies?

Bloomberg, July 8th, 2014
Is Beijing Ready for Another Olympics?

Business Green, July 8th, 2014
Oxford Street has 'highest NO2 pollution levels' in world.

ECNS, July 8th, 2014
Commitment to fight pollution 'admirable': World Bank chief.

Science Daily, July 8th, 2014
Safe harbor: Freight transport logistics.

Phys.Org, July 8th, 2014
Urban heat—not a myth, and worst where it's wet.

News Week, July 8th, 2014
Every Breath You Take: IBM Developing Project to Map and Control Beijing Air Pollution.

IEA, July 8th, 2014
Coal Generation Report Card: Research is Critical.

ECT, July 8th, 2014
Alaska Updates Healy Coal Plant.

Permian Basin, July 8th, 2014
Clean Coal Plant One Step Closer to Completion.

Power Engineering, July 8th, 2014
$4bn coal-fired power plant in jeopardy in Indonesia.

China Real Time, July 7th, 2014
U.S. Firm Targeted Twice in Pollution Push.

Road.cc, July 7th, 2014
Air pollution makes Oxford Street buses double hazard for cyclists.

Science Daily, July 7th, 2014
Energy study commissioned by California Air Resources Board recommends three reforms to protect cap-and-trade.

Times of India, July 7th, 2014
Delhi's satellite towns bearing the brunt of increase in air pollution?

UB Post, July 7th, 2014
Air pollution in Ulaanbaatar believed to increase the risk of miscarriage.

NDTV, July 7th, 2014
Government Asks Power Producers to Increase Import of Coal.

PC World, July 6th, 2014
IBM tries to forecast and control Beijing's air pollution.

Scotsman, July 6th, 2014
Air quality allows Edinburgh to breathe easy.

Daily Star, July 6th, 2014
Air, sound pollution intolerable in Chittagong.

NY Times, July 6th, 2014
Taking Oil Industry Cue, Environmentalists Drew Emissions Blueprint.

Science Daily, July 4th, 2014
Who is responsible for climate change?

Power Engineering, July 3rd, 2014
Australian coal-fired power on the rise as gas prices increase.

Power Technology, July 3rd, 2014
Star-spangled super power- the ten biggest power stations in the US.

IEA, July 3rd, 2014
What else is coal used for?

Power Technology, July 3rd, 2014
Pakistan approves 4,250MW coal-based private power projects.

Wall Street Journal, July 3rd, 2014
When Air Quality in Beijing and Shanghai is Least Awful.

The Hindu, July 3rd, 2014
Foul air, everywhere in Indian cities.

Times of India, July 2nd, 2014
Ahir says stop pollution, but wants more industries.

New York Times, July 2nd, 2014
China Sees Long Road to Cleaning Up Pollution.

Local Gov, July 2nd, 2014
Nitrogen oxide - the new pollution hot potato?

Phys.Org, July 2nd, 2014
Pollution blamed for drop in Beijing tourism.

South China Morning Post, July 1st, 2014
Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei take different approaches to beating smog.

The Hindu, July 1st, 2014
Delayed monsoon may lead to power crisis in Maharashtra.

Business Standard, July 1st, 2014
Commercial production from Singanji power plant soon.

Eleven News, July 1st, 2014
Myanmar to use coal energy to increase power supply.

Science Daily, July 1st, 2014
Traffic noise is dangerous for your health: Solutions exist for dense cities.

Science Daily, Jun 30th, 2014
With climate change, heat more than natural disasters will drive people away.

Science Daily, June 30th, 2014
Lead in kids' blood linked with behavioral, emotional problems.

Power Engineering, June 30th, 2014
Aging thermal plants causing worry in Japan.

The Hindu, June 30th, 2014
Singapore to help India build ‘Smart Cities’.

The Guardian, June 30th, 2014
Climate change: Australia and US are moving in opposite directions.

NY Times, June 29th, 2014
NASA Launching Satellite to Track Carbon.

Indian Express, June 29th, 2014
Will Light Up India in Next Five Years.

Japan Times, June 29th, 2014
Utilities brace for thermal power plant problems.

New Zealand Herald, June 29th, 2014
China's plan to combat pollution will fight climate change too.

The Guardian, June 29th, 2014
Pollutionwatch: The world's dirtiest cities.

Hindustan Times, June 28th, 2014
State urges Jharkhand authorities to rein in supplier.

Times of India, June 28th, 2014
Forget round-the-clock power supply, says Karnataka govt.

Market Watch, June 27th, 2014
Doubling of Beijing’s cancer rate spurs pollution fears.

Pacific Standard, June 27th, 2014
The Ugly Cycle of Air Pollution and Climate Change.

UB Post, June 26th, 2014
45,000 improved stoves to find homes this fall.

Washington Post, June 26th, 2014
NASA showcases big drop in air pollution over D.C., I-95 corridor since 2005.

Science Daily, June 26th, 2014
Capturing carbon dioxide emissions needed to meet climate targets.

Times of India, June 26th, 2014
World Bank gives thumbs up to bus rapid transit system in Pune.

NPR, June 25th, 2014
Beijing: From Hardship Post To Plum Assignment And Back Again.

Rush Lane, June 25th, 2014
WHO guidelines violated in Indian cities, air pollution.

China Daily, June 24th, 2014
Hangzhou to shut down high-polluting factories.

The Hindu, June 24th, 2014
BRT system will save 27,000 lives in India: World Bank.

Economic Times, June 24th, 2014
Coal supply to thermal power plants dwindles.

NCAR, June 24th, 2014
Researchers seek to reduce deadly air pollution from open-fire cooking.

Bloomberg Business, June 22nd, 2014
EU Seen Curbing Coal Use by Quadrupling Carbon Price.

Shanghai Daily, June 20th, 2014
Air polluters set to receive tougher penalties.

The Atlantic, June 20th, 2014
Garbage Everywhere - What refuse in India's streets reveals about America’s hidden trash problem.

The Guardian, June 19th, 2014
Chinese artist makes waves, and ice, to highlight environmental pollution.

Bloomberg, June 19th, 2014
Why Living in Beijing Could Ruin Your Life.

Times of India, June 19th, 2014
Charminar most polluted area in Hyderabad.

Latin Post, June 18th, 2014
World Cup 2014: Chile's Wins Are Bad for Santiago Environment.

Climate Progress, June 18th, 2014
Is Air Pollution Aging Your Brain?

Times of India, June 18th, 2014
Once decried, BRT on revival road.

Environmental Technology, June 18th, 2014
Beijing air pollution complaints doubled.

The Hindu, June 18th, 2014
Every poisonous breath you take.

People Daily, June 17th, 2014
PM2.5 density drops in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area.

Auto World News, June 16th, 2014
Air Pollution Complaints in China's Capital Doubles in 5 Months.

Scientific American, June 16th, 2014
Map Monday: 50+ Shades of Air Pollution.

The Guardian, June 16th, 2014
Coal's share of energy market at highest level since 1970.

Acid News, June 15th, 2014
150 ways to cut GHG emissions.

Acid News, June 15th, 2014
Diet shifts could reduce nitrogen pollution in EU.

Acid News, June 15th, 2014
Ship emissions impact on coastal air quality.

Acid News, June 15th, 2014
Profitable to cut air pollution in EU.

Times of India, June 14th, 2014
Tough pollution regimen on the cards for Delhi.

The Hindu, June 14th, 2014
Petrol, diesel prices may be hiked to fund fuel upgrade.

Economic Times, June 14th, 2014
Complaints about air pollution in Beijing double in five months.

Times of India, June 14th, 2014
Power plants in Uttar Pradesh run out of coal.

Want China Times, June 14th, 2014
Beijing launches five-month campaign against air pollution.

World News VIews, June 14th, 2014
Dust air pollution creating extreme difficulties for Pindiites.

Indian Express, June 13th, 2014
State Powerless, 'Technically Challenged'.

India Today, June 13th, 2014
Power outage looms large across India as coal stocks dry up in plants.

UB Post, June 13th, 2014
Committee for Reducing Air Pollution cracks down on air polluters.

Shanghai Daily, June 11th, 2014
China’s need for natural gas may double in 5 years.

Engineering News, June 11th, 2014
Clean Coal: Is Carbon Capture and Storage Fossil Fuels' Best Hope?

IChemE, June 11th, 2014
More urgency needed for coal power plant re-design.

Power Engineering, June 10th, 2014
India to divert gas to deal with Delhi power crisis.

Hindustan Times, June 10th, 2014
Ozone levels shoot up in Delhi, asthma patients at risk.

DNA India, June 9th, 2014
Delhi heat wave is result of increased pollution in the capital city.

Bangkok Post, June 9th, 2014
Making Megacities Livable.

Huffington Post, June 9th, 2014
Clearing the air around human health and air pollution.

The Star Online, June 9th, 2014
Chinese smog insurance policies.

Science World Report, June 9th, 2014
Chinese Environmental Group Develops Mobile App to Monitor Air Pollution.

Economic Times, June 9th, 2014
Huge cost of inaction on the environment.

Reuters, June 8th, 2014
Global auto component makers gear up for China's tougher emission rules.

ECNS, June 6th, 2014
China's 'war on pollution'.

ECNS, June 5th, 2014
China set to adopt smart transport technology.

Live Mint, June 4th, 2014
Govt panel proposes cess of 75 paise per litre on petrol, diesel.

Climate Confidential, May 29th, 2014
Smart Citizens, Armed with Sensors.

IBM Mapping Air Pollution in Beijing in Search of Effective Management

China’s pollution crisis is receiving some necessary fresh air. On Monday, IBM ‘s China Research laboratory announced a partnership with the Beijing Municipal Government in a project aimed to ease the city’s toxic air pollution. 

The initiative will forecast and control air quality through state-of-the art computing technologies able to pinpoint the source and level of emissions released into the atmosphere. Read the full article @ News Week

All You Need is a Smart Phone to Report Local Air Pollution in China

IBM has 20 years of weather modeling experience, but Beijing’s numerous sources of pollution – the high concentration of cars, power plants and factories from surrounding areas among them – requires special supercomputer processing power that can predict pollution trends in real time. Beijing is one of China’s largest municipalities, and suffers from some of its worst air quality. 

Beijing to Cut 2.6 Million tons of Coal Use to Combat Air Pollution

The city will thus invest over $160 billion in the project and is committed to reducing harmful fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5) particles by 25% in 2017. Xiaowei Shen, director of IBM Research in China, stated in a press release: “You not only have to build a model that can predict. You have to provide a decision system so that people can take proper action.”

Top 100 Cities with the Worst Air Pollution in the World (WHO, 2014)

The corporation is working with academics and industry gurus in addition to the city to pull data from meteorological satellites, local air quality monitoring stations to complement the corporation’s own cognitive computing and optical sensor technologies. 

80% of Smog in Most of the Chinese Cities is Secondary in Nature - NOx Emissions Key

The project will enable officials to take direct courses of action against further pollution, such as indicating where limiting traffic in the city could be most effective, or alerting residents in advance about air quality issues. Scientists will be able to construct visual maps depicting the source and strength of pollutants being poured into the atmosphere at least three days in advance, with the ability to target pollution down to the street level.

Restrictions on Cars are not Resulting in Expected Reductions in Air Pollution

The air pollution project is part of a larger initiative entitled Green Horizon, aimed at boosting China’s sustainable growth through air quality management, energy optimization and renewable energy forecasting. 

Can Congestion Pricing Solve Beijing's Transport Problems?

IBM is developing a system intended to assist energy grids in managing alternative energy sources in addition to furthering the air pollution control project. Although the project is exclusive to Beijing thus far, the model could be utilized to improve air quality in other cities if successful.

Environmental Immigrants - Urbanites Flee China’s Smog for Blue Skies (NYT)

The project appears promising although there is much legwork ahead. Dr. Lu Qiang, Professor at Tsinghua University and Fellow of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, states that the deep-rooted problem requires attacking from various angles. “The key to tackling environmental problems is not only monitoring emissions but adopting a comprehensive approach to air quality management and addressing the issues at their roots,” he says, “Initiatives like IBM’s Green Horizon can help by fostering joint innovation across the entire energy value chain.”

Air Pollution in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar is the among top 10 cities with the worst air quality in the world, primarily due to the household coal and wood burning for cooking and heating. Scroll down for latest news on air quality and management in Ulaanbaatar.

Top 100 Cities with the Worst Air Quality in the World (WHO, 2011)

Top 100 Cities with the Worst Air Quality in the World (WHO, 2014)

Journal article published in Air Quality, Atmosphere, and Health - "Particulate Pollution in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia" in May, 2013

Estimated 4,000,000 Deaths from Household Cooking Smoke - A Note from Dr. Kirk Smith

*********************

Ulaanbaatar (Ulaan Baatar / Ulan Bator) is located at ~1300 meters above sea level, is the coldest national capital (image above is from Google Earth) in the world, with an average annual temperature of -1.3°C (29.7°F). Given the long winters, the coal combustion for cooking and heating is prevalent and a leading cause of air pollution - outdoor and indoor. In a recent report by WHO, Ulaanbaatar is ranked in the top 10 cities with world's worst air quality. This page presents the current know-how and links to articles published on air pollution in Ulaanbaatar.

An Emissions Inventory of Air Pollutants in Ulaanbaatar

An analysis was conducted in 2007, which presents an overview of the air pollution sources and possible ways to control emissions from various sectors. The picture to the right presents the current growth in the vehicular fleet in Ulaanbaatar, which since 2007 has doubled, especially in the passenger vehicles category.



The Report Structure

• Air quality in Ulaanbaatar
  
• Nature of the problem and the emission sources
  
• An emissions Inventory for criteria pollutants
  
• Results from the dispersion modeling over the city limits and linked health impacts
  
• How to control air pollution in Ulaanbaatar -a list of possible interventions for various sectors
  
• Future (2010/2020) Scenario analysis
  

Full Report is available @ www.urbanemissions.info
Abridged version is available @ SIM Working Paper Series 05-2008

Also see

• Pollution fees introduced in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to control polluting emissions
• Ulaanbaatar is No.5 World city with worst air quality
  
• Mongolia Issues Call at UN
• Workshop on Air Pollution in Ulaanbaatar by WB
• Mongolia Urban Development Strategy by ADB

In News: Air Quality in Ulaanbaatar (and Mongolia)

UB Post, July 7th, 2014
Air pollution in Ulaanbaatar believed to increase the risk of miscarriage.

UB Post, June 26th, 2014
45,000 improved stoves to find homes this fall.

UB Post, June 13th, 2014
Committee for Reducing Air Pollution cracks down on air polluters.

UB Post, May 9th, 2014
New thermal power plants and improvements in soums.

Science Daily, April 23rd, 2014
Pollutants from coal-burning stoves strongly associated with miscarriages in Mongolia.

UB Post, January 16th, 2014
Sharyn Gol mine to produce clean fuel briquettes for Mongolians.

UB Post, January 7th, 2014
Clean stove project concludes.

UB Post, January 3rd, 2014
Ulaanbaatar welcomes a warm and clear new year.

UB Post, November 19th, 2013
Luxury apartment sales increases in Ulaanbaatar.

UB Post, November 19th, 2013
Mayor promotes electric cars to reduce air pollution.

UB Post, October 8th, 2013
Poison air pollutes the city.

UB Post, October 1st, 2013
UB and JICA launch second phase of air pollution control project.

UB Post, September 15th, 2013
Citizens of the city facing lung damage.

Mongolia News, June 12th, 2013
Modun Resources wins preferred coal briquettes supplier to Mongolian Govt.

UB Post, April 30th, 2013
Inspections measure car exhaust emissions.

Huffington Post, December 12th, 2012
Postcards From the Second Most Air Polluted City in the World.

TUNZA Eco Generation, November 27th, 2012
Face to air pollution of Ulaanbaatar.

Mongolia News, November 25th, 2012
Air Pollution Killing Ulaanbaatar's Residents.

Mongolia News, November 16th, 2012
Philippine company makes air-cleansing device in Ulaanbaatar.

UB Post, November 9th, 2012
Another Winter Looms and So Does the Smog.

UB Post, November 9th, 2012
National Committee for Reducing Air Pollution Convenes.

UB Post, October 13th, 2012
Ways to Improve Air Quality in Ulaanbaatar.

UB Post, September 28th, 2012
D. Amgalanbaatar: Drinking and air pollution are changing Mongolian genes.

Millennium Challenge Corporation, August 20th, 2012
How stoves and land empower women in Mongolia.

DoE Pulse, June 18th, 2012
Berkeley Lab scientists tackle air pollution in Mongolia.

Mongolia News, June 18th, 2012
MPs initiates a Special Tax law on coal export.

Mongolia News, June 18th, 2012
Mongolian Engineers Invent Duobuses of New Model.

Info Mongolia, June 15th, 2012
Reducing Air Pollution in Ulaanbaatar.

China Daily, June 15th, 2012
Mongolia seeks int'l cooperation to improve air quality in capital city.

UB Post, June 14th, 2012
Drivers who do not pay taxes will be fined.

Business Council of Mongolia, May 7th, 2012
Curbing Air Pollution in Ulaanbaatar.

Info Mongolia, April 28th, 2012
Proposal to Reduce Air Pollution in Mongolia was Introduced in Washington DC.

Market Watch, April 26th, 2012
Citi to Purchase 1.17 Million Tonnes of Carbon Credits in Innovative Microfinance Deal with MicroEnergy Credits and Mongolia's XacBank.

US Embassy, Mongolia, April 19th, 2012
Mongolians Can Breathe Easier This Earth Day.

Info Mongolia, March 25th, 2012
Mongolian capital city hopes to improve transportation with huge investment.

UB Post, April 2nd, 2012
As the smoke settles, dust rises.

UB Post, April 2nd, 2012
Mongolia Turns Eco-Friendly in 2012.

UB Post, March 11th, 2012
Married me, without me - False Promises on Air Pollution Control.

Info Mongolia, March 11th, 2012
Owners of car will pay fee in Ulaanbaatar.

UB Post, March 5th, 2012
Responsibility for litter lays with unconcerned citizens.

Mongolia News, February 13th, 2012
50,000 households using low-smoke stoves.

UB Post, February 1st, 2012
Radiative cooling causes mist in Ulaanbaatar.

UB Post, January 26th, 2012
The future of renewable energy in Mongolia.

Mongolia News, January 26th, 2012
Lawyers blame Government for air pollution.

WWF Mongolia, January 23rd, 2012
A year to fight against air pollution and environmental degradation.

Info Mongolia, January 13th, 2012
Air pollution fees from the motor vehicles has been started to collect in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

UB Post, January 8th, 2012
Waste not the Waste.

Daily Times, December 18th, 2011
Air pollution responsible for 22,000 deaths annually in Pakistan.
 
Mongolia News, December 26th, 2011
612 new taxis in Ulaanbaatar in 2011.

UB Post, December 24th, 2011
Ulaanbaatar's Air Pollution - Threat to Health.

Mongolia News, December 23rd, 2011
WHO report on the air pollution of Ulaanbaatar.

The World Bank, December 22nd, 2011
Study Identifies Best Options to Improve Air Quality and Thus Reduce Health Impacts in Ulaanbaatar, the Most Polluted City in the World in Wintertime.

The World Bank, December 21st, 2011
Air quality analysis of Ulaanbaatar : improving air quality to reduce health impacts.

Mongolia News, December 15th, 2011
Ulaanbaatar's Mayor meets with prominent American lawyer.

Mongolia News, December 15th, 2011
Mongolia focuses on bag filters to reduce air pollution.

Mongolia News, December 14th, 2011
MNT 34 billion in anti-pollution money goes unspent.

Voice of Mongolia, December 5th, 2011
The South Korean government will grant USD 300 million loan for Mongolia’s health sector and air pollution reduction projects.

Info Mongolia, December 2nd, 2011
The work plan for air pollution reduction was ratified in Mongolia.

China Daily, November 30th, 2011
Mongolian government approves new measures to combat air pollution.

Mongolia News, November 30th, 2011
Working plan on air pollution approved.

UB Post, November 29th, 2011
Ulaanbaatar and London.

Mongolia News, November 18th, 2011
National Committee reports on anti-pollution efforts.

Mongolia News, November 2nd, 2011
Do Not Pollute Air and Get Discount.

Info Mongolia, November 2nd, 2011
The Incentive Policy for Reducing the Air Pollution in Mongolia.

Mongolian Economy and Finance, November 2nd, 2011
Standing committee discusses air pollution.

Mongolia News, October 30th, 2011
New Buses to Serve Public Transport in Ulaanbaatar.

Info Mongolia, October 21st, 2011
People of Buriyatia to reduce air pollution in Ulaanbaatar.

World Bank, October 18th, 2011
Mongolia - Ulaanbaatar Clean Air Project : safeguards report.

The Reuters, October 17th, 2011
Mongolia's capital tries to shed its smog.

Mongolia Solutions, August 18th, 2011
Eco-friendly ger heaters before winter in Mongolia.

UB Post, August 12th, 2011
Ulaanbaatar's Fumes to Decrease by 30%.

Info Mongolia, July 22nd, 2011
Smog Inspectors in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Mongolian Economy, July 4th, 2011
UB: How long before levels of air pollution be acceptable?

2point6billion.com, May 30th, 2011
A Tale of Two Mongolias.

Mongolia News, May 7th, 2011
Air Pollution Matters in Mongolia.

Mongolia News, May 5th, 2011
Anti-air pollution work in Mongolia.

UB Post, April 26th, 2011
The Chairman of the Dept. of Construction Discusses the 100,000 Apartment Project.

MAD Mongolia, April 24th, 2011
Mongolian Government maintains that apartment prices will decrease.

UB Post, April 5th, 2011
The President sets up a committee to fight pollution.

UB Post, March 22nd, 2011
Ulaanbaatar Air Pollution Linked to Public Health Crisis.

Mongolia Corporate Services, March 10th, 2011
National Committee set up to oversee air pollution reduction programs.

Eurasia Net, February 28th, 2011
Mongolia: Ulaanbaatar Air Pollution Linked to Public Health Crisis.

Mongolia Web, February 18th, 2011
People in special zones to pay less for electricity at night.

UB Post, February 18th, 2011
Anti Air Pollution Campaign to Launch in March.

Mongolia Corporate Services, February 16th, 2011
New law seeks to make Ulaanbaatar smoke free in 2014.

The Mongolian News, February 15th, 2011
S. Lodoisamba: Coal gas should be introduced to ger area as soon as possible.

UB Post, February 15th, 2011
No Mineral Exploration License Issuance Till April 30.

The office of the President of Mongolia, Public Relations & Communications Division, February 15th, 2011
Actions to Reduce Air Pollution to Begin in March.

UB Post, February 11th, 2011
Mere Cash for Cashmere.

UB Post, February 8th, 2011
Coal Stoves Coat Mongolian Capital in Smog.

France 24, February 6th, 2011
Coal stoves coat Mongolian capital in smog.

MAD Corporate Services, February 1st, 2011
MPP'S Faction Discusses Air Pollution in Mongolia.

MAD Corporate Services, February 1st, 2011
Raw coal is banned to burn in Mongolian ger districts.

The Guardian, January 28th, 2011
Why Genghis Khan was good for the planet.

UB Post, January 25th, 2011
Mongolia to Start Uranium Exploration by 2012.

UB Post, January 21st, 2011
Why a Mongolian Economic Forum?

UB Post, January 18th, 2011
President Elbegdorj Worries About City Pollution.

Mongolian Views, January 16th, 2011
President demands action to reduce UB air pollution.

UB Post, January 14th, 2011
Risks on the Road.

UB Post, January 7th, 2011
Mongolia in 2020.

UB Post, January 6th, 2011
The Mongolian “Katrina”.

UB Post, December 21st, 2010
Electricity Price To Raise in Five Phases Until 2014.


UB Post, December 3rd, 2010
“Travelers”.

UB Post, October 15th, 2010
Mongolia Chosen As Pilot Nation.

UB Post, September 24th, 2010
Take on Your Gas Mask.

UB Post, August 17th, 2010
MCA To Assist Fight with Air Pollution in UB City.

UB Post, July 27th, 2010
Interview with the NEA official G.Bayasgalan.

World Bank, April 23rd, 2010
Ulaanbaatar's Air Pollution Crisis.

Eurasia Net, March 22nd, 2010
Mongolia: Ulaanbaatar Grapples with Smog Problem.

UB Post, February 26th, 2010
Air Quality in Ulaanbaatar.

UB Post, December 15th, 2009
Mongolia’s Used Car Market on Recovery.

UB Post, November 17th, 2009
Mongolia Turns Eco-Friendly in 2012.

Ulaanbaatar Post, September 22nd, 2009
New Master Plan on Nature and Environment.

Ulaanbaatar Post, September 18th, 2009
City Air.

Rising Voices, August 18th, 2009
Nomad Green: More Workshops In Ulaanbaatar.

Ulaanbaatar Post, July 14th, 2009
Mongolia’s Growing Shantytowns.