NAIROBI - The United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) has said there is need for governments to refashion policy and regulatory interventions aimed at reducing air pollution.
A UNEP report launched in Nairobi on Tuesday says global efforts to curb air pollution have fallen short of agreed targets due to rapid urbanization, consumption of fossil fuels and haphazard burning of waste.
It blames air pollution for a rising toll of respiratory infections globally.
Speaking during the launch of the report, UNEP Executive Director, Achim Steiner, decried the menace of air pollution, terming it a threat to low carbon future, human health and prosperity.
"Many people around the world are suffering from adverse health effects linked to air pollution. Regrettably, the current global response to pervasive poor air quality is inadequate," Steiner said.
He commended robust interventions in a number of countries that have led to a significant improvement in air quality in spite of rapid industrial growth.
"Several countries are coming up with cost effective measures to improve air quality. These best practices should be replicated globally to ensure there is clean air," he said.
The UNEP report notes the adoption of cleaner cooking stoves, renewable energy and sulphur free gasoline in public transport could reduce air pollution by a wide margin.(Xinhua)