ISU for Sustainability

Embracing SDGs towards Quality Education and Academic Experience in the Countryside

2022 – Research | SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy

Social Research Category

Proponent: Precila C. Delima

Abstract

Air pollution is linked with many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Strategies aiming at improved air quality interact directly with climate mitigation targets, access to clean energy services, waste management, and other aspects of socio-economic development. This paper examines integrated policies to put Cauayan City, a Smarter City on track toward three interlinked goals achieving universal energy access, limiting climate change, and reducing air pollution. Scenario analysis suggests that these goals can be attained simultaneously with substantial benefits. By 2040, emissions of main pollutants are projected to drop by 60–80% relative to today, and associated health impacts are quantified at two million avoided deaths from ambient and household air pollution combined. In comparison to the costs needed for the decarbonization of the global economy, additional investments in air pollution control and access to clean fuels are very modest against major societal gains. The Piloting of Project ROAM in Cauayan City established a systematic air quality monitoring network that can determine areas where pollutant levels exceed an ambient air quality standard and areas where they do not. A resolution was formulated on its integration to realize its Smarter City Concept on Smarter Environment and localized Sustainable Development goals on clean air, sustainable cities, and climate change mitigation.

Extension