The Global Health Cost of PM2.5 Air Pollution: A Case for Action Beyond 2021

The Global Burden of Disease 2019 study states that air pollution from fine particulate matter caused 6.4 million premature deaths and 93 billion days lived with illness in 2019. The global cost of health damages associated with exposure to air pollution is $8.1 trillion, equivalent to 6.1% of global GDP. People in low- and middle-income countries are most affected by mortality and morbidity from air pollution, with the death rate associated with air pollution being significantly higher in low- and lower-middle-income countries than in high-income countries. This publication aims to support policy makers and decision-makers in client countries in prioritizing air pollution amid competing development challenges by providing monetary estimates of air pollution's health damages.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 86 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2022
Publisher: World Bank Publications

The 2019 Global Burden of Disease study revealed a staggering toll of air pollution, with fine particulate matter causing 6.4 million premature deaths and 93 billion days lived with illness. Over the past decade, the impact of ambient air pollution has only worsened. The significant health, social, and economic consequences of air pollution have prompted the World Bank to prioritize addressing it as a core development challenge for its client countries.

This publication estimates that the global cost of health damages associated with exposure to air pollution amounts to $8.1 trillion, equivalent to 6.1 percent of global GDP. It is alarming to note that people in low- and middle-income countries bear the brunt of the mortality and morbidity caused by air pollution, with the death rate significantly higher in these regions compared to high-income countries.

To strengthen the evidence base for air-quality management, this publication presents up-to-date estimates of air pollution's global economic costs. The analyses build upon previous cost estimates by the Bank and its partners, as well as comprehensive air-quality data from monitoring stations across the world. By providing monetary estimates of air pollution's health damages, this publication aims to support policy makers and decision-makers in client countries in prioritizing air pollution amidst competing development challenges.

The findings of this publication provide a compelling economic case for investing scarce budgetary resources in designing and implementing policies and interventions to improve air quality. Such investments will yield benefits for societies as a whole, particularly vulnerable groups.

In conclusion, the devastating impact of air pollution on human health, social well-being, and economic development cannot be overstated. The World Bank's commitment to supporting client countries in addressing air pollution as a core development challenge is crucial in mitigating the toll of this global crisis. By scaling up investments for air pollution control, we can create a healthier, more sustainable, and prosperous world for all.

Weight: 290g
Dimension: 215 x 279 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781464818165