UN Report Estimates 15-to-1 Economic Return on Climate and Air Pollution Investment

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The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) released a report titled 'Hidden Assets: The Economic and Health Case for Climate and Clean Air Action' on the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies. The assessment determined that for every US$1 invested in integrated climate and air pollution policies, approximately US$15 in economic benefits could be generated. This report noted that the costs of inaction are significant, with delays resulting in the loss of over US$1.5 trillion in annual benefits, or 0.5 percent of global GDP. UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen stated that the findings demonstrate that clean air serves as a driver for development, health, and security rather than a cost.

Consequences

If governments and financial institutions adopt the proposed package of 25 measures, the report suggests potential economic gains could reach 11.4 percent of global GDP by 2100. Furthermore, full implementation of these measures could prevent an estimated 144 million premature deaths related to air pollution by 2050.

Sources

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