Smog and Sustainable Development Goals

Smog, which is a combination of high particulate matter and gaseous pollutants, is one of the major environmental issues with immense implications for sustainable development. This chapter applies an integrated assessment framework to understand the multi-faceted, complex relationships that exist between smog and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It reviews the direct and indirect effects of atmospheric pollution on the key SDGs such as Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Sustainable Cities (SDG 11), Climate Action (SDG 13) and Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8). The analysis shows both serious threats to achieving the goals from smog and significant opportunities for synergistic policy co-benefits. The chapter concludes by arguing that the target of smog can only be achieved by going beyond sectoral boundaries in a mainstreaming approach to air quality into energy, transportation, industrial, and urban planning policy. Drawing on empirical evidence and a case study carried out on air quality management in China, the chapter concludes that multi-pollutant, integrated solutions are not only an environmental necessity but an essential foundation for achieving inclusive, environmentally sustainable economic development and protecting public health for present and future generations.