Overview

• The report estimates that around 26,000 Nepalis die prematurely each year because of air pollution.
• High concentrations of fine particulate matter drive 75% of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease cases and contribute to strokes, heart disease, infections, lung cancer, neonatal issues and diabetes.
• The Kathmandu Valley and the southern Terai plains remain persistent pollution hotspots with no meaningful air-quality gains over the past decade.
• Annual economic losses from decreased labour productivity, higher medical costs and impacts on tourism and aviation exceed 6% of Nepal’s GDP.
• The government has pledged stricter industrial emission standards and incentives for electric vehicles with financial and technical support from the World Bank.