the World Bank Group Board of Directors approved today a USD 300 million International Development Association (IDA) loan, for the  Punjab clean air program   to strengthen air quality management and combat air pollution.       PCAP will support the Government of Punjab’s Smog Mitigation Action Plan (SMAP) in tackling the pressing issue of smog and air pollution with the launch of several comprehensive initiatives aimed at improving air quality and public health across the province particularly in key sectors such as transport, agriculture, industry, energy, and municipal services.  The Punjab Clean Air Program (PCAP) aligns with the new World Bank Country Partnership Framework (CPF) and aims to reduce PM2.5 levels by 35% over the next decade, significantly decreasing the incidence of respiratory illnesses and other pollution-related health issues for the 13 million residents of Lahore Division. The program focuses on the continuation of strengthening air quality management (AQM) infrastructure, enhancing regulatory and institutional capacity, targeted sectoral abatement measures and promoting public awareness.     Key interventions include the investment of 5000 super seeders to reduce the main issue of the excessive seasonal fog -crop residue burning, the introduction of 600 electric buses to foster a modal shift to public transport, the expansion of regulatory-grade air quality monitoring stations across Punjab, and the enhancement of fuel quality testing through the establishment of two new fuel testing laboratories.    Recognizing the importance of public participation in achieving cleaner air, the program promotes behavioral change and active citizen engagement, utilizing air quality monitoring data and emissions inventories to educate stakeholders about air pollution sources, health impacts, and reduction measures. Special attention will be given to vulnerable populations through targeted messaging and advisories, including schools and hospitals.          The estimated reduction in GHGs for the Program is 35.6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide over the next 12 years, significantly benefiting the environment and contributing to climate change mitigation. The program will also develop an integrated pollutant and GHG emissions inventory system to provide a comprehensive approach to tracking and managing emissions data.           https://projects.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/project-detail/P508222 (ICE ISLAMABAD)

Fonte notizia: world bank