Rapid desk based evidence search and gap analysis on environmental degradation and pollution in developing countries
This study examines the role that pollution has played in environmental degradation and the consequences of such degradation
Abstract
This study has collated information on the role that pollution (focussing on air, water and soil pollution) has played in environmental degradation and the consequences of such degradation for human well-being and poverty. The report has primarily focussed on collating information from investigative studies that have been conducted in DFID priority countries of sub-Saharan Africa; additional information from key studies is also provided for South and South East Asia DFID countries. The information has primarily been gathered from the peer-reviewed literature, but also from reports of accredited organisations such as WHO, UNEP, World Bank. The report focusses on literature published over the last 5 to 8 years. The report is not intended to be a comprehensive, systematic review of the literature but rather a review that identifies a number of particular pathways that represent the variety in the bio-physical, socio-economic and political constructs by which pollution and environmental degradation influence human-wellbeing and poverty. To achieve this the report is divided into sections that focus on urban areas (investigating key issues of solid waste, water sanitation and sewerage and energy and air quality) and semi-urban/semi-rural and rural areas (investigating land degradation, with a focus on savannahs and forests as well as contaminant pathways, with a focus on mining, industrial activities and rivers, lakes and coastal waters). The information gathered in the main body of the report is then used to identify key research gaps for the future.
This report has been produced by the Stockholm Environment Institute for Evidence on Demand with the assistance of the UK Department for International Development (DFID) contracted through the Climate, Environment, Infrastructure and Livelihoods Professional Evidence and Applied Knowledge Services (CEIL PEAKS) programme, jointly managed by HTSPE Limited and IMC Worldwide Limited. With thanks to Dr Ben Daley for his contribution to the section on solid waste management.
Citation
Emberson, L. Rapid desk based evidence search and gap analysis on environmental degradation and pollution in developing countries. Evidence on Demand, UK (2013) 39 pp. [DOI: 10.12774/eod_hd063.july2013.emberson]
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