ABSTRACT
Research in the past two decades has provided significant understanding of the sources, the atmospheric transport and transformations, and the ecological impacts of air pollution in Nepal. However, very little research has looked at how air pollution affects different human populations, and how the poorest, most marginalized and most vulnerable people may be most affected. While there is much room for detailed research, stories from around the country tell us that women are more harmed by indoor air pollution than men, and the poorest households cook with the dirtiest fuel. Brick kiln workers are more harmed by kiln emissions than others, and when new factories and roads are built, they bring health problems to local communities. Traffic emissions also harm those working by the roadside, walking, or riding public transport much more than they affect people riding air-conditioned private vehicles. Meanwhile, as a small country with powerful neighbors, Nepal as a whole faces environmental justice issues, with activities beyond its border increasing its air pollution load and decreasing visibility, while contributing to climate change and glacier melting within the country.
