Daily Current Affairs : 11-September-2024

The Air Quality Management Exchange Platform (AQMx), introduced by the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), aims to support global efforts in improving air quality. This platform provides vital tools and guidance to air quality managers, helping them meet the World Health Organization (WHO) Air Quality Guidelines and interim targets. The initiative is a part of global efforts to address air pollution and protect public health.

The Purpose of AQMx

The AQMx platform was developed in response to the UNEA-6 resolution. It encourages increased global cooperation in managing air quality. The platform is designed to:

  • Facilitate the sharing of best practices for improving air quality.
  • Allow countries to exchange data and experiences, helping each other to create effective air quality policies.
  • Support better health outcomes by helping nations implement measures that reduce harmful pollutants.

By providing countries with access to tools and expert advice, AQMx aims to strengthen air quality management systems around the world.

About the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC)

The CCAC was founded in 2012 within the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It is a partnership that includes over 160 governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other organizations. Its main goal is to reduce short-lived climate pollutants such as methane and black carbon, which have significant impacts on both climate change and human health. India joined the coalition in 2019, becoming an active participant in global efforts to combat air pollution.

WHO Air Quality Guidelines (AQG)

The WHO Air Quality Guidelines set the recommended safe limits for various air pollutants, including PM2.5, ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO). These guidelines are regularly updated to reflect the latest scientific evidence. For example, the guidelines for PM2.5 are:

  • The 24-hour mean for PM2.5 should not exceed 15 µg/m³.
  • The annual mean should not exceed 5 µg/m³.

These updated guidelines, revised from the previous version in 2005, aim to protect public health by setting stricter limits on harmful pollutants.

Important Points:

  • AQMx Platform: Introduced by the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to support global efforts in improving air quality.
  • Purpose of AQMx:
    • Helps air quality managers meet WHO Air Quality Guidelines and interim targets.
    • Facilitates the sharing of best practices and data between countries.
    • Supports the creation of effective air quality policies.
    • Aims to improve health outcomes by reducing harmful air pollutants.
  • UNEA-6 Resolution: A response to the UNEA-6 resolution calling for increased global cooperation in air quality management.
  • CCAC:
    • Founded in 2012 within UNEP.
    • A partnership of over 160 governments, NGOs, and organizations.
    • Focuses on reducing short-lived climate pollutants like methane and black carbon.
    • India joined in 2019.
  • WHO Air Quality Guidelines (AQG):
    • Set safe limits for pollutants like PM2.5, ozone (O3), NO2, SO2, and CO.
    • Example for PM2.5:
      • 24-hour mean: should not exceed 15 µg/m³.
      • Annual mean: should not exceed 5 µg/m³.
    • Updated from 2005 to 2021, reflecting the latest scientific findings.
  • Overall Goal: The AQMx platform aims to foster global cooperation and help countries meet WHO air quality standards, leading to cleaner air and healthier communities worldwide.

Why In News

The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) has introduced the Air Quality Management Exchange Platform (AQMx) to support global efforts in improving air quality and enhancing cooperation among nations. This platform provides air quality managers with essential tools, resources, and guidance to help them meet the WHO Air Quality Guidelines and interim targets, ultimately contributing to better public health and environmental outcomes worldwide. By offering a collaborative space for sharing data and best practices, AQMx empowers countries to develop more effective air quality management strategies.

MCQs about Air Quality Management Exchange Platform

  1. What is the primary purpose of the Air Quality Management Exchange Platform (AQMx)?
    A. To provide financial support for air quality projects
    B. To share tools and guidance for improving air quality
    C. To monitor air pollution levels globally
    D. To enforce global air quality regulations
    Correct Answer: B. To share tools and guidance for improving air quality
    Explanation: The AQMx platform is designed to help air quality managers meet WHO guidelines by providing tools, resources, and guidance. It also facilitates sharing best practices and data to improve air quality management globally.
  2. Which of the following organizations introduced the Air Quality Management Exchange Platform (AQMx)?
    A. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
    B. World Health Organization (WHO)
    C. Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC)
    D. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
    Correct Answer: C. Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC)
    Explanation: The CCAC introduced the AQMx platform as part of its global efforts to reduce air pollution and improve air quality, in line with WHO guidelines and targets.
  3. What was the reason for developing the AQMx platform?
    A. To enforce stricter pollution laws worldwide
    B. To increase global cooperation in air quality management
    C. To fund air quality monitoring technologies
    D. To replace existing air quality regulations
    Correct Answer: B. To increase global cooperation in air quality management
    Explanation: The AQMx platform was developed in response to a UNEA-6 resolution, aiming to enhance global cooperation by enabling countries to share best practices, data, and experiences in managing air quality.
  4. The WHO Air Quality Guidelines (AQG) set safe limits for which of the following pollutants?
    A. Carbon dioxide (CO2)
    B. Particulate matter (PM2.5)
    C. Ozone (O3)
    D. Both B and C
    Correct Answer: D. Both B and C
    Explanation: The WHO Air Quality Guidelines set safe limits for several pollutants, including PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) and ozone (O3), among others, to protect public health. Other pollutants include NO2, SO2, and CO.

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