Blog

Shifting Gears: How USAID is Improving the Quality of Air and Life by Introducing Electric Vehicles in Pakistan

A busy intersection in Lahore, Pakistan stirs all of the senses, as motorcycles, auto rickshaws, and buses packed to the brim zoom by, leaving behind a trail of smog. In this city, one-third of small particle pollution comes from vehicle emissions. Smog has become so prevalent in… Read More

Five Ways USAID’s Reducing Pollution Project and Partners Collaborate for Clean Air in Vietnam

Winrock works closely with local partners in Vietnam through the USAID Reducing Pollution project to address multiple sources of air pollution, including pollution resulting from transportation, from open burning of household wastes and agricultural by-products, and emissions from craft village production. Read More

Imagining a Healthier Diwali: Why Some Families are Moving Away from Firecrackers

Indeed, during the days of Diwali, there is much discussion about the pollution caused by fireworks, but there are a few rare individuals who ardently contribute at a personal level to fight against air pollution. Let’s meet some “Clean air champions”. The Das Family Sets an Example: Firework-Free Diwali for… Read More

From Struggling Utility to Industry Leader: How a Water Utility’s Vision, Innovation, and Commitment are Providing Sustainable Drinking Water in Puerto Princesa City, Philippines

With its white beaches, famed Underground River, and lush forests, Puerto Princesa City in Palawan is often called the Philippines’ cleanest and greenest city. In an island nation where rapid urbanization, environmental degradation, and climate vulnerability hinder water security, the city stands out for high access rates of safe drinking… Read More

Urban October

7 Ways USAID is supporting local and urban governance to build safer, climate resilient, and more sustainable cities The majority of the world lives in cities. When USAID was founded in 1961, roughly 34% of the world’s population lived in urban areas. By 2030, that figure… Read More

Are Cities Ready for Growing Climate-Related Migration?

New White Paper Outlines Challenges and Opportunities from Climate-related Migration to Urban Areas Read More

From the Field: Empowering Youth as Agents of Change to Reduce Ocean Plastic Pollution

The world produces twice as much plastic waste as two decades ago, and only 9 percent of that waste is recycled.1 The resulting pollution is having far-reaching human health and environmental impacts that are just starting to be understood. Today’s youth—defined by the United Nations as anyone between the ages… Read More

Strengthening the Resilience of Cities is Essential, and Smart

New USAID Urban Resilience Programming Guidance Released USAID is pleased to announce the release of new technical guidance for developing and implementing activities that strengthen the resilience of cities and urban communities. The new guidance provides evidence-based, practical recommendations for programming across a variety of sectors in urban… Read More

How USAID Nepal Used Artificial Lungs to Show the Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health

Raising awareness about air pollution with art installations The effects of climate change and environmental issues can oftentimes be difficult to see in our daily lives. One example is air pollution, which is a huge concern for our environmental and human health — yet, it is oftentimes difficult to see… Read More

From the Field: Increasing Community Recycling and Recovery of Waste to Reduce Ocean Plastic Pollution

Nationwide, in Peru, over 21,000 metric tons of municipal solid waste is generated daily; with 70 percent of that waste—much of it plastic—that’s considered either recyclable or reusable, only 4 percent is actually recycled. Improving low recycling rates requires a multi-pronged approach: addressing local governments’ capacity to provide recycling collection… Read More