Blog

Reducing Pollution in Vietnam: One Good Design at a Time

In 2020, Social Impact’s USAID Learns provided a full range of design support services to USAID Vietnam, resulting in the Reducing Pollution Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). This was an exciting opportunity to support the Mission in translating the Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) focus on collective action into tangible environmental programming with lasting impact. Read More

Grassroot Actions Against Polluted Skies: How Jakarta’s Urban Villages Tackle Air Pollution 

Jakarta’s air quality was front-page news when pollution levels spiked to some of the highest in the world during the 2023 dry season.  For these women, breathing in dirty air is a daily occurrence.  Read More

Charting Progress in 2023: USAID’s Highlights in Tackling Ocean Plastics

“There are 21,000 pieces of plastic in the ocean for each person on Earth,” a somber headline in the Washington Post reminded the public in 2023. To respond to this environmental crisis, United Nations member states are negotiating a legally binding, international agreement to end plastic pollution, with the… Read More

7 Things to Know About Jakarta’s Air Pollution Crisis

On August 31, 2023, Jakarta residents woke up to a thick blanket of haze and news that their city was again ranked the most polluted city in the world by Swiss technology company IQAir. Read More

Making Power Smarter in Pakistan

In the summer, the city of Multan in Pakistan can reach scorching temperatures of 120 degrees — with more extreme heat expected in the future due to climate change. Multan is known for agricultural production, and in this heat, crops need a steady supply of water. Mureed Abbas, a… Read More

How USAID is Advancing Low-Carbon and Climate-Resilient Solutions in Cities

Cities are on the frontline of the climate crisis–both experiencing severe climate impacts and leading on ambitious solutions to protect communities and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Cities in developing countries face development and environmental challenges like pollution, limited access to financing, food and water insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, and social and… Read More

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