US Science Envoy stresses advanced air quality monitoring in Dhaka
US Science Envoy for Air Quality Dr Jamie Schauer yesterday (16 January) concluded a week-long visit to Dhaka, stressing the need for advanced monitoring systems and source apportionment studies to guide policy, address seasonal and localised pollution patterns, and encourage cross-sectoral collaboration.
During his visit from 12-16 January, Dr Schauer demonstrating the US government's strong commitment to supporting Bangladesh's efforts in tackling air pollution.
He collaborated with local academics, government officials and NGOs, sharing expert insights and practical solutions to improve air quality.
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His visit emphasised the importance of air quality management, effective policies and academic collaboration to address the complex air pollution challenges facing Bangladesh, including the urgent need for advanced monitoring systems, cleaner technologies and multi-sectoral partnerships.
Dr Schauer, a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Director of the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, has served as the US Science Envoy for Air Quality since 2018.
On January 12, Dr Schauer delivered keynote speech at the "Air Quality Research and Environmental Policy" discussion at Dhaka University, with Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan as the chief guest.
At the event, Dr Schauer discussed Dhaka's critical air pollution, identifying key sources such as power plants, vehicles, biomass burning, waste combustion, construction dust and brick kilns.
Dr Schauer presented several recommendations for mitigating air pollution, including adopting cleaner fuels, using air pollution control devices on power generation and mobile sources, improving waste management to minimize waste burning, and dust control measures.
He highlighted the need for capacity building, innovation and partnerships across government, industry, and civil society including academia to implement sustainable air quality solutions.
Recognising the multi-sectoral causes of pollution, Dr Schauer also met with stakeholders from the power generation and transport sectors to discuss technological solutions for cleaning emissions of both PM2.5 and other air pollutants.
On 14 January, the delegation visited the Embassy's Air Quality Monitor, which measures airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on the compound.
They also recorded an appearance on a popular private television channel, discussing Bangladesh's air quality challenges and sharing insights from international experts.
Dr Schauer was joined on his visit to Bangladesh by two other professors, Dr Jill Baumgartner from McGill University and Dr Benjamin de Foy from Saint Louis University.
Dr Baumgartner, an expert on the human health impacts of environmental pollutants in urban areas, and Dr de Foy, a professor of atmospheric sciences who uses computer models to study air pollutant emissions, both shared their expertise on pollution mitigation and environmental health hazards.
This visit underscores the US government's ongoing commitment to supporting Bangladesh's efforts to improve air quality through knowledge-sharing and collaborative policy development.
