The Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) is an independent policy research institute established in 1998 under the initiative of the Japanese government and with the support of Kanagawa Prefecture. Its mission is to contribute to sustainable development through innovative policy research and strategic collaboration, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Headquartered in Hayama, Japan, with regional offices in Bangkok and Beijing, IGES works closely with governments, international organizations, research institutions, businesses, and civil society to drive transformative change toward a sustainable future.

Air pollution is one of IGES’s key focus areas within its broader mission to address climate change and environmental degradation. The institute recognizes that air pollution is not only a public health issue but also closely linked to climate change and sustainable urban development. To tackle this challenge, IGES conducts cutting-edge research and provides policy recommendations to reduce emissions from major sources such as transportation, industry, and energy production. Its work emphasizes the co-benefits of addressing air pollution alongside climate mitigation efforts.

One of IGES’s notable contributions is its leadership in promoting integrated approaches to air quality management in the Asia-Pacific region. Through its research programs, IGES develops science-based tools and methodologies for air quality monitoring and emissions reduction. For instance, it supports local governments in implementing policies that align with global frameworks such as the Paris Agreement. By fostering collaboration between stakeholders at multiple levels—national, regional, and local—IGES ensures that its solutions are both practical and scalable. 

IGES also plays an active role in advancing sustainable consumption and production practices to address air pollution. It collaborates with international organizations like UNEP to promote circular economy principles that reduce waste and emissions across supply chains. In addition, IGES supports capacity-building initiatives aimed at improving waste management systems in developing countries, which helps mitigate pollution from open burning and landfill emissions.  

Another critical aspect of IGES’s work on air pollution is its focus on urban resilience. The institute provides technical assistance for designing low-carbon urban infrastructure, such as public transportation systems and renewable energy projects. These initiatives not only improve air quality but also enhance cities’ ability to adapt to climate-related challenges. For example, IGES has supported pilot projects in Southeast Asia that integrate clean energy solutions into urban planning frameworks.

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