Air Pollution reduces life expectancy in Nepal by 3.4 years; World Bank report warns of grave health, economic impact

Air pollution has emerged as the biggest environmental health risk in Nepal, slashing the average life expectancy by 3.4 years and contributing to approximately 26,000 premature deaths each year, according to a new World Bank report released on Tuesday.

Titled ‘Towards Clean Air in Nepal: Benefits, Pollution Sources, and Solutions’, the report identifies the Kathmandu Valley and the Terai region as the country’s most critical air pollution hotspots. Despite growing awareness, both regions have shown no significant improvement in air quality over the past decade.

The report reveals that air pollution is now the leading cause of death and disability in Nepal. It not only hampers public health but also undermines key sectors such as tourism and aviation, while reducing labour productivity. The economic cost of poor air quality is estimated to exceed six per cent of Nepal’s GDP annually.

“Clean air and economic growth are not in conflict. The cost of inaction is far greater than that of taking bold steps today,” said Nepal’s Minister for Forests and Environment, Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri. He added that the government is committed to measures such as stricter industrial emission standards and the promotion of electric mobility to tackle the crisis.

The report highlights the multi-sectoral and cross-regional nature of the pollution problem, pointing to key contributors such as vehicular emissions, household cooking, industrial discharges, forest fires, and transboundary pollution.

David Sislen, the World Bank’s Country Division Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, said, “The World Bank is committed to helping Nepal strengthen its air quality improvement programs through financial, technical, and capacity-building support.”

Health data shared in the report underlines the severity of the issue. Air pollution is responsible for 75% of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cases, 46% of strokes, 44% of ischemic heart disease, and 38% of lung cancers in Nepal. It also contributes significantly to neonatal complications and diabetes.

The World Bank stressed the urgent need for Nepal to adopt a comprehensive clean air strategy—backed by bold policy action, public engagement, and international cooperation—to secure a healthier and more prosperous future.