UN-backed effort to reduce vehicle emissions in Africa

Africa is making an effort to reduce vehicle emissions as part of the Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles, a global initiative coordinated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to promote cleaner and more efficient fuels and vehicles in developing countries. The UN World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that almost 800,000 people die prematurely each year due to urban air pollution, with the majority of deaths occurring in developing countries. The low-sulfur diesel fuel, which Kenya began importing in October 2010, contains only 5% of the amount of sulfur in the country’s previous diesel fuel supply, which could save up to nearly US$1 billion a year in health and related costs. Between 2010 and 2020, total savings are projected to be US$43 billion. (February 22, 2011)