Visiting U.S. Science Envoy for Air Quality, Dr. Jamie Schauer, has identified key sources driving Dhaka’s severe air pollution, including power plants, vehicles, biomass burning, waste combustion, construction dust, and brick kilns—highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive action to address the city’s environmental crisis.
Speaking at a discussion on January 12 at Dhaka University, where environment, forest and climate change adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, served as the chief guest, he identified major sources of air pollution, including vehicles, power plants, brick kilns, and construction dust.
The United States reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s fight against air pollution as Dr. Jamie Schauer, the U.S. Science Envoy for Air Quality, concluded a five-day visit to Dhaka on Thursday.
Dr. Schauer underscored the importance of advanced monitoring systems, source apportionment studies, and capacity building to address both seasonal and localized pollution. He also proposed solutions such as adopting cleaner fuels, improving waste management practices, and deploying air pollution control technologies across sectors.
The U.S. delegation also included Dr. Jill Baumgartner of McGill University and Dr. Benjamin de Foy of Saint Louis University, who contributed their expertise on environmental health and atmospheric sciences. Their visit highlighted the U.S. government’s continued efforts to partner with Bangladesh in developing sustainable, science-backed air quality solutions.
During his visit, Dr. Schauer engaged with Bangladeshi academics, policymakers, and non-governmental organizations to address the pressing issue of air quality in the country. He shared scientific insights and practical strategies aimed at mitigating air pollution, focusing on enhanced monitoring, cleaner technologies, and multi-sector collaboration. As a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Director of the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, Dr. Schauer emphasized the critical need for targeted air quality management and robust policy frameworks.
