This paper examines the record of urban population growth, health, and health care spending in developing countries; describes the linkage between urban air pollution and health; and weighs policy responses to reduce stationary and mobile source air pollution. The stylized facts of developing countries necessitate adaptation and working within the limitations of each country, and argue for a preference towards applying economic incentive approaches to stationary source problems. A variety of incentive and control and command policies are available to reduce the emissions from mobile sources. A ... More

This paper examines the record of urban population growth, health, and health care spending in developing countries; describes the linkage between urban air pollution and health; and weighs policy responses to reduce stationary and mobile source air pollution. The stylized facts of developing countries necessitate adaptation and working within the limitations of each country, and argue for a preference towards applying economic incentive approaches to stationary source problems. A variety of incentive and control and command policies are available to reduce the emissions from mobile sources. An examination of case studies demonstrates that NGOs are willing to bring about the creation of the infrastructure to set air quality goals, and implement the measures necessary to achieving these goals. Ultimately, however, local and national governments must be responsible for such goal setting and implementation.