Assessing Multiple Inequalities and Air Pollution Abatement Policies

Abstract

Addressing inequality is recognized a worldwide development objective. The literature has primarily focused on examining economic or social inequality, but rarely on environmental inequality. Since inequality is multidimensional, several facets may overlap imposing a disproportionate burden on vulnerable communities. This study investigates the magnitude of air-quality inequality in conjunction with economic and social inequalities in Bogota (Colombia). It explores where inequalities overlap and assesses alleviation measures by tackling air pollution. We develop a composite index to estimate performance in socioeconomic and air quality characteristics across the city and evaluate inequality with a variety of measures. Using an atmospheric-chemical transport model, we simulate the impact of three air pollution abatement policies: paving roads, industry fuel substitution, and diesel-vehicle renewal on fine particle concentrations, and compute their effect on inequality. Results show that allocation of air-quality across Bogota is highly unequal, exceeding economic or social inequality. Evidence indicates economic, social and air quality disparities intersect displaying southwest as the most vulnerable zone. Paving roads is the most progressive and cost-effective policy, reducing overall inequality between 19-84% with net benefits exceeding US$479 million. Our analysis also suggests that benefits of renewing diesel heavy- and light-duty vehicles do not compensate the costs.