Closing comments on urban pollution

This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book. The book illustrates clearly the complexity of processes and systems in urban environments. It gives an indication of the challenges faced by cities worldwide in terms of sources of contamination, their transport, deposition, and impacts. Tighter restraints on pollution-emitting processes could potentially reduce certain contaminants. WHO suggests that inclusive, participatory processes in decision-making, as well as the co-design of local interventions, will encourage citizens to take up the responsibility of managing their own environment, leading to the sustainability of such strategies, development of communities, and their empowerment. Management of contamination in urban areas needs to be multi-functional and flexible; it must engage local communities and encourage them to become responsible for their environment, with support from the government and suitable legislation.