Using citizen science to assess cumulative risk from air and other pollution sources in informal settlements

Abstract

Environmental challenges in informal settlements Residents of informal settlements in developing countries such as Kenya are faced with a myriad of environment challenges that exposes them to a combination of risks from multiple exposures to environment stressors, including pollution and environmental contamination. Researchers and development planners usually focus on and typically address a single environmental issue, such as air pollution, rather than to take a holistic approach that considers the combination of risks, that cumulatively affect these residents due to multiple exposure. This lack of a holistic approach is made worse in informal settlements that are considered illegal, unplanned and therefore ignored in urban development frameworks (McCartney& Krishnamurthy, 2018; Jones, 2017). The sustainable development goals (SDGs), including the New Urban Agenda (NUA), which emerged from SDG 11 presents policy opportunities for a holistic approach to urban development, given the attention paid to the progressive and democratic approaches such as liveable, inclusive, and just cities. The focus of the New Urban Agenda (NUA) of “leaving no one behind” has generated positive responses in some African countries, which, taken together with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 can lead to sustainable cities in Africa (UN 2019).Given the uniqueness of cities in Africa, homegrown models present the most suitable opportunities for the realisation of sustainable cities, and to achievement of all the 17 SDGs. Transdisciplinary research models is central for African cities as it enables scientists, practitioners and local communities to work together to co-generate solutions that are embedded in local realities and context (International Council for Science 2020).