This Research Paper examines why agricultural biomass burning is a crucial issue for South and Southeast Asia, and how the emissions from such burning impact climate change, health, environment, and economies, particularly in Least Developed Countries (LDCs). The Paper explores some of the fundamental reasons air quality issues persist and offers solutions, including leveraging regional cooperation, advanced monitoring techniques, and sustainable agricultural mechanization.

Acknowledgements: This paper was developed by Dr. Carly Reddington, Associate Professor, University of Leeds (U.K.), with contributions from Ms. Abigail Smith, as part of work commissioned by ESCAP’s Sustainable Urban Development Section of the Environment and Development Division and the Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization. Reviews and comments provided by supporting staff are gratefully acknowledged.

Cover page photo: Tribhuvan University, Nepal