International Sustainable Systems Research Center

The International Sustainable Systems Research Center is an organization dedicated to improving air quality management in large cities in developing countries. The focus of this grant is to increase the provision of information about the sources of, and solutions to, air quality problems to policymakers in key cities in Mexico and China. With their customized models, such as the International Vehicle Emissions Model, the organization will support the implementation of air quality management plans with the goal of reducing particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide pollution from transportation sources in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Chongqing, and Shanghai.

We recommend supplemental support for the International Sustainable Systems Research Center (ISSRC) for its efforts to improve the effectiveness of air quality management programs in developing countries. ISSRC's current grant is scheduled to end in November 2010 however, the grant funds are expected to be exhausted by the end of August. Supplemental funding will allow ISSRC to continue its work until the end of 2010. ISSRC establishes science based air quality management approaches in international cities with significant air quality problems. This understanding of all the sources of air pollution, especially in rapidly developing cities in developing countries, will then guide sound environmental policymaking decisions.The Center's work over the current grant has focused on Sao Paulo, Brazil and Mexico City, Mexico; but the projects in these cities have been designed to be easily ported to cities in other developing countries, including China.

The ISSRC (International Sustainable Systems Research Center) works to identifying approaches and technologies to support environmentally sustainable economic growth. Since 2006, they have provided technical support to Hewlett grantees in the San Joaquin Valley. Their reports and training contributed significantly to advocates success in pushing air regulators to adopt stronger-than-expected air pollution reduction plans that will mitigate harmful air pollution in the Central Valley - one of the nation's worst air basins. To assist in the continual education, advocacy and and tracking of the implementation of key regulations, an information resource designed specifically for the environmental groups is proposed. This will be a secure on?line resource where with a few clicks, advocates can access straightforward, up?to?date information on various topics on San Joaquin's air quality and the key issues that impede the process of attaining clean airm, stated in a way that is understandable to the public advocates. This furthers the Hewlett Foundations goal of strengthening the capacity of air quality advocates serving disproportionately affected communities. (Supplemental, $50,000/1; 100 % of project budget)