Solve pollution. Save lives. Protect the planet.

Pure Earth is an international non-profit organization dedicated to solving pollution problems in low and middle-income countries, where human health is at risk. Since its inception in 1999, Pure Earth has completed more than 120 projects in 27 countries. Pure Earth works closely with national stakeholders from communities, industry and governments and coordinates with key organizations such as the World Bank, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the Asian Development Bank and the European Commission, many of which provide funding.

Browse our Projects

Pure Earth focuses on locations throughout the developing world where human health is most affected by pollution. We combine pollution management with legacy pollution remediation to reduce toxin exposure to local populations, especially children.

Our Strategy

Inventorying toxic hotspots around the world

To date, more than 5,000 locations in 50 emerging market countries have been identified where people are exposed to toxins at dangerous levels. A central online database coordinates information on each and creates a platform for national and local governments, international agencies and Pure Earth to prioritize interventions.

Implementation of pilot and mid-scale cleanup projects

Projects are often chosen with the intent to allow for scaling up by national or international agencies.

National capacity building

Local and national agencies in most low and middle-income countries need the support and guidance of the West to solve pollution problems. As well as conducting technical workshops, Pure Earth assists countries in developing national strategies and focusing government efforts on public health.

Collaborative platform with local champions

Pure Earth focuses on solutions and encourages full stakeholder participation in implementation, rather than litigation. Locals who are passionate about the problem implement Pure Earth programs. Pure Earth provides resources and technical expertise.

Best science and best practices at all times

A volunteer Technical Advisory Board of more than 50 senior experts, with combined experience of 600 years, oversees individual projects and Pure Earth’s program development.

Our Approach

Pure Earth works in highly polluted locations in the developing world with the intent of mitigating human health risks from pollution. Solutions to pollution problems vary according to each site and include factors such as:

  • type of pollution (air, water, groundwater, soil, etc.)
  • toxins involved (particularly their potency and longevity)
  • extent of the contamination
  • whether it is active or “legacy” (abandoned or ownerless sites)
  • variety of local geographical and political factors

With the long-term aim of banishing this problem throughout the globe, Pure Earth supports local action to deal with highly polluted places. In doing this, we have adopted a range of solutions that fit with both the requirements of each class of sites and with Pure Earth’s own limited resources.

In general, our solutions follow one of the following paths:

Small scale clean-ups

Contamination is legacy, and clean-up is not too expensive (less than $100,000). Pure Earth will provide technical support and clean-up funds, usually requiring a match in funding from the local community. Projects are usually completed within 12 months and often help to catalyze further action.

Large-scale clean-ups

Contamination is legacy, but scale and costs are very high. Pure Earth will support and fund a local coalition or stakeholder group to survey the issue and develop an action plan for remediation. The coalition is led by a local champion, and includes representatives from agencies that might provide long term funding, including the national government or international agencies such as the World Bank or Asian Development Bank. Often, these coalitions are the first real attempt to initiate remediation and they work to achieve the necessary multi-million dollar project funding from other agencies.

Active sites

These are locations where the pollution is ongoing, usually from specific industrial or mining activities. Pure Earth will fund a health impact analysis, in conjunction with all parties (including the owner, if possible). This review is then presented to the owner, with the intent of persuasion to reduce pollutants accordingly. Other more aggressive avenues are pursued only after this cooperative approach has been fully explored.

Complex (“Multi-Modal”) sites

These are areas that have a mix of legacy and active pollution, often with many different sources. Pure Earth will fund a coalition of all stakeholders, led by a local champion, to design an overall strategy and specific action plans for a solution. Again, national or international players are a part of the necessary mix, as they can bring large-scale funding to the table.

Partners and Collaborators

Complex problems require the involvement of many stakeholders to craft sustainable solutions. We bring together international organizations, government agencies, research and technical agencies as well as other NGO’s. Browse our list of collaborators.