“This year we want to celebrate successes. We do this to show that the problems can be tackled successfully even with limited funding, and through models that can be replicated around the world,” said Richard Fuller, president of Blacksmith Institute.

Each year, the World’s Worst Polluted Places report generates greater public awareness of pollution--one of the biggest problems the world faces today. While previous reports spotlighted the worst polluted places and problems, the 2009 report focuses on solutions and success stories with 12 notable examples that have been effective in reducing pollution and improving health.
 
Developed with input from Blacksmith’s Technical Advisory Board, which consists of leading scientists and experts, the report demonstrates that pollution remediation is one of the most effective ways of saving lives.  The results should persuade governments and NGOs to step up funding for similar remediation programs.
 
The 2009 World's Worst Polluted Places: 12 Cases of Cleanup and Success is jointly issued by Blacksmith Institute and Green Cross Switzerland.