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USD 40 /hr
Hire Dr. Ashish S.
India
USD 40 /hr

Environmental & Climate Policy Expert | Air Pollution, ESG & Sustainability Research | PhD

Profile Summary
Subject Matter Expertise
Services
Writing Technical Writing, Business & Legal Writing, Copywriting, Creative Writing, General Proofreading & Editing
Research Market Research, User Research, Feasibility Study, Gap Analysis, Gray Literature Search, Systematic Literature Review, Secondary Data Collection
Consulting Business Strategy Consulting, Go-to-Market Strategy Consulting, Scientific and Technical Consulting
Data & AI Statistical Analysis, Data Visualization, Big Data Analytics, Data Mining, Data Cleaning, Data Processing, Data Insights
Work Experience

Environmental Sustainability Consultant Sustainability Alternatives

Founder / Research Consultant

October 2025 - Present

Scientific Consultant Grade II Climate Policy

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India

February 2025 - September 2025

Manager Air Quality Program

WRI India Ross Center for Sustainable Cities

April 2023 - February 2025

Principal Project Scientist Air Quality Research

Indian Institute of Technology Delhi

November 2022 - March 2023

Research Fellow Air Pollution and Environmental Health

University of Surrey Guildford United Kingdom

September 2017 - December 2021

PG Research Assistant and International Research Collaborator Air Pollution and Sustainability

Macquarie University Sydney NSW Australia

July 2015 - August 2017

Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant

University of Toledo Ohio United States

January 2015 - June 2015

Post-graduate research assistant

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) Gwangju South Korea

July 2012 - August 2014

Education

PhD Environmental Engineering Air Pollution and Exposure Science

University of Surrey, Guildford United Kingdom

September 2017 - December 2021

Master of Research (MRES) in Environmental Science, High Distinction

Macquarie University Sydney NSW Australia

July 2015 - October 2016

Master of Science, MS - Environmental Science and Engineering

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, GIST, Gwangju South Korea

July 2012 - August 2014

Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech) Civil Engineering

Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India

July 2008 - May 2012

Certifications

  • Environmental Management and Organisations

    The Open University UK
    https://www.open.edu

    June 2025 - Present

  • Net Zero 101: What, Why and How

    United Nations University IAS
    https://ias.unu.edu

    January 2025 - Present

  • COSHH Risk Assessor

    COSHH Training UK

    January 2025 - Present

  • Stakeholder Engagement for SDG 7

    United Nations ESCAP
    https://www.unescap.org

    February 2024 - Present

  • Resource Efficiency in Asia Pacific

    United Nations ESCAP
    https://www.unescap.org

    February 2024 - Present

  • Introduction to Sustainable Finance

    UN CC:Learn (United Nations Climate Change Learning Partnership)
    https://unccelearn.org

    January 2024 - Present

  • Nature Based Solutions for Disaster and Climate Resilience

    UNEP PEDRR
    https://www.unep.org

    March 2022 - Present

Publications
JOURNAL ARTICLE
Ashish Sharma, Satya Narayan Singh, Mariana Martinez Serratos, Divyanshi Sahu, Vladimir Strezov (2025). Urban energy transition in smart cities: A comprehensive review of sustainability and innovation . Sustainable Futures.
Ashish Sharma, Zaheer Allam, Ali Cheshmehzangi (2024). LiFE in the city: Behavioural changes can drive urban sustainability goals . Cities.
Ashish Sharma, Sharfaa Hussain, Ejaz Hussain, Pallavi Saxena, Pooja Thathola, Saurabh Sonwani (2024). Navigating the impact of climate change in India: a perspective on climate action (SDG13) and sustainable cities and communities (SDG11) . Frontiers in Sustainable Cities.
Air pollution exposure assessment simulation of babies in a bike trailer and implication for mitigation measures title = {Air pollution exposure assessment simulation of babies in a bike trailer and implication for mitigation measures}, abstract = {Young children are a vulnerable population cohort. They receive higher exposure to particulate matter than adults in outdoor roadside environments, necessitating research on an unexplored area of exposure to young children in electric bike trailers. We simulated the exposure profiles of an adult cyclist and young children sitting in a bike-trailer attached to it for multiple air pollutants – particulate matter ≤10µm in aerodynamic diameter (PM10), ≤2.5µm (PM2.5; fine particles), ≤1µm (PM1), BC, and CO2 – during the school run in the morning and afternoon hours. We assessed the differences in their exposure concentrations and analysed the impact of trailer covers and COVID-19 lockdown restrictions via simultaneous measurements under six settings forming three scenarios: (i) bike-trailer versus adult cyclist height; (ii) bike-trailer with and without the cover; and (iii) exposure during the lockdown and eased-lockdown periods. We carried out a total of 82 single runs covering a length of 172 km. These runs were repeated on a 2.1 km long predefined route between an origin (University campus) and destination (a local school) to simulate morning drop-off (08:00-10:00h; local time) and afternoon pick-up (15:00-17:00h) times of school children. Substantial variability was observed in concentrations of measured pollutants within each run (e.g., up to 97% for BC) and between different runs (e.g., ~93% for PM2.5 during morning versus afternoon) in bike-trailer. Compared with cyclist height, the average bike-trailer concentration of fine and coarse particles was higher by up to 14% and18%, respectively, during both morning and afternoon runs. The lockdown restrictions when schools were closed led to a reduction in bike-trailer PM2. concentrations by up to 91% compared with eased lockdown period when schools re-opened in March 2021. Trailer covers led up to 50% (fine particles) and 24% (BC; a component of PM2.5) reductions in concentrations compared with trailers without cover. Young children carried in bike trailers are exposed to higher air pollution concentrations compared with the cyclist, particularly during peak morning periods at urban pollution hotspots such as traffic lights.}, address = {}, author = {SHARMA, ASHISH and KUMAR, PRASHANT Professor}, doi = {10.1016/j.hazadv.2022.100050}, issn = {2772-4166}, journal = {Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances}, language = {eng}, publisher = {Elsevier}, year = {2022}, . Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances.
Efficacy of facemasks in mitigating respiratory exposure to submicron aerosols title = {Efficacy of facemasks in mitigating respiratory exposure to submicron aerosols}, abstract = {We designed a novel experimental set-up to pseudo-simultaneous measure size-segregated filtration efficiency (ηF), breathing resistance (ηP) and potential usage time (tB) for 11 types of face protective equipment (FPE; four respirators; three medical; and four handmade) in the submicron range. As expected, the highest ηF was exhibited by respirators (97±3%), followed by medical (81±7%) and handmade (47±13%). Similarly, the breathing resistance was highest for respirators, followed by medical and handmade FPE. Combined analysis of efficiency and breathing resistance highlighted trade-offs, i.e. respirators showing the best overall performance across these two indicators, followed by medical and handmade FPE. This hierarchy was also confirmed by quality factor, which is a performance indicator of filters. Detailed assessment of size-segregated aerosols, combined with the scanning electron microscope imaging, revealed material characteristics such as pore density, fiber thickness, filter material and number of layers influence their performance. ηF and ηP showed an inverse exponential decay with time. Using their cross-over point, in combination with acceptable breathability, allowed to estimate tB as 3.2-9.5hours (respirators), 2.6-7.3hours (medical masks) and 4.0-8.8hours (handmade). While relatively longer tB of handmade FPE indicate breathing comfort, they are far less efficient in filtering virus-laden submicron aerosols compared with respirators.[Display omitted]•FFP3 respirators showed highest filtration efficiency and breathing resistance.•Multi-layered micro/nano-scale fibres of medical masks offer ηF comparable to respirators.•Highest quality factor was obtained for respirators while the lowest for handmade masks.•FFP3 showed maximum potential usage time and quality factor at acceptable breathability.•SEM images revealed dense aerosol layers deposited on facemasks with thinner fibres.}, author = {Sharma, Ashish and Omidvarborna, Hamid and Kumar, Prashant Professor}, doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126783}, issn = {0304-3894}, journal = {Journal of hazardous materials}, keywords = {Facemask filtration/penetration efficiency;Personal protection equipment;Potential usage time;Respiratory disease transmission;Sub-micron aerosols}, language = {eng}, publisher = {Elsevier B.V}, volume = {422}, year = {2022}, . Journal of hazardous materials.
Temporary reduction in fine particulate matter due to ‘anthropogenic emissions switch-off’ during COVID-19 lockdown in Indian cities title = {Temporary reduction in fine particulate matter due to ‘anthropogenic emissions switch-off’ during COVID-19 lockdown in Indian cities}, abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic elicited a global response to limit associated mortality, with social distancing and lockdowns being imposed. In India, human activities were restricted from late March 2020. This ‘anthropogenic emissions switch-off’ presented an opportunity to investigate impacts of COVID-19 mitigation measures on ambient air quality in five Indian cities (Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai), using in-situ measurements from 2015 to 2020. For each year, we isolated, analysed and compared fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration data from 25 March to 11 May, to elucidate the effects of the lockdown. Like other global cities, we observed substantial reductions in PM2.5 concentrations, from 19 to 43% (Chennai), 41–53 % (Delhi), 26–54 % (Hyderabad), 24–36 % (Kolkata), and 10–39 % (Mumbai). Generally, cities with larger traffic volumes showed greater reductions. Aerosol loading decreased by 29 % (Chennai), 11 % (Delhi), 4% (Kolkata), and 1% (Mumbai) against 2019 data. Health and related economic impact assessments indicated 630 prevented premature deaths during lockdown across all five cities, valued at 0.69 billion USD. Improvements in air quality may be considered a temporary lockdown benefit as revitalising the economy could reverse this trend. Regulatory bodies must closely monitor air quality levels, which currently offer a baseline for future mitigation plans.}, address = {}, author = {Kumar, Prashant and Hama, Sarkawt and Omidvarborna, Hamid and Sharma, Ashish and Sahani, Jeetendra and Abhijith, K.V and Debele, Sisay E. and Zavala-Reyes, Juan C. and Barwise, Yendle and Tiwari, Arvind}, doi = {10.1016/j.scs.2020.102382}, isbn = {}, issn = {2210-6707}, journal = {Sustainable Cities and Society}, keywords = {Coronavirus pandemic; SARS-CoV-2 Virus; Air pollution; Health and economic impacts; PM2.5 concentration; Emission switch-off}, language = {}, publisher = {Elsevier}, year = {2020}, . Sustainable Cities and Society.
Quantification of air pollution exposure to in-pram babies and mitigation strategies title = {Quantification of air pollution exposure to in-pram babies and mitigation strategies}, address = {}, author = {Sharma, Ashish and Kumar, Prashant}, doi = {10.1016/j.envint.2020.105671}, isbn = {}, issn = {0160-4120}, journal = {Environment International}, keywords = {Baby pram; Double pram; Pram covers; Ultrafine particles; Particulate}, language = {}, publisher = {Elsevier}, year = {2020}, . Environment International.
The Nexus between Air Pollution, Green Infrastructure and Human Health title = {The Nexus between Air Pollution, Green Infrastructure and Human Health}, abstract = {Cities are constantly evolving and so are the living conditions within and between them. Rapid urbanization and the ever-growing need for housing have turned large areas of many cities into concrete landscapes that lack greenery. Green infrastructure can support human health, provide socio-economic and environmental benefits, and bring color to an otherwise grey urban landscape. Sometimes, benefits come with downsides in relation to its impact on air quality and human health, requiring suitable data and guidelines to implement effective greening strategies. Air pollution and human health, as well as green infrastructure and human health, are often studied together. Linking green infrastructure with air quality and human health together is a unique aspect of this article. A holistic understanding of these links is key to enabling policymakers and urban planners to make informed decisions. By critically evaluating the link between green infrastructure and human health via air pollution mitigation, we also discuss if our existing understanding of such interventions is enabling their uptake in practice. Both the natural science and epidemiology approach the topic of green infrastructure and human health very differently. The pathways linking health benefits to pollution reduction by urban vegetation remain unclear and that the mode of green infrastructure deployment is critical to avoid unintended consequences. Strategic deployment of green infrastructure may reduce downwind pollution exposure. However, the development of bespoke design guidelines is vital to promote and optimize greening benefits and measuring green infrastructure’s socio-economic and health benefits are key for their uptake. Greening cities to mitigate pollution effects is on the rise and these needs to be matched by scientific evidence and appropriate guidelines. We conclude that urban vegetation can facilitate broad health benefits, but there is little empirical evidence linking these benefits to air pollution reduction by urban vegetation, and appreciable efforts are needed to establish the underlying policies, design and engineering guidelines governing its deployment.}, author = {Kumar, Prashant and Druckman, Angela and Gallagher, John and Gatersleben, Birgitta and Allison, Sarah and Eisenman, Theodore S. and Hoang, Uy and Hama, Sarkawt and Tiwari, Arvind and Sharma, Ashish and Abhijith, K V and Adlakha, Deepti and McNabola, Aonghus and Astell-Burt, Thomas and Feng, Xiaoqi and Skeldon, Anne and de Lusignan, Simon and Morawska, Lidia}, doi = {10.1016/j.envint.2019.105181}, isbn = {}, issn = {0160-4120}, journal = {Environment International}, keywords = {Pollution exposure; Physical and mental health; Environmental health; Passive control; City greening}, language = {}, pages = {14}, publisher = {Elsevier}, volume = {133 A}, year = {2019}, . Environment International.
A review of factors surrounding the air pollution exposure to in-pram babies and mitigation strategies title = {A review of factors surrounding the air pollution exposure to in-pram babies and mitigation strategies}, abstract = {Air pollution exposure to in-pram babies poses a serious threat to their early childhood development, necessitating a need for effective mitigation measures. We reviewed the scientific and grey literature on in-pram babies and their personal exposure to traffic generated air pollutants such as particulate matter ≤10 μm (PM10), ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5), ≤0.10 μm (ultrafine particles) in size, black carbon and nitrogen oxides and potential mitigation pathways. In-pram babies can be exposed up to ~60% higher average concentrations depending on the pollutant types compared with adults. The air within the first few meters above the road level is usually most polluted. Therefore, we classified various pram types based on criteria such as height, width and the seating capacity (single versus twin) and assessed the breathing heights of sitting babies in various pram types available in the market. This classification revealed the pram widths between 0.56 and 0.82 m and top handle heights up to ~1.25 m as opposed to breathing height between 0.55 and 0.85 m, suggesting that the concentration within the first meter above the road level is critical for exposure to in-pram babies. The assessment of flow features around the prams suggests that meteorological conditions (e.g., wind speed and direction) and traffic-produced turbulence affect the pollution dispersion around them. A survey of the physicochemical properties of particles from roadside environment demonstrated the dominance of toxic metals that have been shown to damage their frontal lobe as well as cognition and brain development when inhaled by in-pram babies. We then assessed a wide range of active and passive exposure mitigation strategies, including a passive control at the receptor such as the enhanced filtration around the breathing zone and protection of prams via covers. Technological solutions such as creating a clean air zone around the breathing area can provide instant solutions. However, a holistic approach involving a mix of innovative technological solutions, community empowerment and exposure-centric policies are needed to help limit personal exposure of in-pram babies.}, address = {}, author = {Sharma, Ashish and Kumar, Prashant}, doi = {10.1016/j.envint.2018.07.038}, isbn = {}, issn = {0160-4120}, journal = {Environment International}, keywords = {Active filtration ; Baby pram ; Passive control ; Ultra fine particles ; Particulate matter exposure}, language = {}, pages = {262 - 278}, publisher = {Elsevier}, volume = {120}, year = {2018}, . Environment International.
Sharma, Ashish, Kumar, Prashant (2018). A review of factors surrounding the air pollution exposure to in-pram babies and mitigation strategies . Environment International.