Kiera Jefferson
Southeast Asian cities are consistently ranked among the most polluted in the world. Air pollution in the region is caused by a combination of crop-related burning, industrial pollution, heavy traffic, brick kiln emissions, agricultural waste burning, cremation practices, and vehicle fumes. In 2023, Southeast Asian cities were among the five most polluted in the world, with Ho Chi Minh City ranked as the second-most polluted, followed by Phnom Penh, and Bangkok in fourth and fifth place, respectively. The effects of air pollution in the region are devastating, with Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania having the second-highest rate of premature deaths from PM2.5 in 2021, trailing only the Middle East and North Africa.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air pollution ranking | Southeast Asian cities are among the most polluted in the world. |
| Cities with the worst air pollution | Jakarta, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Hanoi, Karachi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, and Delhi. |
| Causes of air pollution | Vehicle emissions, industrial emissions, power plants, crop burning, brick kiln emissions, agricultural waste burning, cremation practices, and solid fuel combustion for cooking and heating. |
| Health impacts | Respiratory ailments, headaches, eye irritation, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, cancer, diabetes, and obesity. |
| Number of people affected | Over 90% of the region's 2.5 billion people breathe unsafe air. |
| Number of premature deaths | Millions of premature deaths each year, with China, Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, and the Philippines hit the hardest. |
| Pollution during dry months | Air pollution intensifies during the dry months due to the lack of moisture and meteorological conditions, which worsen air quality. El Niño prolongs and intensifies high-pollution events. |
| Efforts to curb pollution | Governments are promoting electric vehicles, implementing carbon taxes, and providing free public transportation. Countries are also installing more pollution monitors and pushing for cleaner fuels. |
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What You'll Learn
- Air pollution in Southeast Asian cities is among the worst in the world
- El Niño is making Southeast Asian air pollution worse
- Southeast Asian cities are located near the equator where air pollution intensifies during hotter, drier months
- The effects of air pollution in Southeast Asia: premature deaths and health issues
- Southeast Asian countries' efforts to curb pollution
Air pollution in Southeast Asian cities is among the worst in the world
The air pollution in Southeast Asian cities is caused by a combination of crop-related burning, industrial pollution, and heavy traffic. The two most damaging types of air pollution in the region are fine particulate matter and ground-level ozone. Fine particulate matter refers to microscopic substances that are a fraction of the width of a human hair, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels and biomass. These particles are extremely dangerous as they can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing heart disease and lung cancer, among other fatal diseases.
Research has consistently pointed towards major sources of air pollution in Southeast Asian cities, including vehicles, power plants, and industrial emissions. For instance, Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, experiences a daily influx of 10 million commuters, resulting in a high volume of cars on its roads. As of 2018, there were 20 million motorized vehicles in the city, with numbers growing at a rate of nearly 5% per year. Similarly, Bangkok's pollution has been attributed to combustion engines, with 72% of the city's pollution stemming from this source in 2022.
The effects of air pollution in Southeast Asia are devastating, with the region experiencing the second-highest rate of premature deaths from PM2.5 in 2021, after the Middle East and North Africa. Countries like China, Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, and the Philippines have been severely impacted, with Indonesia projected to have over 200,000 premature deaths annually by 2030 due to air pollution.
Southeast Asian cities located near the equator experience intensified air pollution during hotter and drier months. Fine particles like PM2.5, PM10, and Black Carbon, associated with vehicle exhaust, coal plants, and industrial processes, build up in the surrounding air during these periods. Meteorological conditions, such as a lack of moisture in the atmosphere, combine with pollutants to worsen air quality. El Niño, a weather pattern, prolongs and intensifies high-pollution events in the region, further exacerbating the issue.
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El Niño is making Southeast Asian air pollution worse
Southeast Asian cities are home to some of the most polluted air in the world. The region's 2.5 billion people suffer from air pollution that has become an all-too-familiar sight, with 90% of the population breathing air that is considered unsafe by the World Health Organization (WHO). This toxic air is responsible for millions of premature deaths each year and is caused by a combination of tailpipe emissions, forest fire smoke, industrial emissions, and vehicle exhaust, among other sources.
The problem is particularly acute in cities like Jakarta, Indonesia, which has consistently ranked among the most polluted in the world. In 2023, Jakarta's air quality became so poor that it threatened the health of its citizens, with residents waking up to a thick blanket of haze. Other cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Hanoi also suffer from high levels of air pollution, with Bangkok's pollution attributed primarily to combustion engines and Chiang Mai experiencing high pollution from the aviation industry.
The seasonal pattern of pollution in Southeast Asian cities typically peaks during the dry season, when a lack of moisture in the atmosphere and meteorological conditions combine with pollutants to worsen air quality. This dry season is often extended by the El Niño weather pattern, which brings drier conditions and influences air quality by varying PM2.5 concentrations. El Niño's impact on the regional climate across Asia can prolong and intensify high-pollution events, as seen in 2023 when eight out of nine countries studied by IQAir experienced an increase in particulate matter pollution (PM2.5).
The effects of El Niño on air quality in Southeast Asia are twofold. Firstly, it delays the onset of the rainy season, which would otherwise help to mitigate PM2.5 levels. Secondly, the warmer temperatures, lack of rainfall, increased sunshine, and changes in wind speed and direction associated with El Niño create an environment where ground-level ozone (O3) formation is exacerbated. Ground-level ozone is a harmful pollutant that can impact lung and heart function and is commonly experienced as haze.
The impact of El Niño on air pollution in Southeast Asia has been significant, with countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand experiencing severe haze and increases in PM2.5 levels of up to 30%. The worsening air pollution has disrupted transportation, forced school closures, impacted sporting events, and left governments urging people to stay indoors to protect their health.
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Southeast Asian cities are located near the equator where air pollution intensifies during hotter, drier months
Southeast Asian cities are located near the equator, where air pollution intensifies during hotter, drier months. This is due to the build-up of fine particles like PM2.5, PM10, and Black Carbon in the surrounding air. These particles are associated with vehicle exhaust, coal plants, industrial processes, and open-waste burning. WRI Indonesia's analysis of air quality data from 2019 to 2023 revealed that Jakarta, Indonesia's capital, experienced peak pollution in June, July, and August, the dry season months.
The dry season in Southeast Asia exacerbates air pollution due to the lack of moisture in the atmosphere, which, combined with pollutants from fossil fuels and other sources, worsens air quality. This phenomenon is not unique to Southeast Asia, as cities in mountain basins or valleys, such as Los Angeles, Mexico City, and Denver, also experience similar conditions. However, the impact of air pollution on human health is significant in Southeast Asia, with residents of Jakarta, for example, facing acute side effects like cardiovascular and respiratory ailments, headaches, and eye irritation.
The sources of air pollution in Southeast Asian cities are primarily vehicles, power plants, and industrial emissions. The number of motorized vehicles in Jakarta, for example, has grown at a rate of nearly 5% per year, with 20 million such vehicles in the city as of 2018, including 13 million motorcycles. The transport sector contributed significantly to the emissions of fine particles like PM2.5, PM10, and Black Carbon in Jakarta and other Southeast Asian cities.
The manufacturing and energy sectors are also major contributors to air pollution in the region, with sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions being particularly high in cities like Jakarta. In addition to the health impacts, air pollution has been linked to negative economic consequences as well. For instance, in November 2023, toxic levels of air pollution disrupted the lives of millions in South Asian countries, forcing the closure of schools and impacting sporting events.
The problem of air pollution in Southeast Asia is not isolated to individual countries but transcends national boundaries. Dust particles and pollutants can travel hundreds of kilometres, affecting nations beyond their origin. For instance, about 30% of the pollution in Bangladesh's largest cities originates in neighbouring India. This dynamic underscores the importance of regional collaboration in addressing the issue of air pollution in Southeast Asia.
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The effects of air pollution in Southeast Asia: premature deaths and health issues
Southeast Asian cities, such as Jakarta, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai, have some of the most polluted air in the world. The air pollution in these cities is caused by a combination of factors, including vehicle emissions, power plants, industrial emissions, and the burning of fossil fuels and biomass. This pollution has severe effects on the health of residents, leading to millions of premature deaths and a range of health issues.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is responsible for 4.2 million deaths worldwide each year due to heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and acute/chronic respiratory disease. In Southeast Asia, 91% of premature deaths due to air pollution occur in low- and middle-income countries. The region's 2.5 billion people mostly breathe air that is considered unsafe by the WHO, with PM2.5 levels exceeding guidelines.
The two most damaging types of air pollution in Southeast Asia are fine particulate matter and ground-level ozone. Fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, refers to microscopic substances smaller than 2.5 microns that come from the burning of fossil fuels and biomass. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing heart disease and lung cancer, among other fatal diseases. Ground-level ozone, a gas formed from fuel vapours, chemical solvents, and other pollutants heated by the sun, is the main ingredient in smog and is linked to respiratory issues like asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.
The health impacts of air pollution in Southeast Asia are significant. In 2021, Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania had the second-highest rate of premature deaths from PM2.5, with China, Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, and the Philippines being the most affected. Indonesia alone is projected to have over 200,000 premature deaths annually by 2030 due to air pollution. Additionally, air pollution causes short-term acute side effects like cardiovascular and respiratory ailments, headaches, and eye irritation. The long-term effects are even more concerning, as pollution exposure is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases, diabetes, and obesity.
The effects of air pollution in Southeast Asia are not just limited to health issues and premature deaths. The economic impact is also substantial. For example, implementing clean air strategies in Thailand is estimated to cost about US$4 billion annually by 2030, while the cost of inaction is expected to be triple that amount. Additionally, taking measures to reduce air pollution in Cambodia, Indonesia, and Thailand could save nearly US$60 billion in healthcare costs through 2030 and significantly reduce hospital admissions for asthma and respiratory diseases.
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Southeast Asian countries' efforts to curb pollution
Southeast Asian countries have taken several measures to curb pollution, recognizing that air pollution poses a significant threat to the health and well-being of their citizens.
In June 2019, the leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) adopted a declaration to combat marine debris, a positive step acknowledged by environmentalists. Thailand, a member of ASEAN, has taken concrete steps by approving a ban on plastic bags in supermarkets and department stores, with plans to extend this to other single-use plastics by 2025. This move is expected to significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste, benefiting both the environment and human health.
Indonesia, facing critical air pollution issues, has been advised to invest in renewable energy sources and enforce stricter vehicle emission standards. By transitioning to electric cars and reducing emissions, Indonesia could substantially improve its air quality and combat climate change. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), similar measures could be beneficial across Southeast Asia.
Additionally, countries in Southeast Asia are encouraged to collaborate on pollution control efforts. As dust particles can travel across national borders, effective solutions require coordination between nations. By sharing data and insights, Southeast Asian countries can enhance monitoring and develop policies to tackle the region's pollution problem effectively.
While these efforts are a step in the right direction, the implementation and enforcement of policies remain crucial in ensuring tangible outcomes. The success of these initiatives will significantly impact the health and well-being of Southeast Asia's population.
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Frequently asked questions
Southeast Asia is one of the most polluted regions in the world. More than 90% of the region's 2.5 billion people breathe air that is considered unsafe by the World Health Organization.
The two most damaging types of air pollution in Southeast Asia are fine particulate matter and ground-level ozone. Fine particulate matter refers to microscopic substances, often from the burning of fossil fuels and biomass, that can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Ground-level ozone is a gas that forms when fuel vapours, chemical solvents, and other pollutants are heated by the sun.
Cities in Southeast Asia like Jakarta, Bangkok, and Hanoi are among the most polluted in the world.
Air pollution has severe health impacts on the people of Southeast Asia, causing millions of premature deaths each year. It is responsible for acute side effects like cardiovascular and respiratory ailments, headaches, and eye irritation. Long-term exposure can lead to chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases, diabetes, and obesity.
Southeast Asian countries are taking steps to curb pollution, including implementing air quality management plans, installing more pollution monitors, and encouraging the use of cleaner fuels. They are also promoting the use of electric vehicles and considering carbon taxes. However, experts highlight the need for better coordination between countries and more effective policies to significantly improve the region's air quality.
