Bronte Wells
Cambodia is facing significant environmental pollution due to rapid economic and population growth. The country's economic development has led to an increase in air pollution, with vehicles, motorbikes, factories, and generators emitting harmful substances. Phnom Penh, the capital city, is particularly affected due to the concentration of industrial activities and the use of old technology. The electric power supply issues in Cambodia also contribute to air pollution, as businesses rely on generators that release exhaust gases. In addition, the burning of crops and rubbish by farmers and households contributes to the air pollution issue. To address these challenges, the Cambodian government has implemented various measures, including the Law on Environment Protection and Natural Resource Management and the National Green Growth Roadmap. The Phnom Penh Waste Management Strategy and Action Plan 2018-2035 aim to improve waste management and promote recycling. While efforts are being made, more needs to be done to effectively manage the environmental impact and improve air quality in Cambodia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air pollution | 26 µg/m³ in 2016 |
| Air pollution sources | Mobile sources (motor vehicles) and fixed sources (factories) |
| Water pollution | Polluted rivers are a main source of daily water |
| Solid waste | Increasing exponentially |
| Noise pollution | |
| Waste management | Phnom Penh Waste Management Strategy and Action Plan 2018-2035 |
| Population | 15.5 million in 2019 |
| Air quality | "Moderate" at the beginning of 2021 |
| PM2.5 pollutant concentration | 20.9 µg/m³ at the beginning of 2021 |
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What You'll Learn
Air pollution from vehicles, motorbikes and factories
Cambodia's economic development has led to an increase in air pollution, with the concentration of sulphur oxides, nitric oxides, carbon monoxide, and lead emitted from vehicles, motorbikes, factories, and generators. The country's least-developed status has contributed to the issue, with outdated technology and a lack of focus on environmental concerns.
The transport sector significantly impacts air quality due to the growing number of vehicles and fuel consumption. In 2016, Cambodia registered over 3.2 million vehicles, including 2.7 million motorcycles, a 14% increase from the previous year. The number of vehicles continues to rise annually due to the increasing affordability of cars for the expanding middle class. The hundreds of tuk-tuks and buses operating around Angkor Wat, for example, pose a significant threat to local air quality.
While modern motorbikes have engine designs that prevent idling and reduce air pollution, many older vehicles and motorbikes visibly pollute the environment as they travel through cities like Phnom Penh. The proposal to ban imports of older automobiles has been rejected, citing the need for technological inspection and quality control. The burning of fuels like diesel and coal in the transport sector also contributes to air pollution.
The industrial sector is another major contributor to air pollution in Cambodia. While not heavily industrialized, most factories are located in Phnom Penh, producing garments, food and beverages, textiles, and other light industrial products. These factories often use old technology, neglecting environmental concerns and failing to conduct environmental impact assessments. The continued use of firewood for cooking and the burning of solid waste by industries also contribute to air pollution.
To address air pollution, Cambodia has unveiled the Clean Air Plan, which includes improving fuel quality and reducing vehicle emissions through mandatory measures. The Phnom Penh Waste Management Strategy and Action Plan 2018-2035 aim to improve waste management and promote the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, and recycle). Additionally, the government has introduced the first mobile air quality monitor to better identify pollution sources and manage air quality.
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Inadequate electricity supply leading to generator use
Cambodia's electricity supply is inadequate, a result of the long civil war from 1970 to 1993. This has led to all service sectors relying on their own generators to support their businesses. These generators are often placed outside, near roads or property, and they emit exhaust gases that negatively impact the air quality and the health of residents and passersby.
The demand for diesel generators in Cambodia is high, as they are used for backup power, on-site power plants, and power generation in rural areas without access to public utilities. The Cambodian government has a limited budget for power generation projects, but it is taking steps to improve the situation. For example, the government set a goal of electrifying all villages by 2020 and connecting at least 90% of households to grid-quality electricity by 2030. While progress has been made, with 88.4% of households accessing quality electricity by the end of 2022, geographical challenges remain.
Electricity prices in Cambodia are among the highest in the region due to a lack of integrated high-voltage transmission systems and expensive imported diesel fuel. The cost of electricity is a significant issue, especially in rural areas, where prices can reach up to $1/kilowatt-hour, compared to around $0.12/kilowatt-hour in urban areas. This disparity in pricing leads to energy poverty, where people can only afford electricity for essential activities like lighting for a few hours a day.
Energy poverty has negative consequences for health and education. For instance, households without reliable electricity are more likely to use unclean fuels for cooking and lighting, increasing the risk of respiratory problems. Additionally, children in these households may have limited opportunities to study after dark, potentially impacting their education.
To address these issues, Cambodia is transitioning towards clean energy sources. In 2022, Cambodia's total installed capacity included electricity generated from hydropower plants, coal-fired plants, oil-powered plants, and solar. Cambodia has announced that it will no longer invest in coal power plants after 2024, focusing instead on renewable energy sources.
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Population growth causing solid waste pollution
Population growth is a significant contributor to solid waste pollution. The world generates approximately 2 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste annually, with high-income countries generating 34% of this waste, despite only accounting for 16% of the global population. As the global population continues to rise, the amount of waste generated will also increase, with waste per person per day projected to increase by 19% in high-income countries and by 40% or more in low- and middle-income countries by 2050. This will result in a total of 3.4 billion tonnes of waste worldwide by 2050, more than double the amount generated in 2020.
The correlation between population growth and solid waste pollution is particularly evident in urban areas, where the concentration of people leads to higher waste generation rates. Cities, especially those in developing countries, face significant challenges in solid waste management (SWM) due to limited resources and inadequate infrastructure. For example, many low-income countries only collect a small percentage of the waste generated in suburban areas, leading to public health and environmental risks, such as increased rates of diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections among residents, especially children.
The impact of population growth on solid waste pollution is further exacerbated by economic growth and consumerism. As incomes rise, consumption patterns change, leading to increased waste generation. This is because higher incomes are associated with a shift towards packaged goods, disposable products, and electronic devices, all of which contribute significantly to solid waste. Additionally, economic development often leads to increased industrial activity, which generates various types of waste, including hazardous materials, construction debris, and industrial residues.
To address the challenges posed by population growth and solid waste pollution, effective SWM practices are essential. This includes improving waste collection, transportation, and disposal systems, as well as promoting waste reduction, reuse, and recycling initiatives. Sustainable SWM practices not only mitigate environmental degradation but also contribute to achieving several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, such as ensuring clean water and sanitation, creating sustainable cities, and mitigating climate change.
Cambodia, for instance, is experiencing rapid economic and population growth, which has led to a significant increase in solid waste. To address this issue, the country has implemented various measures, including the Phnom Penh Waste Management Strategy and Action Plan 2018-2035, which aims to strengthen waste management practices and promote the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, and recycle). Additionally, Cambodia has enacted laws and sub-decrees, such as the Law on Environment Protection and Natural Resource Management, to regulate air and water pollution and promote environmental impact assessments.
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Water pollution
Cambodia is facing a water crisis, with 70% of its population of 16 million lacking access to safe water. UNICEF found that 6.3 million out of 14.9 million Cambodians lack access to clean water. During the 2014 World Water Day celebrations, UNICEF Cambodia urged the government to pay more attention to the rural water supply.
Despite these efforts, water pollution remains a significant issue in Cambodia. Arsenic contamination, for example, has been found in the country's drinking water, putting millions of people at risk. A UNICEF briefing found that arsenic exposure has caused more than 500 documented cases of illness, as well as numerous amputations and fatalities. Kandal, Prey Veng, Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Thom, and Kratie provinces have some of the highest arsenic concentrations in the country.
In addition to arsenic contamination, other factors contributing to water pollution in Cambodia include inadequate infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, and the impact of climate change. The country's rapid economic and population growth are also putting pressure on its water resources, with increased industrialization and urbanization leading to higher levels of pollution.
Efforts are being made to address the water pollution crisis in Cambodia. Water.org, for example, launched its WaterCredit solution in 2015, reaching more than 300,000 people in less than two years. The organization works with microfinance institutions and local water utilities to improve and expand access to safe water and sanitation. The Cambodian government has also set an ambitious goal of achieving 100% access to improved water and sanitation in rural areas by 2025.
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Noise pollution
Cambodia's economic development and population growth have led to a significant increase in environmental pollution. While air pollution from the industrial sector is a major problem in Phnom Penh, noise pollution is also a pressing issue.
The country's industrial and handicraft, transportation, construction, and infrastructure sectors contribute to noise pollution. The use of vehicles, transportation means, and fossil fuels for electricity production, as well as the burning of solid and agricultural waste, are major sources of noise pollution.
In Phnom Penh, the sound of construction equipment, hammering, drilling, and loud music are a constant part of the city's soundscape. To address this issue, the police have taken action by educating residents about the impact of noise pollution and asking them to reduce excessive noise. They also made residents sign contracts to stop creating excessive noise, hoping to bring the city's noise levels down to a more acceptable level.
The Cambodian government has implemented measures to manage and reduce environmental pollution. The Law on Environment Protection and Natural Resource Management was enacted in 1996, followed by the Sub-Decree on the Control of Air Pollution and Noise Disturbance in 2000. These legal frameworks demonstrate the government's recognition of noise pollution as a problem and its commitment to mitigating its impact on the population.
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Frequently asked questions
Cambodia's economic development has led to an increase in air pollution. The concentration of sulphur oxides, nitric oxides, carbon monoxide, lead, and other substances emitted from vehicles, motorbikes, factories, and generators has contributed to this issue. In 2025, Phnom Penh was ranked as the second most polluted city in the world.
The Cambodian government has implemented various measures to tackle environmental pollution. The Ministry of Environment (MOE), established in 1993, oversees environmental impact assessments, environmental planning, and natural resource management. The government has also introduced laws and sub-decrees, such as the 1996 Law on Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Management, to regulate air, water, and noise pollution. Additionally, the National Green Growth Roadmap and the Phnom Penh Waste Management Strategy for 2018-2035 aim to promote sustainable practices and improve waste management in the capital city.
Environmentalists have identified four main industrial activities that significantly contribute to environmental pollution in Cambodia: garment factories, brick kilns, rice milling, and rubber processing. Other sources include transportation, construction, and the burning of solid waste, agricultural waste, and firewood for cooking.
