Air Pollution: Asia's Media And The Truth

Air pollution is a pressing issue in Asia, with the region accounting for two-thirds of air pollution deaths globally. Despite this, the media's coverage of the issue has been called into question, with a study of 14,000 Asian press articles revealing a disconnect between the perceived causes of air pollution and the reality. While vehicular emissions are often blamed as the primary cause, other significant factors, such as power plant emissions and agricultural burning, are often overlooked. This fixation on a single source of pollution simplifies a complex issue and may hinder efforts to improve air quality. Furthermore, underreporting the health impacts of air pollution, particularly the chronic effects, contributes to a lack of public understanding of this pressing issue.

Vehicular emissions vs power plants

Asia accounts for 60% of the world's population but two-thirds of all air pollution deaths. A study of 14,000 Asian press articles found that vehicular emissions were perceived to be the biggest cause of air pollution, while power plants were barely mentioned. However, traffic is the biggest contributor to air pollution in South and Southeast Asia, accounting for more than a third of emissions in the region. Burning coal is the single biggest cause of air pollution-related deaths in China, and it is also a growing concern in India.

The media's focus on vehicular emissions may be influenced by the fact that vehicles are a convenient target for governments to blame for air pollution, as it shifts responsibility away from other sources, such as power plants. However, it is important to recognize that air pollution is typically caused by a combination of multiple sources, and focusing solely on vehicular emissions may underestimate the impact of power plants.

While electric vehicles (EVs) have zero tailpipe emissions, the production of electricity in power plants can generate emissions. The impact of EVs on the environment depends on the energy sources used to generate electricity. In areas with relatively low-polluting energy sources, such as renewable resources like wind or solar, EVs typically have a significant life cycle emissions advantage over conventional gasoline or diesel vehicles. However, in areas with higher-emissions electricity, the life cycle emissions benefit of EVs may be reduced.

Additionally, the manufacturing process of EV batteries can create more carbon pollution than that of gasoline cars due to the additional energy required. Nevertheless, over the lifetime of the vehicle, EVs generally have lower total GHG emissions than gasoline cars. This is because EVs have zero tailpipe emissions and are more energy-efficient, with approximately 87-91% of the energy from the battery used for propulsion, compared to 16-25% energy conversion efficiency in gasoline vehicles.

In conclusion, the debate between vehicular emissions and power plants as the primary cause of air pollution is complex. While vehicular emissions are a significant contributor, especially in South and Southeast Asia, power plants also play a crucial role, particularly in regions heavily reliant on coal or other high-emissions energy sources. Accurate reporting of the causes of air pollution is essential to implementing effective solutions, such as transitioning to renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency.

Coal burning

In China, coal burning has the worst health impact of any source of air pollution and caused 366,000 premature deaths in 2013. It is responsible for about 40% of the fine particulate matter known as PM2.5 in the country's atmosphere, which can pass deep into the human respiratory tract. Chinese scientists have acknowledged the link between industrial coal burning and air pollution, with 70% of the country's emissions attributed to coal power.

India is also heavily reliant on coal, with plans to add 17 gigawatts of coal-based power generation in the coming months. While the government banned coal burning for some commercial and industrial businesses in the National Capital Region in 2023, the air quality in Delhi, India's capital territory, remains poor, with schools closed and construction halted due to dangerous pollution levels.

In Southeast Asia, Indonesia stands out for its poor air quality, with the capital, Jakarta, experiencing pollution levels more than 20 times above the World Health Organization's safe breathing level. The country's growing urbanization, population, and economic growth have led to a scramble for power capacity, with up to ten coal power plants within a 60-mile radius of Jakarta. Greenpeace has been active in the region, with residents of Jakarta filing a lawsuit against the Indonesian President, demanding that the government move away from coal power and towards renewables.

Overall, coal burning is a critical issue in Asia, contributing to premature deaths and poor air quality. While some countries like China and India have taken steps to curb coal use, others like Indonesia continue to grapple with the challenge of reducing their reliance on this polluting energy source.

Health impacts

Air pollution is the leading environmental risk factor for poor health in Asia. Residents are routinely exposed to levels of air pollution above the guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2021, there were 630,000 deaths from air pollution in Southeast Asia alone. Across Asia, air pollution impacts millions of lives each year.

In Central Asia, levels of air pollution exposure routinely exceed WHO guidelines for PM2.5, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Exposure to NO2 remains high, and contrary to global trends, NO2 levels are increasing in all Central Asian countries. In 2021, there were more than 63,000 deaths across the region attributed to air pollution. The impact of air pollution on children and the elderly in Central Asia is particularly severe. For children under 5, 25% of deaths are attributed to air pollution, and for those over 70, this figure is 20%.

South Asia, home to some of the most populous countries in the world, has some of the highest burdens of disease from air pollution globally. In 2021, almost 2.6 million deaths were attributed to air pollution in the region, with 35% of all deaths in India related to air pollution. When looking at deaths in children under 5 from household air pollution in Central, Southeast, and South Asia, 91% of deaths occurred in South Asia.

While high-income countries have made progress in reducing traffic-related air pollution (TRAP), progress is lagging in countries in Central, South, and Southeast Asia. However, some countries in these regions, such as Indonesia, Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka, have adopted policies to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, which has helped reduce reliance on solid fuels.

The health risks of air pollution are severe and include both chronic and non-chronic impacts. The non-chronic health impacts of air pollution include breathing difficulties, dry throat, and itchy eyes. The chronic effects of air pollution are more serious and include lung cancer and heart disease.

Risk-related information about air pollution can help people understand the dangers and take preventive measures to protect their health. However, the media in Asia has been criticized for not accurately reporting the health impacts of air pollution. A study by Vital Strategies found that the majority of articles made no mention of health effects, and only 5% reported chronic effects. The lack of media coverage on the health impacts of air pollution may contribute to knowledge deficits and hinder efforts to reduce environmental threats.

Government policies

Air pollution is a pressing issue in Asia, with the region suffering from industrial pollution, transportation emissions, and the burning of agricultural waste. The media's coverage of the issue often focuses on vehicular emissions as the primary cause, while power plants are mentioned far less frequently. This disconnect between the reality of the situation and the media's portrayal of it has led to a lack of awareness about the true causes of air pollution among the public.

To combat this, governments and organizations in Asia have implemented various policies and initiatives to improve air quality and address the environmental and health issues associated with air pollution. Here are some examples of government policies and initiatives:

Asia-Pacific Regional Forum on Health and the Environment

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has established the Asia-Pacific Regional Forum on Health and the Environment, which aims to strengthen the capacity of governments to work towards clean air. This forum facilitates cooperation between the health and environment sectors in the region to tackle environmental and health issues, such as air pollution. It also raises awareness about the importance of clean air for health, productivity, the economy, and the environment through the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, held annually on September 7.

Asia-Pacific Clean Air Partnership

The Asia-Pacific Clean Air Partnership, established in 2015, is a platform for policymakers and stakeholders to collaborate and share knowledge, tools, and innovative solutions to tackle air pollution in the region. It brings together countries, networks, and initiatives focused on improving air quality in Asia.

National Action Plans

UNEP also supports the development of National Action Plans on short-lived climate pollutants for countries in the region. These plans aim to improve air quality and protect the climate by reducing pollutants such as black carbon, methane, and tropospheric ozone, which have severe impacts on both global warming and air quality.

Biennial Forum for Southeast and East Asian Countries

UNEP and the World Health Organization (WHO) jointly organize a biennial forum for Southeast and East Asian countries. This forum aims to strengthen environmental health management in these countries by promoting integrated environmental health strategies and regulations. It fosters cooperation between the ministries of environment and health within and between countries.

Air Quality Improvement Programs

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has implemented air quality improvement programs, such as the one in Ulaanbaatar, which has successfully improved air quality through the use of cleaner heating and cooking fuels. These programs raise awareness of the link between air pollution, health, and household-level actions, gaining public support for measures to address air quality management and health protection through governance, technology, and finance.

Funding for Air Quality Interventions

ADB also provides funding for air quality interventions in sectors such as energy, transport, industry, and agriculture through programs like the Energy Transition Mechanism and the Innovative Finance Facility for Climate in Asia and the Pacific (IF-CAP).

Stricter Vehicle Emission Standards

Indonesia, for example, could significantly improve its air quality by investing in renewable energy and imposing stricter vehicle emission standards, fostering the transition to electric cars.

Policy Coordination and Cooperation

The World Bank has emphasized the importance of policy coordination and cooperation among countries in South Asia to effectively reduce air pollution. Their report suggests that full coordination between airsheds could lead to a significant reduction in PM 2.5 exposure and save hundreds of thousands of lives annually.

These government policies and initiatives demonstrate a commitment to addressing air pollution in Asia. By working together and implementing various strategies, governments aim to improve air quality, protect public health, and promote sustainable development in the region.

Media freedom

In Asia, the media plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative around air pollution, which is a severe problem affecting the health and well-being of millions. A study by Vital Strategies analysed 14,000 Asian press articles and found a disconnect between the media's perception of the primary sources of air pollution and the actual causes. The study revealed that vehicular emissions were often singled out as the biggest contributor, while power plants, which are a significant source of pollution, were rarely mentioned. This fixation on a single source by the media can be misleading, as air pollution is typically a complex mixture of various sources.

The media's focus on vehicular emissions may be influenced by governmental narratives, as it shifts blame away from industrial or power generation sources. Additionally, the media's reporting on solutions to air pollution often aligns with government policies without critically evaluating their effectiveness. This lack of scrutiny can hinder progress towards implementing more impactful measures.

However, it is important to acknowledge the challenges faced by journalists in accurately reporting on air pollution. Firstly, air pollution is an invisible issue, making it difficult to capture the public's attention. Secondly, in some Asian countries, the media may face restrictions or sensitivities when reporting on topics closely linked to economic development, such as burning coal, which is the fastest-growing source of energy in the region.

Despite these challenges, there are positive signs of progress. Some media outlets are increasingly recognising the health impacts of air pollution, although the focus is primarily on short-term health effects rather than chronic issues. Moreover, in countries like Pakistan's Punjab province, the media has played a role in declaring emergencies and implementing measures to address air pollution, demonstrating the potential for positive change.

In conclusion, media freedom is vital to shedding light on the true causes of air pollution in Asia and holding governments and industries accountable for their actions. While there are challenges, increased media scrutiny and accurate reporting on air pollution can empower the public with knowledge, spur governmental action, and ultimately, help save lives.

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