Air Pollution Battle: Chiang Mai Vs New York

Chiang Mai, Thailand, has been dubbed the world's most polluted city, with air pollution levels exceeding the standard air quality measuring scale. During the burning season from February to April, the city's air quality index (AQI) often surpasses 200, with PM2.5 levels reaching as high as 999. On April 6, 2023, Chiang Mai's air pollution levels peaked at 223, nearly 15 times higher than the daily limit recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). In contrast, New York City, with a population of over 8 million people, generally has better air quality, with an AQI ranging from 30 to 50 on most days. While New York experiences air pollution, particularly from vehicle emissions and industrial activities, it has not reached the extreme levels seen in Chiang Mai during its haze season.

Chiang Mai's air pollution is a seasonal problem, with February to April being the worst months

The burning season, as it is known, sees a dramatic increase in health issues for residents. One hospital in Chiang Mai reported nearly 13,000 patients seeking treatment for breathing problems in the first quarter of 2023. The particles in the air, known as PM2.5, are fine particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the lungs and have been linked to acute and chronic bronchitis and asthma attacks.

The severity of the air pollution in Chiang Mai has led to international attention, with NASA's DC-8 flying over the region in 2024 to gather data and develop tools to inform people about the smoke and haze during the fire season. The Swiss air quality firm, IQAir, recorded a reading of 223 in Chiang Mai on April 6, 2023, nearly 15 times more than the daily limit advised by the World Health Organization (WHO).

While the Thai government has implemented burning bans, these may be ineffective and could even cause the haze season to start earlier. The root of the problem is the near-total absence of air pollution standards in Thailand's agricultural industry. Until the government addresses this issue, Chiang Mai's air pollution will continue to be a seasonal problem, with residents and tourists experiencing the negative health impacts of breathing in haze and smoke.

To tackle the issue effectively, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. This includes implementing and enforcing stricter air pollution standards in the agricultural sector, providing alternative methods for farmers to clear undergrowth and fertilise their fields, and reducing urban emissions through traffic management and regulation of industrial activities. By addressing these key contributors to air pollution, Chiang Mai can hope to mitigate the severity of the seasonal haze and improve the air quality for its residents and visitors. However, with a complex interplay of factors involved, a comprehensive strategy that takes into account the economic and social needs of the region is essential for long-term success.

The city's air pollution is caused by the burning of agricultural biomass, with farmers using controlled fires to clear fields

Chiang Mai, a city in northern Thailand, has been ranked as the world's most polluted city. The city's air pollution is caused by the burning of agricultural biomass, with farmers using controlled fires to clear fields. This practice is particularly common during the dry season, between February and April, when neither wind nor rain can disperse the resulting haze.

The burning of agricultural biomass by farmers is a significant contributor to the poor air quality in Chiang Mai. Somporn Chantara, a chemistry professor at Chiang Mai University, explained that during the haze period, about half of the smog in the region comes from the burning of agricultural biomass. Farmers use controlled fires to remove the undergrowth and prepare their fields for crops such as sugarcane, maize, and rice.

The smoke from these fires mixes with urban emissions from traffic, industry, and other sources, forming a blanket of haze that hangs over the city and the surrounding valleys. This haze is made up of fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and has been linked to health problems such as bronchitis and asthma attacks.

The effects of this air pollution are felt by the residents of Chiang Mai, with thousands suffering from respiratory issues. In the first quarter of 2023, one hospital in Chiang Mai reported nearly 13,000 patients seeking treatment for breathing problems. The authorities have attempted to address the issue by spraying water into the air and seeding clouds to induce rain, but these measures have had limited success.

The Thai government has also implemented burning bans to try and reduce the haze, but these policies may be ineffective as they are difficult to enforce and may simply cause farmers to burn their fields earlier in the season. The near-total absence of air pollution standards in agriculture in Thailand further complicates efforts to improve air quality. Experts believe that addressing the root causes of air pollution in Chiang Mai will require confronting powerful political backers.

The Thai government's attempts to curb the pollution, such as burning bans, have been largely ineffective

The Thai government has been reluctant to address the air pollution crisis in Chiang Mai, despite it becoming the world's most polluted city in 2023 and 2024. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has pledged to tackle Thailand's air pollution problem, but his decisions have been criticised as shortsighted and ineffective. For instance, he declined to declare Chiang Mai a disaster area to protect the country's tourism sector, which has already been impacted by the smog problem.

The government's attempts to curb pollution, such as burning bans, have been largely ineffective. While the authorities have implemented measures such as spraying water into the air and seeding clouds to induce rain, these have had a lacklustre effect. The burning ban, the only attempt at a government policy to stop the haze, might be making matters worse. Somporn Chantara, a chemistry professor at Chiang Mai University, explained that farmers who comply with the ban might burn their fields earlier, causing the haze season to start earlier.

In addition, the government has been slow to respond to the emergency situation, with residents and experts calling for more urgent action. Basic precautions such as warnings, distribution of protective equipment, and efficient operations against forest fires have not been adequately implemented. The government has also failed to utilise its legal powers to declare Chiang Mai an air pollution crisis zone, despite the severe air pollution situation.

The continuous increase in PM2.5 levels has finally prompted Chiang Mai officials to authorise work-from-home arrangements and advise local administrative organisations to designate clean air rooms for vulnerable groups. However, a former opposition leader criticised officials for waiting 50 days before setting up emergency measures.

The air pollution in Chiang Mai has impacted the health of thousands of people, with local media reporting nearly 13,000 patients seeking treatment for breathing problems in the first quarter of 2023. More than 30,000 people in Chiang Mai received medical treatment for illnesses linked to PM2.5 air pollution during the first quarter of 2024. The high levels of PM2.5 in the air have been linked to health problems such as acute and chronic bronchitis and asthma attacks.

The high levels of PM2.5 in Chiang Mai's air have been linked to respiratory issues and health problems such as bronchitis and asthma attacks

Chiang Mai, Thailand, has been dubbed the world's most polluted city, surpassing hotspots like Lahore, Tehran, and Beijing. The air pollution in Chiang Mai has been attributed to various factors, including agricultural practices and burning activities during the harvest season. The high levels of PM2.5 in the city's air have been a significant concern, with potential health implications for residents and visitors alike.

PM2.5 refers to particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter. These fine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and have been associated with a range of respiratory issues and health problems. In Chiang Mai, the levels of PM2.5 have frequently exceeded safe thresholds, posing risks to the well-being of the population.

During the "'haze season,'" which typically occurs between February and April, Chiang Mai experiences hazardous levels of smog. This smog is composed of various pollutants, including PM2.5 particles from burning activities, particularly the burning of agricultural biomass by farmers to clear undergrowth and fertilise fields. The high concentration of PM2.5 in the air has been linked to an increased prevalence of respiratory issues among the population.

One of the most pressing health concerns associated with high PM2.5 levels in Chiang Mai is the impact on respiratory health. The fine particles can be inhaled deep into the lungs, leading to a range of respiratory problems, including acute and chronic bronchitis. The high levels of PM2.5 can also trigger asthma attacks and exacerbate existing respiratory conditions. In 2023, a single hospital in Chiang Mai reported nearly 13,000 patients seeking treatment for breathing problems in just the first quarter of the year, highlighting the significant impact of air pollution on the local population.

In addition to respiratory issues, long-term exposure to high levels of PM2.5 can have more serious health consequences. According to Chaichan, a doctor in Thailand, prolonged exposure to PM2.5 could increase the risk of lung cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, and ischemic heart disease. The impact of air pollution on asthma is also notable, with Chaichan predicting a 3% increase in asthma patients in Thailand for every 10% increase in PM2.5 levels.

To address the air pollution crisis in Chiang Mai, experts and activists have called for government intervention and the implementation of effective policies. Weenarin, the co-founder of the Thailand Clean Air Network, has been rallying for public support to pressure the government into taking decisive action. While temporary measures, such as spraying water into the air and seeding clouds to induce rain, have been attempted, more sustainable solutions are needed to tackle the root causes of the problem and improve the air quality in Chiang Mai.

While Chiang Mai's air pollution is a serious issue, other major cities like New York, London, and Los Angeles have also struggled with poor air quality

Chiang Mai, Thailand, has been labelled the world's most polluted city, with hazardous levels of smog. This is particularly true during the "burning season" from February to April, when the air quality index (AQI) can exceed the standard measuring scale. However, while Chiang Mai's air pollution is a serious issue, other major cities like New York, London, and Los Angeles have also struggled with poor air quality.

New York, for example, is known for its high levels of air pollution, particularly due to vehicle emissions and industrial activities. London, too, has been cited as having air quality issues, with PM2.5 concentrations meeting the WHO annual air quality guideline value. Los Angeles, often referred to as "LA", has a reputation for poor air quality, especially due to its proximity to large-scale agricultural burning and wildfire activity.

In addition to these cities, other urban centres like Lahore, Tehran, and Beijing have also faced challenges with air pollution. On certain days, these cities have recorded air quality levels comparable to or worse than Chiang Mai. It is important to recognise that air pollution is a global issue, and many cities grapple with finding effective solutions.

While Chiang Mai's air pollution is a significant concern, it is not unique in facing this environmental challenge. The seasonal nature of Chiang Mai's pollution, largely due to crop burning and forest fires during the dry season, contributes to its notoriety. However, other factors, such as vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and power generation, also play a role in the overall air quality of the city.

Addressing air pollution requires a multifaceted approach, including implementing policies to reduce emissions, encouraging sustainable practices, and promoting green technologies. By learning from the experiences of other cities and adapting strategies to the local context, Chiang Mai can develop effective solutions to improve its air quality and mitigate the health impacts on its residents.

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