Philippines' Air Pollution: Causes And Concerns

Air pollution is a pressing issue in the Philippines, with the country struggling to meet the World Health Organisation's (WHO) air quality standards. The causes of air pollution in the Philippines are multifaceted, stemming from various sources that collectively contribute to poor air quality. This includes vehicular emissions, industrial activities, traditional agricultural practices, and the burning of fossil fuels. The country's rapid population growth, urbanization, and industrialization have also exacerbated the problem, particularly in densely populated urban areas like Metro Manila.

Vehicular emissions

The Philippines has witnessed a significant increase in the number of vehicles on its roads, particularly during peak hours, leading to a surge in pollution levels. The lifting of COVID-19 restrictions further exacerbated this issue, with a sudden and sustained rise in vehicle usage. According to a report, vehicular sources account for about 65% of air pollution in the country, with Metro Manila bearing the brunt of this pollution.

Jeepneys, a cultural icon and the most popular means of public transport in the Philippines, are major contributors to this problem. Most jeepneys run on diesel, which, if not properly maintained and serviced, can be a significant source of pollution. These vehicles emit dark-coloured fumes, releasing carcinogens, black carbon (BC), and nitrogen oxide (NOx) into the atmosphere. Jeepneys alone account for over 15% of road transportation greenhouse gas emissions and a staggering 48% of airborne particulate matter in Manila.

The issue is not limited to jeepneys, however. There are approximately 2 million cars in the Philippines, and these vehicles collectively cause over 80% of the country's air pollution. The high concentration of vehicles during rush hour, coupled with the effects of thermal inversion, which traps air pollutants at the surface level, creates a toxic environment, especially in densely populated urban areas.

The health implications of this vehicular pollution are dire. Respiratory illnesses are rampant, with a paediatrician in Makati reporting that 90% of their patients suffer from respiratory issues, including infants as young as two months old diagnosed with asthma. The economic toll is also significant, with air pollution costing the Philippines approximately US$87 billion annually in healthcare, welfare, and productivity losses.

Industrial activities

The Philippines' struggle with air quality is evident from the annual mean level of PM2.5, which stands at 24 µg/m³, far exceeding the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended maximum of 5 µg/m³. This high level of pollution is largely due to the burning of fossil fuels and vehicular emissions, with industrial activities playing a significant role.

One of the primary industrial pollutants is coal, which is the dominant energy source in the country, contributing 52% of gross power generation. Coal plant emissions are estimated to cause approximately 2,400 deaths per year in the Philippines, according to Greenpeace. Additionally, air pollution from fossil fuels, including coal, is attributed to about 27,000 premature deaths annually in the country.

Another industrial activity that affects air quality is the traditional agricultural practice of slash-and-burn (kaingin). This involves clearing land for farming by cutting and burning vegetation, releasing carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter into the atmosphere. Despite government efforts to address this issue through legislation like the Clean Air Act of 1999, the practice persists, particularly in rural and indigenous communities.

The Philippines has also witnessed a resurgence of industrial activities following the COVID-19 lockdown easing. Industries resumed production, and motorists returned to commuting, contributing to increased pollution levels in Metro Manila.

To address industrial air pollution, the Philippine government has proposed priority legislation that includes phasing out leaded fuel, reducing industrial emissions through filtration, promoting recycling, and banning incineration. However, effective enforcement of these measures remains crucial to achieving comprehensive air pollution control.

Fossil fuels

The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and gas, is a major cause of poor air quality and worsening air pollution in the Philippines. Coal-fired plants contribute a large share of air pollution in the provinces, while vehicular emissions are the main culprit in the country's urban centers. Data from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) show that vehicular sources account for 65% of air pollution in the country, primarily in Metro Manila. The use of diesel in jeepneys, the Philippines' most popular means of public transport, is a major contributor to Manila's air pollution. Diesel-powered jeepneys emit dark-colored fumes that are notorious for producing carcinogens, black carbon (BC), and nitrogen oxide (NOx).

The Philippines has a high demand for energy, with a projected 4.6% annual growth rate, which is consistent with the expected increase in road vehicles to 24.8 million by 2030. This rise in energy demand and vehicle usage will likely lead to increased air pollution, as more vehicles on the road will emit harmful pollutants. The country's rapid industrialization in the 20th century also played a role in its air quality issues, with factories and vehicles emitting harmful pollutants that continue to saturate the air today.

To address the problem of air pollution from fossil fuels, the Philippines has implemented various measures. The Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), launched in 2017, aims to replace old jeepneys with newer, more environmentally friendly models that meet higher safety and emission standards. The program promotes the use of vehicles with Euro 4-compliant engines, which produce fewer pollutants. Additionally, the country has shown leadership through its collaboration with the Climate & Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) and its support for initiatives to integrate air pollution and climate change mitigation into relevant institutions and policies.

The Philippines has also enacted legislation to improve air quality, such as the Clean Air Act of 1999, which promotes the creation of a national air pollution management program with a focus on pollution prevention, emission regulation, and air quality protection. Despite these efforts, the country still struggles with air pollution, and it is essential to continue working towards comprehensive air pollution control.

Fireworks

Firework-emitted pollutants, including PM2.5, have been a global public health concern due to their link to a wide range of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. PM2.5 is tiny enough to penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and cause damage to blood circulation and the immune system. While firework events are short-lived, their PM2.5 emissions can remain in the atmosphere for days, increasing health risks, especially for children and people with respiratory conditions.

Measurements during the 2019 New Year revelries in Metro Manila, a highly urbanized area, showed a steep increase in PM2.5 levels. The proximity of samplers to emission sources such as firecrackers was a factor in the elevated PM2.5 measurements. The COVID-19 lockdown also positively impacted air quality, with the absence of major activities contributing to a decline in PM2.5 concentrations. However, the lifting of restrictions exacerbated vehicular emissions due to the sudden surge in vehicle usage.

The Philippines has struggled with air quality, with annual mean PM2.5 levels significantly higher than the World Health Organization's recommended maximum. The Western Pacific region, which includes the Philippines, experiences the highest PM2.5-attributable mortality rates globally. Air pollution has led to profound health and economic consequences in the country, causing an estimated 66,230 deaths in 2019 and a loss of PHP 2.32 trillion or 11.9% of the country's GDP that year.

To address air pollution, the Philippines passed the Clean Air Act in 1999. However, three decades later, the country is still far from achieving comprehensive air pollution control. The current priority is to raise the country's PM2.5 limits to WHO standards, which will signal industries to tackle pollution sources and transition to renewable energy and low-carbon transport.

Agricultural practices

The Philippines has been struggling with poor air quality for years, and agricultural practices are a significant contributor. Traditional agricultural methods, such as the slash-and-burn technique (locally known as "kaingin"), have a severe impact on air quality. This practice involves cutting and burning vegetation to clear land for farming, which releases carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter into the atmosphere. Despite government efforts to curb this through legislation like the Clean Air Act of 1999, the practice persists, especially in rural and indigenous communities.

Agricultural activities, including animal agriculture, also play a role in air pollution. Feed supplements, such as antibiotics, hormones, and heavy metals used in animal farming, further degrade air quality. Additionally, open burning of waste and other materials in rural areas, a common waste disposal practice, releases toxic substances like dioxins, furans, and particulate matter, contributing to the overall air pollution problem.

The impact of agricultural practices on air pollution in the Philippines is not limited to rural areas. During seasonal variations, such as the dry season, agricultural burning can lead to higher pollution levels in urban centres as well. This seasonal burning, combined with emissions from the dense concentration of vehicles and industries in cities like Manila, creates a complex and interconnected air pollution problem.

The health and economic consequences of air pollution from agricultural practices are significant. The Western Pacific region, which includes the Philippines, experiences the highest levels of PM2.5-attributable mortality globally. In 2019, an estimated 66,230 deaths in the Philippines were attributed to air pollution, making it a leading cause of death and disability from non-communicable diseases. The economic cost is also substantial, with air pollution resulting in a loss of PHP 2.32 trillion, or 11.9% of the country's GDP, in the same year.

To address this urgent issue, the Philippines needs to transition to more sustainable agricultural practices and enforce regulations to reduce air pollution from burning activities. This could include promoting alternative land clearing methods in agriculture, improving waste management practices, and providing rural communities with access to cleaner energy sources for household activities. By tackling the multifaceted causes of air pollution, including agricultural practices, the Philippines can improve air quality, protect public health, and mitigate the economic impacts of this pressing environmental challenge.

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