Air Pollution In Southeast Asia: Understanding The Crisis

Air pollution is a pressing issue in Southeast Asia, with more than 90% of the region's 2.5 billion people breathing unsafe air. This air pollution is a combination of factors, including industrial and transport emissions, agricultural burning, and forest fire smoke. In 2023, nine countries in the region were ranked among the world's 40 most polluted nations, with China, Japan, Laos, the Republic of Korea, and Vietnam exceeding World Health Organization guidelines for PM2.5 levels. Southeast Asia has also seen high PM2.5 concentrations in recent years, leading to school closures and transport limitations. The main sources of PM2.5 pollution in the region include agriculture residue burning, waste burning, industrial emissions, and transport emissions. These fine particles, with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers, can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing heart disease, lung cancer, and other fatal diseases. Urgent action is required by governing bodies in the region to improve air quality and safeguard public health.

Industrial and transport emissions

Industrial emissions from factories and power plants burning fossil fuels are a major source of PM2.5 pollution. South Asian countries, particularly India, have seen a rapid increase in CO2 emissions over the years, with industrial practices being a key factor. The burning of agricultural crop residues and waste also contributes significantly to air pollution, with the haze affecting areas across borders. Transport emissions from vehicles, aircraft, and shipping further exacerbate the problem, releasing pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and black carbon, another form of PM2.5.

The high population density and rapid urbanization in many South and Southeast Asian countries further contribute to the impact of transport emissions on air quality. Cities like Islamabad, New Delhi, and Dhaka repeatedly experience unhealthy levels of PM2.5, affecting the health of millions. To address this issue, countries like Indonesia are encouraged to invest in renewable energy, implement stricter vehicle emission standards, and promote the transition to electric cars, which could significantly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

The COVID-19 lockdowns provided a unique opportunity to assess the impact of transport and industrialization on air quality. During this period, there was a significant reduction in outdoor activities, leading to a 50% decrease in the air quality index (AQI) in some South Asian cities. This highlighted the need for controlling emissions and transitioning to cleaner fuel technology options to improve air quality and sustainability in the region.

Transboundary air pollution is a pressing issue in the Indo-Gangetic Plain and Himalayan Foothills, requiring international cooperation to address effectively. The Asia-Pacific Clean Air Partnership, established in 2015, provides a platform for policymakers and stakeholders to collaborate and share knowledge in tackling air pollution. By working together and implementing mitigation measures, South and Southeast Asian countries can reduce the harmful impacts of industrial and transport emissions on public health and the environment.

Forest fires

Forest and vegetation fires, often used for agricultural and deforestation purposes, are a major source of air pollution in Southeast Asia. These fires release particulate matter (PM), ozone, and other air pollutants into the atmosphere, leading to serious air quality issues. The smoke from these fires contains microscopic substances that can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing adverse health effects such as heart disease and lung cancer.

The impact of forest fires on air quality in Southeast Asia has been studied using a combination of satellite-derived data sets, models, and observations. Research has found a strong connection between ambient air pollution and poverty in certain areas, such as urban Laos, rural Vietnam, and Ho Chi Minh City. Poorer populations in Southeast Asia are disproportionately affected by the particulate pollution from these fires.

During the burning season, the smoke from fires in Mainland Southeast Asia can travel long distances, affecting regions beyond the immediate vicinity. The onset of the summer monsoon rainfall in late April typically reduces the number of fires, which remain minimal until the start of the dry season in November. The variability in fire activity is linked to changes in atmospheric circulation features, such as the India-Burma Trough.

Addressing forest and vegetation fires could significantly improve air quality in Southeast Asia and yield notable public health benefits. By taking actions to reduce these fires, countries in the region could rapidly enhance their air quality and protect the health of their citizens, especially those from poorer communities who are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution.

Overall, forest and vegetation fires are a significant contributor to air pollution in Southeast Asia, impacting the health and well-being of millions of people, particularly those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Reducing these fires through effective policies and practices is crucial for safeguarding public health and improving the region's air quality.

Fossil fuel burning

Aerosols emitted from burning fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, release harmful substances into the atmosphere. These include fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ground-level ozone, methane, black carbon, and sulfates. These pollutants have severe health consequences, with fine particulate matter, for instance, being small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, triggering heart disease and lung cancer, among other fatal diseases.

The impact of fossil fuel burning on air quality in Southeast Asia has been studied through various scenarios simulating different fuel consumption policies. These studies reveal that the power generation, industry, and residential sectors are key contributors to air pollution. For example, in the power generation and industry sectors, replacing coal with natural gas could reduce sulfate levels by 25%. In the residential sector, switching from biofuel to natural gas would decrease black carbon concentration by 42%.

Shipping emissions are also a critical factor in urban air pollution in Singapore, and the implementation of stricter emission standards and the transition to electric vehicles could significantly improve air quality. Indonesia, for instance, could reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 650 megatonnes, equivalent to taking 130 million cars off the road.

To address the issue of fossil fuel burning and improve air quality in Southeast Asia, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. This includes transitioning to renewable energy sources, implementing stricter emission standards, and fostering the adoption of electric vehicles. By taking these steps, Southeast Asian countries can not only improve the health and well-being of their citizens but also contribute to mitigating global climate change.

Waste burning

Agricultural and Municipal Waste Burning

The burning of agricultural and municipal waste is a common practice in Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and India. This type of waste burning releases harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, including fine particulate matter and ground-level ozone, which are dangerous to human health. Particulate matter, with a diameter of 2.5 microns or smaller, can penetrate deep into the human respiratory tract, triggering respiratory and cardiovascular ailments, and even leading to chronic diseases such as cancer. Ground-level ozone, formed from the reaction of fuel vapours, chemical solvents, and other pollutants with sunlight, is the main ingredient in smog and has been linked to respiratory issues such as asthma and emphysema.

Crop Burning

Crop burning, a practice observed in India, Pakistan, and Myanmar, involves farmers burning plant residue after harvesting rice to prepare fields for wheat plantation. This annual activity contributes to air pollution, particularly during the dry seasons when meteorological conditions combine with pollutants to worsen air quality. The smoke from crop burning can also drift across borders, affecting neighbouring countries. For example, smoke from India, Nepal, and Pakistan can impact Bangladesh's air quality.

Forest Fires

Forest fires, often caused by agricultural burning and El Niño-induced dry conditions, contribute to the haze affecting Malaysia and Singapore. Indonesia's forest fires have prompted calls for coordinated efforts to tackle "transboundary haze". The haze contains pollutants that impact lung and heart function, endangering the health of those exposed.

To address waste burning and its impact on air quality, the IQAir report recommends that governments invest in renewable energy initiatives, provide incentives for cleaner vehicles, improve infrastructure for better pedestrian mobility, and ban agricultural burning practices.

Lack of funding to improve air quality

South East Asia is facing a serious air pollution crisis, with over 90% of the region's 2.5 billion people breathing in unsafe air. The two most damaging types of air pollution in the region are fine particulate matter and ground-level ozone, which have been linked to a range of respiratory and cardiovascular issues, including heart disease, lung cancer, asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.

While there are various causes of air pollution in South East Asia, a key factor contributing to the persistence of this issue is the lack of funding to improve air quality. Between 2015 and 2022, only 0.7% of international development funding was allocated to tackling ambient air pollution, amounting to a mere $17.3 billion. This chronic underfunding hinders the ability of countries in the region to implement effective short-term and long-term measures to combat air pollution.

The issue of limited funding is further exacerbated by the high costs associated with implementing pollution monitoring and mitigation measures. Establishing and maintaining air quality monitoring stations, for example, requires significant financial investment. Additionally, the lack of funding can hinder the adoption of new technologies and solutions, such as investing in renewable energy sources, imposing stricter vehicle emission standards, and transitioning to electric cars, all of which have been identified as potential strategies to improve air quality in the region.

To address this funding gap, countries in South East Asia are exploring innovative financing options and partnerships. This includes public-private partnerships, alliances with funding agencies and development partners, and fiscal policies that encourage the use of greener technologies. For instance, philanthropic funders can support feasibility pilots that test solutions and build evidence to support larger-scale adoption. Additionally, international cooperation and assistance have been emphasized as crucial to securing adequate financing. High-income fossil fuel-producing states, in particular, have been called upon to provide financial support to help countries in South East Asia adapt to climate change and improve air quality.

The lack of funding for air quality improvement in South East Asia has far-reaching consequences. Not only does it contribute to the persistence of air pollution and its associated health risks, but it also hinders the region's ability to build environmental, health, and economic resilience in the face of climate change. As Ann Harrison, Amnesty International's Climate Adviser, has emphasized, the risks of prolonged exposure to toxic air quality in the region are significant, and urgent action, supported by sufficient funding, is needed to safeguard public health and human rights.

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