Air Pollution In Cambodia: Understanding The Root Causes

Cambodia is facing a wave of urban pollution, with the largest sources being transport, electricity generation, industry, and residential development. The country's air quality has exceeded safe levels, with the annual mean concentration of PM2.5 exceeding the recommended maximum of 10 µg/m3. The transport sector's impact on air quality is significant due to the growth in vehicles and fuel consumption. Cambodia's Clean Air Plan, based on the UNEP report Actions on Air Quality, outlines measures to address the major sources of current and future emissions in the country.

Population growth and rapid economic development

Cambodia's population growth and rapid economic development have had a significant impact on air quality. As the country's population expands, so too does the demand for transportation, electricity, and industrial output, all of which are major contributors to air pollution.

Transportation is a key factor in Cambodia's air pollution crisis. The number of registered vehicles in the country has been increasing annually, with a 65% rise between 2015 and 2019. This includes a growing number of older, used vehicles, which tend to be more polluting. The increase in vehicles is due in part to the growing affluence of the middle classes, who can now afford cars. This trend is set to continue, with the third ring road around Phnom Penh nearing completion, likely leading to even more vehicles on the road.

Electricity generation is another significant contributor to air pollution in Cambodia. The country's power supply is inadequate, leading businesses to rely on their own generators, which are often diesel-powered and situated outdoors, close to roads or properties. This introduces exhaust gases into the local environment, affecting both residents and passers-by. Additionally, 96.7% of households used biomass fuel, such as firewood and charcoal, for cooking in 1999. These fuels produce large amounts of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, as well as other harmful pollutants.

The industrial sector, a key driver of Cambodia's economic growth, is also a major source of pollution. Environmentalists have identified four particularly polluting industries: the garment industry, the brick kiln, the rice mill, and the rubber processing industry. The construction sector has also been identified as a source of air pollution, particularly due to the movement of soil and other loose materials, which creates dust and contributes to higher levels of particulate matter in the air during the dry season.

Cambodia's rapid economic development and population growth have led to a wave of urban pollution. Solid waste, for instance, has been increasing exponentially with urbanization. Without effective management, solid waste not only affects public health and ecological systems but also contributes to climate change.

To address these issues, Cambodia has unveiled the Clean Air Plan, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality through a combination of government policies and legal standards. The plan includes measures to improve fuel quality, reduce vehicle emissions, and address major sources of current and future emissions across various sectors, including transport, agriculture, construction, energy, and water.

Inadequate electricity supply

Cambodia's air quality has exceeded the safe level, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The country's inadequate electricity supply has been a significant contributor to this issue.

Cambodia's electricity supply network has improved significantly over the last decade, but challenges remain, particularly in rural areas. The country has invested in its power infrastructure and renewable energy projects, yet the rapid growth in demand has outpaced the development of its electricity infrastructure. This has resulted in voltage fluctuations and power quality issues.

The government has set ambitious targets to address these problems, aiming to provide access to reliable and affordable electricity for all households by 2030. To achieve this, they must continue investing in expanding the electricity grid, upgrading infrastructure, and developing new power generation projects. The government has also launched initiatives to promote solar and other renewable energy sources, which will be crucial for the country's transition to clean energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Electricity prices in Cambodia are among the most expensive in the region due to a shortage of integrated high-voltage transmission systems and the high cost of imported diesel fuel. This has impacted businesses, with power outages and unreliable electricity supply creating hurdles for their operations. The government has recognized the importance of upgrading the country's infrastructure, particularly its electricity supply, to support the development of higher-value-added industries.

The inadequate electricity supply in Cambodia has contributed to air pollution as service sectors rely on their own generators, often sited outside near roads or properties. These generators release exhaust gases into the air, introducing pollutants that have negative health impacts. The government's efforts to improve the electricity supply and promote renewable energy sources are, therefore, essential steps towards tackling air pollution and minimizing its health and economic burden.

Transport sector emissions

Cambodia is facing a wave of urban pollution due to rapid population growth and economic development. The transport sector is a significant contributor to the country's air pollution problem. The number of registered vehicles in the country has been increasing annually, with an increase of 14% in 2016 compared to the previous year. This growth in vehicle numbers and fuel consumption has a substantial impact on air quality. The increase in vehicles is due to the growing affluence of the middle classes, who can now afford to buy cars. Cambodia is also one of the countries in the region that imports substantial amounts of used vehicles, which are typically over ten years old and are significant contributors to air pollution and climate emissions.

The Cambodian government has recognised the problem and is taking steps to address it. The Clean Air Plan, launched in 2022, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. It includes measures to reduce vehicle emissions and raise standards for vehicle emissions. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport has been working to improve fuel quality and reduce vehicle emissions through mandatory measures.

The country's Sustainable Development Goals for 2016-2030 also demonstrate a strong commitment to reducing environmental pollution. One of the goals is to improve air quality by reducing the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, with a focus on air quality and waste management. To achieve this, existing laws and regulations need to be amended and fully implemented, and a clear monitoring plan for air quality needs to be developed.

While Cambodia's efforts to tackle transport sector emissions are commendable, more needs to be done to effectively manage the growing problem of air pollution. The country's vulnerability to air pollution is increasing due to urbanisation and population growth, and solid waste management is becoming an increasingly pressing issue. Without timely and effective management, solid waste will negatively impact public health, ecological systems, and contribute to climate change.

Industrial activities

Environmentalists have identified four major industrial activities that contribute to air pollution in Cambodia: the garment industry, the brick kiln industry, the rice mill industry, and the rubber processing industry. These industries often rely on fossil fuels and biomass burning, which releases fine particulate matter into the atmosphere, a major source of air pollution.

The use of firewood and charcoal for cooking and industrial processes is also prevalent in Cambodia. In 1999, 96.7% of households relied on biomass fuel, particularly firewood and charcoal, for cooking. These activities release large quantities of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and other harmful PM2.5 pollutants into the atmosphere.

In addition to the direct emissions from industrial activities, the increased use of vehicles and transportation means in the industrial sector also contributes to air pollution. The transport sector, which includes both mobile sources such as motor vehicles and fixed sources such as factories, has a significant impact on air quality due to the growth in the number of vehicles, fuel consumption, and vehicle emissions.

Cambodia's Clean Air Plan, launched in 2022, aims to address these issues by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality. The plan includes measures to raise standards for vehicle emissions and improve fuel quality, which will help reduce the impact of industrial activities on air pollution in the country.

Waste burning practices

Cambodia is taking steps to address its air pollution problem, which is causing a series of significant health issues for its citizens, including asthma, chronic bronchitis, decreased lung function, and premature death. The country's Clean Air Plan, unveiled in 2022, is a crucial step in reducing air pollution and improving air quality.

The burning of solid waste releases toxic pollutants into the atmosphere, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ground-level ozone, which are among the most harmful types of air pollution. These microscopic particles, measuring less than 2.5 microns, can penetrate deep into the respiratory system and cause serious health issues. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set an annual air quality guideline value of 10 μg/m3 for PM2.5, but Cambodia's air quality has exceeded this safe level, with a concentration of 20.9 μg/m3 recorded at the beginning of 2021.

To address the issue of waste burning and improve air quality, Cambodia's Clean Air Plan outlines a range of measures. These include improving waste management practices, reducing the use of firewood and charcoal for cooking, and transitioning to cleaner sources of energy. The plan aims to reduce emissions of PM2.5 and black carbon by 60%, which could help avoid nearly 900 premature deaths per year. Additionally, the plan seeks to reduce emissions of methane and carbon dioxide, key drivers of climate change, by 24% and 18%, respectively, by 2030.

Cambodia's commitment to tackling air pollution is evident through initiatives such as the Clean Air Plan and its participation in international efforts like the Asia Pacific Clean Air Partnership and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition. By combining government policies, legal standards, and cross-sectoral actions, the country is taking significant steps towards improving air quality and mitigating the health and economic impacts of air pollution.

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