Air Pollution In Metro Manila: Sources And Solutions

Air pollution in Metro Manila is a critical issue, with the annual mean level of PM2.5 at 24 µg/m³, far higher than the WHO's recommended maximum of 5 µg/m³. Vehicular emissions are a primary source of this pollution, with the significant increase in the number of vehicles, especially during peak hours, leading to heightened pollution levels. Jeepneys, a cultural icon of the Philippines, are also major contributors, as most use old, reconditioned diesel engines that emit large amounts of black soot and other pollutants. In addition, industrial activities, including factories and power plants, are another significant source of air pollution in the Philippines, releasing various pollutants that contribute to air quality deterioration in urban areas.

Vehicular emissions

Jeepneys, in particular, are often old and unsafe, contributing significantly to air pollution. These vehicles typically run on diesel and produce large amounts of pollution due to their age and inefficiency. The problem is further exacerbated by the lack of sustainable mobility options for commuters. While 88% of households in Metro Manila do not own cars, the demand for mass transportation is high, leading to overcrowded public transport and encouraging the use of private cars for those who can afford them.

The impact of vehicular emissions on the city's air quality was notably evident during the COVID-19 lockdown. With many vehicles no longer commuting into the city, the air cleared within days, and residents were able to see the Sierra Madre mountain range on the outskirts of the city, usually obscured by the thick haze hanging over Metro Manila. This improvement in air quality was short-lived, however, as air pollution levels soared once again when vehicles returned to the roads.

To address the issue of vehicular emissions, there have been calls for sustainable mobility solutions in Metro Manila. This includes investing in and prioritising public transportation, such as expanding the rapid transit lines and introducing more flexible work options to reduce the demand for travel. Additionally, promoting active transportation, such as cycling, and creating infrastructure for alternative modes of transport like sidewalks and cycling lanes, can help reduce car dependency and alleviate traffic congestion.

While vehicular emissions are a significant contributor to air pollution in Metro Manila, it is important to note that other sources, such as stationary sources like factories and the open burning of fossil fuels, also play a role in the city's overall air quality issues.

Industrial activities

Globalization and industrialization have increased shipping activities in Metro Manila, contributing to the city's air pollution. A study conducted in the North Harbour of Metro Manila found that the area was polluted with heavy metals, with vessel emissions identified as the primary source of pollution. The analysis of the ionic species showed SOX and NOX emissions, which are mostly related to ship emissions, while the mineralogical analysis revealed that soot particles were the main composition of the particles.

The burning of waste and other materials in open spaces, a common practice in some areas, also contributes to air pollution. Lead levels in Metro Manila, for instance, are more than three times the World Health Organization's safe limit, indicating the severity of household pollution and its impact on air quality.

To reduce industrial emissions, proposals have been made to implement stricter emissions standards, promote cleaner energy sources, and encourage recycling.

Fireworks

The Manila Observatory has been monitoring PM2.5 levels during New Year's Eve celebrations since 1998, and their data shows a significant increase in PM2.5 concentrations during fireworks displays. For example, during the 2022 New Year celebrations, PM2.5 levels in Metro Manila increased by up to 57% compared to normal levels, reaching unhealthy levels. The following year, in 2023, PM2.5 concentrations in some areas of Metro Manila, such as Fortune and Calumpit, exceeded 150 μg/m3 after midnight, which is typically associated with the lighting of firecrackers.

The impact of fireworks on air quality is exacerbated by meteorological conditions, such as low wind speeds, which can cause the stagnation of PM2.5 and further deteriorate air quality. For instance, during the 2022 New Year period, low wind speeds were observed from 9:00 pm on December 31 to 6:00 am on January 1, contributing to the high PM2.5 concentrations measured across Metro Manila.

To address the issue of firework-related air pollution, local authorities implemented Executive Order No. 28, which regulates the use of fireworks in the country. This has resulted in a decline in firework-related incidents and a reduction in pollution levels during New Year's Eve celebrations. However, amendments to this order are sometimes made to allow for traditional pre-pandemic festivities, such as lifting the ban on the manufacture, sale, and use of permissible fireworks in certain places.

Overall, fireworks are a major source of air pollution in Metro Manila, particularly during New Year celebrations. The release of harmful pollutants from fireworks poses health risks to residents, and the stagnation of these pollutants due to meteorological conditions can further worsen air quality. While regulations and bans on fireworks have helped reduce pollution levels, exceptions to these rules during festive periods can still lead to elevated pollution concentrations.

Open burning of fossil fuels

Air pollution in Metro Manila has several sources, with 80% of it coming from traffic on its roads. The remaining 20% comes from stationary sources such as factories and the open burning of fossil fuels.

The Philippines' energy sector has historically been reliant on fossil fuels, with the share of environmentally harmful fossil fuels in the country's generation mix remaining largely unchanged at approximately 75%. This is mainly derived from coal power plants. Despite the Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) being promulgated in 2017, which requires electricity producers to source a minimum of 35% of their electricity from renewable sources, the Philippines is becoming more dependent on imported coal. This is due to the high cost of electricity, regular power interruptions, and an unreliable transmission system.

The open burning of fossil fuels, particularly coal, oil, and gas, is a major contributor to air pollution in Metro Manila and the Philippines more broadly. Greenpeace Southeast Asia research estimates that air pollution from these sources causes 27,000 premature deaths per year in the Philippines. It also contributes to economic losses, with the country losing up to approximately 1.9% of its GDP annually.

The Philippine government's pro-coal policies have allowed energy companies to continue building coal facilities despite their negative impacts. However, there is growing resistance from the Filipino public, with protests against the construction of new coal-fired power plants.

The health impacts of air pollution from the open burning of fossil fuels are significant. It increases the risk of strokes, lung cancer, and asthma, and is linked to millions of new cases of asthma in children annually. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), a byproduct of fossil fuel combustion, is of particular concern as it can easily bypass the body's natural defence system and penetrate deep into the lungs.

Overall, the open burning of fossil fuels is a major contributor to air pollution in Metro Manila and the Philippines, with significant environmental, health, and economic impacts.

COVID-19 restrictions lifting

Air pollution in Metro Manila, Philippines, is a critical issue. The annual mean level of PM2.5 is 24 µg/m³, which is significantly higher than the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended maximum of 5 µg/m³. This alarming level of pollution stems primarily from vehicular emissions and the burning of fossil fuels.

During the COVID-19 lockdowns, the Philippines saw improved air quality due to reduced emissions from vehicles. However, as restrictions were lifted, the levels of PM2.5 in the air began to rise again. The lifting of COVID-19 restrictions saw a marked deterioration in air quality in Metro Manila due to increased vehicle use. This acute surge in the number of vehicles on the streets, combined with the prevalent use of firecrackers during New Year celebrations, contributed to the worsening air quality.

The surge in vehicle usage after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions exacerbated the existing issue of vehicular emissions, particularly in urban centres like Metro Manila. Vehicular sources account for 65% of air pollution in the Philippines, with jeepneys—a cultural icon of the country—being major contributors. These vehicles often use old, reconditioned diesel engines that emit significant amounts of black soot and other pollutants.

The negative impact of air pollution on the health and economy of the Philippines cannot be overstated. A study of Asian countries, including the Philippines, found a higher COVID-19 mortality risk for populations exposed to poor air quality. Additionally, air pollution costs the Philippines approximately US$87 billion annually in health-care, welfare, and economic losses.

As the country focuses on economic recovery from the pandemic, it is crucial to continue implementing programs to control air pollution. This includes raising stringent standards to control emissions from coal power plants, investing in low-carbon transport, and transitioning to renewable energy sources. Greenpeace Philippines has emphasised the need for stringent air pollution mitigation measures to reduce vulnerability to COVID-19.

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