Papua New Guinea's Air Pollution Crisis: Why?

Papua New Guinea's air quality is considered moderately unsafe by the World Health Organization, with an annual mean concentration of PM2.5 exceeding the recommended maximum. The country's air pollution is attributed to various factors, including vehicle emissions, the mining industry, the oil and gas industry, and waste burning. The lack of effective waste and chemical management systems, as well as indoor air pollution from solid fuel burning for cooking and heat, further contribute to the issue. Short-term exposure to air pollution can cause respiratory issues, while long-term exposure is linked to lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other serious health problems.

Vehicle emissions

Papua New Guinea's air quality is impacted by several factors, one of which is vehicle emissions. While data on air pollution in the country is limited, vehicle emissions are recognised as a contributing factor to the overall air quality issues.

The country has been working to develop an effective waste and chemical management system with the support of the UNEP since 2018. This project aims to strengthen the institutional structures within CEPA and address key priorities, including waste and chemical management. As part of this initiative, Papua New Guinea should consider implementing regulations specifically targeting air pollution and air quality, as this area currently lacks monitoring and control.

To address this issue, the government can implement targeted policies and regulations to limit emissions from vehicles. This may include improving fuel quality standards, introducing emission testing programmes for vehicles, and promoting the use of alternative fuels or electric vehicles. Additionally, investing in public transportation infrastructure and encouraging carpooling or ride-sharing initiatives can help reduce the number of vehicles on the road and, consequently, lower vehicle emissions.

Furthermore, raising awareness among the public about the impact of vehicle emissions on air quality and public health can foster a collective sense of responsibility. Encouraging car maintenance, such as regular tune-ups and proper tyre inflation, can also help reduce emissions, as well as educating drivers about fuel-efficient driving practices. Papua New Guinea can also explore international best practices and collaborate with organisations working to reduce vehicle emissions worldwide.

Mining industry

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is known for its abundance of mineral and natural resources, which has made the mining industry a key part of its economy. However, the industry has also been a source of controversy due to its environmental and social impacts, particularly regarding water pollution. While water pollution is the more prominent issue, the mining industry also contributes to air pollution in the country.

The air quality in Papua New Guinea is considered moderately unsafe according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The annual mean concentration of PM2.5, one of the most common and harmful air pollutants, is 12 µg/m3, which exceeds the recommended maximum of 10 µg/m3. PM2.5 refers to particulate matter that is 2.5 microns or less in width, which is about 1/30th the width of a human hair. These tiny particles can be a mix of chemicals, other particulate matter, and biological materials that react with each other to create hazardous compounds. The sources of these pollutants in Papua New Guinea include vehicle emissions, the mining industry, the oil and gas industry, and waste burning.

The health consequences of exposure to air pollution are significant, including short-term symptoms such as itchy eyes, nose and throat, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches, nausea, and upper respiratory infections. Air pollution can also exacerbate asthma and emphysema. Long-term exposure has been linked to lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory illness, and the development of allergies. It is also associated with an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.

The mining industry's contribution to air pollution in Papua New Guinea is twofold. Firstly, the industry itself emits pollutants into the air, including particulate matter and greenhouse gases. Secondly, the waste produced by the mining industry, known as tailings, is often disposed of in rivers, which has catastrophic environmental consequences and contributes to water pollution. This waste contains high concentrations of heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, nickel, arsenic, and zinc, which can have toxic effects on both the environment and human health.

The Porgera Joint Venture (PJV) gold mine, owned by Canadian company Barrick Gold and Zijin Mining from China, is a notable example of the impact of the mining industry on Papua New Guinea's environment. The mine releases over 14,000 tons of tailings into the Pongema River daily, turning the river red and rendering it unusable for the local residents. This waste discharge has led to water insecurity and limited access to clean water for the communities living near the mine, affecting their social and economic rights.

In summary, while the mining industry in Papua New Guinea has been a significant contributor to the country's economy, it has also had detrimental effects on the environment and local communities. The industry's role in air and water pollution has led to health issues, social and economic consequences, and widespread environmental damage. To mitigate these impacts, regulatory governance and sustainable development practices need to be prioritized, with a focus on improving waste management and reducing emissions.

Oil and gas industry

Papua New Guinea's air quality is considered "moderately unsafe" by the World Health Organization. The country's annual mean concentration of PM2.5 is 12 µg/m3, which exceeds the recommended maximum of 10 µg/m3. Air pollution in Papua New Guinea is influenced by several factors, including vehicle emissions, the mining industry, waste burning, and, notably, the oil and gas industry.

The oil and gas industry's contribution to air pollution in Papua New Guinea is significant. Oil and gas activities, including exploration, production, and transportation, can release various pollutants into the air. For example, the burning of fossil fuels used in these processes contributes to the emission of harmful gases, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2), which can have detrimental effects on both the environment and human health.

In November 2006, a substantial gas field was discovered on the upper reaches of the Purari River in Papua New Guinea. This field is estimated to hold reserves of over 113 billion cubic meters of gas and is believed to be the most extensive discovery of its kind in the country's history. InterOil, a Canadian company, has been granted extraction rights. The development and exploitation of this field will undoubtedly lead to increased industrial activity, including the construction of new infrastructure and the burning of additional fossil fuels, further exacerbating air pollution in the region.

The oil and gas industry's impact on air quality in Papua New Guinea is not limited to direct emissions from their operations. There is also an increased potential for land clearance, oil spills, and waste generation, which can have indirect effects on air quality. Land clearance, particularly in forest areas, can lead to the release of stored carbon and contribute to climate change. Oil spills and improper waste management practices can result in the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other hazardous substances, further degrading air quality and posing risks to human health and the environment.

To mitigate the impact of the oil and gas industry on air pollution in Papua New Guinea, the government and industry players must work together to implement effective pollution control measures. This includes adopting best practices for emission reduction, such as utilizing cleaner technologies, improving energy efficiency, and implementing robust waste management systems. Additionally, the development and enforcement of environmental regulations and policies specific to the oil and gas sector can help ensure compliance and minimize the industry's contribution to air pollution in the country.

Waste burning

Papua New Guinea (PNG) has been working on developing an effective waste and chemical management system with the help of the UNEP since 2018. However, waste management remains a neglected area in the country.

The waste management systems in Lae and POM (National Capital District) involve collection and disposal, with no waste transfer or treatment. The waste is collected by contractors who dispose of it at landfills. The landfills in POM (Baruni Dump) and Lae (Second Seven) practice open burning of waste, which has become a serious health and environmental concern. The National Government of PNG has no solid waste management (SWM) strategy, regulation, or law to manage waste in the country. While the 1973 Public Health Act and the 2000 Environment Act exist, they are insufficient in addressing the waste management issues in the country. The Public Health Act was passed to manage medical waste, while the Environment Act was passed to manage industrial waste.

The waste generation in both cities is expected to increase due to high population growth and the economic boom. About 60kg of medical waste is incinerated daily within hospital premises, causing pollution to the surrounding areas. In POM, the incinerator is broken, so all medical waste is buried at a designated landfill near the hospital, which poses a high health and environmental risk.

PNG does not provide formal recycling services, except for two recyclers that collect and export ferrous and non-ferrous waste, used lead-acid batteries, and e-waste material to Asia. A local company provides hazardous waste management and recycling services, and waste oils are refined and recycled in Port Moresby. Plastic bottles and e-waste are exported to Asian and Australian markets.

Overall, waste burning in PNG is a significant contributor to air pollution, and the country is working towards improving its waste management practices and regulations.

Indoor air pollution from solid fuel burning

Papua New Guinea's air quality is considered moderately unsafe by the World Health Organization (WHO). The country's annual mean concentration of PM2.5 is 12 µg/m3, which exceeds the recommended maximum of 10 µg/m3. While there are no specific figures for indoor air pollution, the burning of solid fuels for cooking and heating is a significant contributor to overall air pollution in the country.

The government of Papua New Guinea has recognized the need to improve waste and chemical management systems. From 2018 to 2021, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) assisted the government in developing a national policy and legal framework for waste and chemical management. This project aimed to strengthen the institutional structures within the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA). One of the key priorities was to ensure effective coordination in addressing waste and chemical management issues, including assisting municipalities in developing waste management plans.

Despite these efforts, Papua New Guinea continues to face challenges in waste management. The disposal infrastructure, such as landfills, is limited and often rudimentary. Open burning of waste is a common practice, which has serious health and environmental implications. Additionally, the lack of data on the composition and quantity of solid waste produced hinders the effective management of waste and the development of targeted policies and regulations to limit emissions.

To address the issue of indoor air pollution from solid fuel burning, it is essential for Papua New Guinea to prioritize the improvement of solid waste management practices and the implementation of air quality monitoring systems. This includes investing in modern disposal infrastructure, promoting alternative sources of fuel for cooking and heating, and providing education on the health risks associated with indoor air pollution. By addressing these issues, Papua New Guinea can reduce the health risks associated with indoor air pollution and improve the overall air quality for its citizens.

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