EDITORIAL - Beat air pollution

Nine out of 10 people around the world are exposed to air pollutants that exceed safe levels, according to the World Health Organization. Yet the problem persists, and has even worsened in many countries.

This year’s observance of World Environment Day on June 5 focuses on air pollution. The United Nations reports that every year, household indoor pollution is linked to 3.8 million premature deaths around the world, mostly in developing countries. Air pollution from transport, meanwhile, is linked to some 400,000 deaths annually. The transport sector accounts for nearly a fourth of carbon dioxide emissions, with the UN expecting the proportion to increase.

 Developing countries have resisted efforts to completely stop using coal for energy generation, arguing that the cheap fuel is needed to power industries. But governments can provide more incentives to the private sector for investing in green energy, including support in research and development.  

Mitigation measures are also needed to offset the pollution generated by livestock, which are among the largest sources of methane and ammonia that aggravate climate change. Some of the biggest cattle-producing countries plant trees around their livestock and dairy farms. 

 In the Philippines, the Clean Air Act was passed in 1999. Air pollution in the traffic-choked streets of Metro Manila and other urban centers, however, shows that enforcement of the law over two decades leaves much to be desired. Around the country, smoke belchers continue to ply the streets. Open burning of garbage continues in many areas. From afar, the heavy pollution is visible, hovering over Metro Manila and appearing to be trapped in the enclave of high-rise buildings in Makati. 

The health care costs linked to air pollution put a heavy burden on public funds even in wealthy economies. In the annual observance of World Environment Day, the UN is urging governments to do more to beat air pollution. The observance also aims to inspire individuals to do their share in improving air quality. Often, the most vulnerable to the health risks posed by air pollution are those who produce it.