AIR POLLUTION
Backgournd
The Asia region has witnessed impressive economic growth in the past decades. Along with industrialisation, urbanisation, and motorisation, as well as a rapidly growing population, the rapid pace of development has led to higher energy demand and the generation of large quantities of waste, as well as increased emissions of air pollutants into the atmosphere. As a consequence, the air quality in a large number of major cities is deteriorating at alarming rates, and the transport of air pollutants across the region is exposing the whole region to this risk.
There are many initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region to address atmospheric environment issues particularly, air pollution and atmospheric issues. It is best to address these issues through a collaborative effort, and an integrated manner which is to develop policies that are based on scientific knowledge and evidence. Also, co-benefits approach in addressing air pollution and climate change needs to be explored.
The RRC.AP has been hosting the Secretariat of major intergovernmental and technical support networks, such as the Malé Declaration on Control and Prevention of Air Pollution and its Likely Transboundary Effects for South Asia (Malé Declaration) since 1998, the Atmospheric Brown Cloud (ABC) Programme since its operation in 2002 and is currently an implementing partner to the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia (EANET). The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), through RRC.AP, being a partner to the Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (CCAC) is designated as one of the implementing partners of the Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicles and Engines Initiative (HDDI) starting 2016. Also, RRC.AP was tapped to be the Focal Point of Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP) in AIT.
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Our Engagements
Malé Declaration
In 1998, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), together with the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) drew attention to the possibility of the impacts of transboundary air pollution in South Asia. This initiative led to the adoption of the Malé Declaration on Control and Prevention of Air Pollution and Its Likely Transboundary Effects for South Asia (Malé Declaration). The Malé Declaration’s objective is to aid the process of providing a clean environment through clean air. The Declaration calls for regional cooperation to address the increasing threat of transboundary air pollution and its possible impacts. Its implementation has been carried out in phases. The eight member countries of Malé Declaration include Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka
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Atmospheric Brown Cloud
Atmospheric brown clouds (ABCs) are widespread layers of brownish haze of air pollutants, such as aerosol particles (black carbon (BC) and non BC), and precursor gases (e.g. CH4, CO, NMVOCs, NOx), which produce aerosols and ozone. ABCs and their interaction with build-up of greenhouse gases significantly affect the regional climate, hydrological cycle, glacial melting, agriculture production, ecosystem and human health.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) commissioned Atmospheric Brown Cloud (ABC) Programme in 2002 with a team of renowned scientists. ABC programme is addressing the issue of ABCs through measurements, impact assessment, demonstration of mitigation solutions, and creating awareness to underpin the issue at the policy forums. More than 200 scientists are working on ABCs, generating a wealth of science-based knowledge on sources, evidences of significant impacts, and demonstration of mitigation solutions.
ABC programme promote science-policy interface by engaging and providing a common platform to scientists, academia, researchers, students, government and non-government organizations, and international agencies. The objectives of science-policy interface are to create awareness and transfer the science-based knowledge to policy makers so that they can incorporate the knowledge in the policy making process.
ABC helped to develop consensus and effectiveness of available emission reduction technologies. Many governments have responded positively and developed national programmes or supporting national efforts to reduce the emissions of ABCs. ABC programme has also helped to place the ABCs issue in the international agenda.
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Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia
EANET started in 1998 as an intergovernmental initiative to create a common understanding on the state of acid deposition problems in East Asia, provide useful inputs for decision making at various levels with the aim of preventing or reducing the adverse impacts on the environment, and promote cooperation among countries. Thirteen countries in East Asia are participating in EANET at present.
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