Urban Air Quality Management in Asia: Status and Challenges
While there has been an apparent improvement in ambient air quality and general advancement in the management of urban air quality in Asia compared to the 1990s, current air quality levels continue to exceed international air quality guidelines for the protection of human health (specifically WHO). Some cities have well-established air quality management (AQM) systems, however, AQM is relatively new to most Asian cities and institutional capacities vary between cities. An international collaboration led by Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) and the Clean Air Initiative for Asian Cities (CAI-Asia) undertook a study that determined the current state of AQM capabilities of twenty cities in Asia, covering four key areas: measurement of air quality, data assessment and availability, emissions inventory and AQM. This study is considered most current and comprehensive assessment of urban air pollution in Asian cities, covering the effects on the environment, human health, agriculture and cultural heritage and the future implications for urban planning, and transport and energy sectors. The project looked at the successes and failures of AQM strategies in these cities and presented strategies for improving AQM in cities across Asia. The results of the project further provide a benchmark against which future initiatives and progress can be assessed.
Keywords: air quality management, air pollution sources, health impacts, urban air quality, Asia