Actively Improving Air Quality through Comprehensive Strategies Across ASEAN

The Air Quality Improvement Program’s (AQIP) initiatives are paving the way for cleaner, healthier air in urban areas across ASEAN. By focusing on data collection, standardizing emission inventories, and capacity building, AQIP is empowering ASEAN Member States (AMS) to take informed, effective actions to reduce pollution so that ASEAN cities are well-positioned to become leaders in air quality management, setting an example for the rest of the world.  AQIP, launched at the sidelines of the 3rd AF-DPC Meeting in Jakarta on November 20, 2023, provides crucial resources by collecting and analysing air quality data across ASEAN.

Understanding Particulate Matter in Urban Areas

Air pollution in urban areas is a pressing concern, particularly in ASEAN cities, where the rapid pace of industrialization and urbanization has led to elevated levels of particulate matter (PM). PM is a mix of tiny particles and droplets in the air that can cause severe health problems and environmental damage.

Accurate data is the foundation for understanding and mitigating air pollution. AQIP recognizes that in-depth analysis of PM composition is crucial for identifying pollution sources and developing targeted mitigation strategies.

The study and guidelines development on PM composition analysis or source apportionment, commencing in September 2024, are powerful tools for identifying pollution sources, assessing their impact, and developing effective mitigation strategies.

It will support the government as operational tools for managing air quality during severe pollution episodes as well as empower governments to target the most significant sources of pollution with precision.

Standardizing Emission Inventories Across ASEAN: Empowering ASEAN with Operational Solutions

While data is a vital starting point, transforming it into actionable policy requires robust tools. AQIP is developing common guidelines for emission inventories to help AMS track pollutants more effectively. This standardization effort, which began in April 2024, provides a unified framework for assessing the impact of air quality policies across the region.

The assessment has identified some key challenge and gaps, including a lack of mandatory requirements, limited technical expertise, and inadequate data collection, verification and management systems, difficulty securing stakeholder commitment, inadequate financial resources, and commitment to overcoming challenges to ensure accurate emission tracking.

These findings will be the foundation to develop the guidelines for emission inventories, addressing key opportunities for improvement such as enhancing technical skills, improving data management, and securing stakeholder engagement. Through these efforts, AMS can ensure that their air quality management strategies are both accurate and effective.

Strengthening Capacity

Effective air quality management requires skilled personnel who can interpret data and apply the right tools. AQIP's capacity-building initiatives are designed to ensure AMS can manage air quality independently and sustainably.

These initiatives include:

• Training on Emission Inventories (April – November 2024): Providing AMS with the methodology, data collection techniques, and emissions factors needed to develop and update emission inventories.
• Data Management Systems (August - January 2024): Establishing DMS to ensure that air quality data is collected, stored, and analyzed effectively, enabling informed decision-making. The training presents different monitoring system options noting: (i) the level of existing monitoring tools, (ii) existing capacities, (iii) the financial resources available.
• Private Sector Engagement (2025): Developing policies to involve the private sector in air quality management, focusing on industrial emissions and transportation.
• Strategic Long-term Planning (2025): Offering training on governance, regulation, and awareness-raising to ensure sustainable air quality management in the long term.

Facilitating Mutual Learning Through Study Tours

AQIP also organizes study tours to foster mutual learning among ASEAN policymakers. In October 2024, a study tour on Air Quality Management will take place in Bangkok, followed by an Air Quality Monitoring tour in Paris in 2025. These study tours provide invaluable insights into successful air quality management practices, which AMS can adopt and implement in their own countries.

Drawing the Bigger Picture: Linking Air Quality and Climate Change

One of the most compelling aspects of AQIP’s work is its emphasis on the co-benefits of air quality and climate policies. Many pollutants that contribute to poor air quality, such as particulate matter and black carbon, also drive climate change. By addressing these pollutants, AQIP’s initiatives not only improve public health but also contribute to global climate goals.

AQIP is developing guidelines that quantify the health and environmental benefits of joint air and climate policies. These guidelines, set to commence in late 2024, will help AMS design strategies that maximize health benefits while reducing their carbon footprint. This integrated approach is expected to inspire greater ambition and collaboration across the region.