Group to launch framework for better air quality in Asia

Non-government organization Clean Air Asia will launch tomorrow a framework that will provide cities with the knowledge and direction to effectively reduce air pollution.

The Guidance Framework for Better Air Quality in Asian Cities maps out the steps and actions to be taken by national and local policymakers to improve air quality. It will be launched at the Discovery Suites in Ortigas.

With the health impacts of air pollution being felt most severely in Asia, where seven in 10 cities have unhealthy levels of pollution, improving air quality has increasingly become a priority for national and municipal governments throughout the region.

“Many national and city governments can capitalize on this opportunity to reduce air pollution, and need the knowledge that the Guidance Framework provides to strengthen air quality management,” said Mary Jane Ortega, Clean Air Asia board member and former mayor of San Fernando City in La Union.

“The Guidance Framework fills a void for policymakers and other stakeholders and helps them achieve healthier and more livable cities,” she added.

The voluntary and nonbinding Guidance Framework was developed in consultation with environment ministries, experts and air quality management stakeholders.

It features six areas of guidance: ambient air quality standards and monitoring; emissions inventories and modeling; health and other impacts; air quality communication; clean air plans; and governance.

Clean Air Asia and its Integrated Program for Better Air Quality in Asia Program will provide support in implementing the Guidance Framework as well as assessments of cities’ air quality and plans of actions.

“Clean Air Asia is committed to supporting the implementation of the Guidance Framework through our programs by providing actionable guidance to assist cities and countries across the region in improving air quality management and, ultimately, protecting public health and the environment,” said Clean Air Asian executive director Bjarne Pedersen.