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URL: https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2022/03/plastic-waste-problem-worsens-amid-election-season/

TITLE: Plastic waste problem worsens amid election season
AUTHOR: ANTONIO L. COLINA IV
DATE PUBLISHED: MARCH 14, 2022
KEY INFO: Concerns over plastic waste pollution are mounting amid the election seaso as national and local candidates in the May 2022 elections invest heavily in non-biodegradable campaign materials like banners and tarpaulins, a Davao City-based environmental group said. Atty. Mark Peñalver, executive director of Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS), in a statement on Friday, called out politicians for posting their campaign materials in areas not designated as common posting areas, a recurring problem every election.

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DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 13 March) - Concerns over plastic waste pollution are mounting amid the election seaso as national and local candidates in the May 2022 elections invest heavily in non-biodegradable campaign materials like banners and tarpaulins, a Davao City-based environmental group said.

Atty. Mark Peñalver, executive director of Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS), in a statement on Friday, called out politicians for posting their campaign materials in areas not designated as common posting areas, a recurring problem every election.

He said many of these banners are even nailed on tree trunks.

He said the use of non-recyclable materials is a setback to environment goals, which are often neglected during campaign season.

"The single-use plastic waste generated during the campaign causes choking of drainage, ingestion by stray animals, land, and water pollution, thereby causing adverse impact on human health and the environment," he said.

He encouraged voters to vote for leaders who prioritize environment and climate justice in their agenda.

Citing Section 9 of the Fair Election Act of 2001 or R.A. 9006, Peñalver said "posting of campaign materials may only be allowed in common poster areas in public places such as plazas, markets, barangay centers, and the like."

Don't use trees to post your campaign materials, the Commission on Elections says. This poster in Davao City is from the camp of senatorial candidate Guillermo Lorenzo Tolentino Eleazar, former chief of the Philippine National Police. MindaNews photo by ANTONIO L. COLINA

"Any trees, plants, shrubs in any public grounds" should not be designated as common poster areas under the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Resolution No. 10730 dated November 17, 2021, he said.

He called on the poll body to ensure candidate's strict compliance with the regulations "considering the problems already plaguing our city."

He said most of these campaign materials will not be recovered by politicians and will likely end up in the landfill.

An environment group in Davao City has raised concern on the use of non-biodegradable materials in the election campaign. MindaNews photo by Carolyn O. Arguillas

Peñalver told local and national candidates to be "more responsible for their waste," "spare the trees" from their campaign materials because they can be detrimental to the condition of the trees, and collect their wastes after elections win or lose.

"We urge government agencies to champion much-needed policies and practices that will protect our environment from further degradation due to the political activities leading to the 2022 elections," he said.

He said numerous election materials can already be seen in many places following the start of the national campaign on February 8 but added he expected more plastic wastes once local campaign starts on March 25.

"Only a fraction is likely to be recycled. On top of spoiling the view, these advertisement banners installed every election made with plastic do not decay well when buried and release toxic materials into the air when burned. Like the illegally dumped wastes below the campaign materials, this type of waste is always left unattended," he said. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

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Plastic waste problem worsens amid election season

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DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 13 March) - Concerns over plastic waste pollution are mounting amid the election seaso as national and local candidates in the May 2022 elections invest heavily in non-biodegradable campaign materials like banners and tarpaulins, a Davao City-based environmental group said. Atty.

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URL: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1513761/pollution-costs-p4-5-trillion-66000-lives-every-year

TITLE: Pollution costs P4.5 trillion, 66,000 lives every year
AUTHOR: Krixia Subingsubing
DATE PUBLISHED: November 12, 2021
KEY INFO: “Air quality is not an abstract issue,” Suarez said. “Neglecting air pollution comes with a heavy bill in the form of increased health-care and welfare costs as well as loss of labor and economic productivity.”

Of the P4.5-trillion annual cost of ambient air pollution, 98 percent (P4.43 trillion) is lost on premature deaths that result in lost livelihoods and economic productivity.

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MANILA, Philippines - In a year, air pollution is costing the Philippines P4.5 trillion and causing tens of thousands of deaths, according to a new report assessing air quality since the implementation of the Clean Air Act 20 years ago.

The report, "Aiming Higher: Benchmarking the Philippine Clean Air Act," was launched on Wednesday by the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (Crea) and the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities. It shows the degree of Filipinos' exposure to air pollution and provides recommendations to improve the implementation of Republic Act No. 8749.

Among others, it examines the major sources of pollution in the country as well as domestic air quality policies to determine the health and economic impacts of air pollution.

Direct link

While the levels of two major pollutants-fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2)-have been falling since 2013, these are still consistently above the World Health Organization's (WHO) "safe levels" of ambient air pollution.

The report finds that about 66,000 premature deaths from noncommunicable diseases and lower respiratory infections each year are directly linked to pollution.

This is because the current air quality is equivalent to smoking at least one cigarette a day, said Crea analyst Isabella Suarez.

The detrimental health effects snowball into economic costs that affect the health care and labor systems, she said.

"Air quality is not an abstract issue," Suarez said. "Neglecting air pollution comes with a heavy bill in the form of increased health-care and welfare costs as well as loss of labor and economic productivity."

Of the P4.5-trillion annual cost of ambient air pollution, 98 percent (P4.43 trillion) is lost on premature deaths that result in lost livelihoods and economic productivity.

As much as P53 billion is lost on years lived with disabilities that lower quality of life and economic productivity, and P24.7 billion is lost to work absences of sickened employees.

Saving lives

"Improved air quality would save millions of lives and trillions of pesos," the report says. "If annual PM2.5 and NO2 ambient concentrations were improved to meet the 2005 WHO guidelines, the economic cost of ambient air pollution would decrease by 30 percent."

The report recommends that the government implement the Clean Air Act faster.

It notes that while sources of mobile, stationary and area emissions have increased since the year 2000, emission-control policies have not kept up.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources' Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) said it was working on initiatives, including a nationwide project to gather real-time data from industrial sources.

Seventy firms now have continuous emissions monitoring systems, of which a third are now connected to the EMB Air Quality Network Operation Center.

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Pollution costs P4.5 trillion, 66,000 lives every year

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MANILA, Philippines - In a year, air pollution is costing the Philippines P4.5 trillion and causing tens of thousands of deaths, according to a new report assessing air quality since the

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URL: https://www.healio.com/news/allergy-asthma/20220407/world-health-day-latest-articles-that-address-impact-of-climate-change-on-human-health

TITLE: World Health Day: Latest articles that address impact of climate change on human health
AUTHOR: Alexandra (Sasha) Todak

DATE PUBLISHED: April 07, 2022
KEY INFO: Because a polluted planet causes greater incidence of diseases such as cancer, asthma and heart disease — with 13 million deaths worldwide each year attributable to avoidable environmental causes, according to WHO estimates — the organization called for global attention and urgent actions to address planetary health. To acknowledge World Health Day, Healio compiled this list of the latest research on how climate change impacts human health and what clinicians can do to help address this issue.

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This year's World Health Day, a WHO campaign, focuses on the theme of "our planet, our health" to draw attention to ways in which the health of the planet affects human health and well-being.

Because a polluted planet causes greater incidence of diseases such as cancer, asthma and heart disease - with 13 million deaths worldwide each year attributable to avoidable environmental causes, according to WHO estimates - the organization called for global attention and urgent actions to address planetary health.

To acknowledge World Health Day, Healio compiled this list of the latest research on how climate change impacts human health and what clinicians can do to help address this issue.

WHO calls for action as unhealthy air quality impacts 99% of global population

As an announcement prior to World Health Day, WHO updated its air quality database to include ground measurements of annual mean concentrations of nitrogen dioxide, as well as measurements of particulate matter with diameters equal to or smaller than 10 m or 2.5 m. Read more.

Earlier, longer pollen seasons due to climate change expected to impact allergy, asthma

Study results show that increasing temperatures as part of climate change will lead to earlier and longer pollen seasons by the end of the century, impacting allergy and asthma outcomes. Read more.

Climate change cited as cause of recent increases in asthma, allergy prevalence

The effects of climate change may be responsible for recent increases in asthma and allergy disorder prevalence, spectrum and severity, Marc E. Rothenberg, MD, PhD, director of the division of allergy and immunology at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, wrote in an editorial published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Read more.

Climate change is progressing faster than expected, threatening human health

The environmental and societal impacts of climate change are progressing more rapidly than previously expected, nearing limits to what society can feasibly adapt to, according to a report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Read more.

Q&A: Allergists can take action to address the health impact of climate change

Healio spoke with Joy Hsu, MD, MSc, FAAAAI, a medical officer with the Asthma and Community Health Branch of the CDC's Division of Environmental Science and Practice at the National Center for Environmental Health, about a CDC report that outlines guidance and resources to help clinicians communicate with their patients to improve prevention and treatment strategies, mitigating the effects climate change may have on their health. Read more.

Switching to dry-powder inhaler cut carbon footprint without loss of asthma control

Patients with asthma who switched from a metered-dose inhaler to a dry-powder inhaler cut their inhaler carbon footprint by more than half, without loss of asthma control, according to data published in Thorax. Read more.

Air pollution levels linked to 16% of pediatric asthma cases globally

Combustion-related nitrogen dioxide pollution appeared to significantly contribute to pediatric asthma incidence globally, particularly in urban areas, according to data published in The Lancet Planetary Health. Read more.

Air pollution may impact timing of asthma seasons

The traditional calendar dates for spring, summer, winter and fall did not correlate with asthma seasons, which often are driven by air pollution, according to research conducted in South Carolina and published in PLOS One. Read more.

Ragweed pollen season worsens in Ukraine

Trends associated with global warming have made ragweed pollen seasons worse in Ukraine, according to a study presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting. Read more.

Climate change directly, indirectly impacts allergy, asthma outcomes

Climate change can affect the frequency and severity of asthma and allergies, especially among vulnerable populations, according to an article published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Read more.

Reference:

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World Health Day: Latest articles that address impact of climate change on human health

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This year’s World Health Day, a WHO campaign, focuses on the theme of “our planet, our health” to draw attention to ways in which the health of the planet affects human health and well-being.Because a polluted planet causes greater incidence of diseases such as cancer, asthma and heart disease - with 13 million deaths worldwide each year attributable to avoidable

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URL: https://issuu.com/ihme/docs/mcduffie-rr-210

TITLE: Global Burden of Disease from Major Air Pollution Sources (GBD MAPS): A Global Approach
AUTHOR: Erin McDuffle, Randal Martin, Hao Yin, and Michael Brauer
DATE PUBLISHED: December 2021
KEY INFO: Globally, the estimated population-weighted mean PM2.5 mass concentration in 2017 was 41.7 μg/m3. In this analysis, 91% of the world’s population lived in areas with annual average concentrations higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline of 10 μg/m3. Ambient PM2.5 exposure estimates were largest in countries throughout Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The top left panel of Figure 5 shows that the integration of these PM2.5 exposure estimates with the concentration–response relationships from the 2019 GBD resulted in an estimated 3.83 million attributable deaths worldwide in 2017 (95% UI: 2.72–4.97 million).

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Global Burden of Disease from Major Air Pollution Sources (GBD MAPS): A Global Approach

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Research Report 210 presents a study conducted by Dr. Erin McDuffie and Dr. Randall Martin of Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, Dr. Michael Brauer at The University of British Columbia in Canada, and colleagues. The investigators produced the first comprehensive global estimates of cont…

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URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBQbt6DCxWE

TITLE: Will clear skies prevail after the COVID-19 lockdown? | NXT
AUTHOR: ABS-CBN News

DATE PUBLISHED: May 16, 2020
KEY INFO: Photos of clear skies, breathtaking sunsets and Sierra Madre as a backdrop of the sprawling metropolis went viral just a week after the government suspended public transportation and non-essential businesses in an effort to curb the spread of the virus. By following in the footsteps of other nations battling the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippine government inadvertently helped reduce air pollution in Metro Manila. Just two weeks after the government’s so-called enhanced community quarantine, or ECQ, was imposed on March 16, various groups released data showing just how drastic the improvement in air quality was.

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Will clear skies prevail after the COVID-19 lockdown? | NXT

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URL: https://www.borgenmagazine.com/reducing-air-pollution/

TITLE:

How the Clean Air Task Force is Reducing Air Pollution

AUTHOR: Kyle Swingle

DATE PUBLISHED: MARCH 12, 2022
KEY INFO: GLENDALE, Arizona — The Clean Air Task Force dedicated 26 years to reducing air pollution through clean energy, energy replacements and removing super pollutants from the air. The process could help those in poverty as green energy could be more affordable than using gas and oil.

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GLENDALE, Arizona - The Clean Air Task Force dedicated 26 years to reducing air pollution through clean energy, energy replacements and removing super pollutants from the air. The process could help those in poverty as green energy could be more affordable than using gas and oil.

The History of the Clean Air Task Force

The Clean Air Task Force started in 1996 with a focus on reducing emission rates from coal power plants on the federal level in the United States. However, the Clean Air Task Force has realigned its mission to a global scale. It has been a partner of the Climate & Clean Air Coalition since 2012. The task force has been working to relieve air pollution through public advocacy leadership, partnership, research and analysis.

Current Plans with The Clean Air Task Force

The Clean Air Task Force designed the Global Methane Pledge, which EU President Ursula von der Leyen and President Joe Biden introduced and discussed. The pledge has 111 countries on board, which jointly are aiming to reduce methane emissions by at least 30% from 2020 to 2030. It also has plans to expand into the Middle East and North Africa and increase its presence in Asia and South America by helping with fuels containing zero-carbon.

The Global Methane Pledge

The Global Methane Pledge also plans to expand into countries that have agreed to the pledge and help them meet their agreement. Part of the goal of The Global Methane Pledge is also to prevent 8 gigatons of methane emissions annually by 2030 and onward. The commitments are voluntary, but the removal of a large amount of methane could help reduce air pollution around the world.

How Reducing Air Pollution Could Reduce Poverty

One of the Clean Air Task Force's plans for reducing air pollution is through carbon fuel substitutes including hydrogen and ammonia instead of natural gas and oil. The plans can reduce air pollutants and the price of fuel, which is essential for a sufficient fuel economy and benefits citizens from households to businesses. Experts believe green hydrogen is to become cheaper than natural gas by 2050, which can be beneficial to reducing carbon emissions and having a safe environment. Vehicle growth also continues as an economy grows, which limiting future fuel consumption with alternatives can be a cheaper alternative.

Carbon and methane emissions from burning fossil fuels can damage not just one person's health, but an entire country's wellbeing and safety of workers. The Public Health of England displays how methane appears in everyday household activities like cooking and heating, while also coming from waste disposal sites and animal waste. While the general public has very low levels of methane within the atmosphere from gas appliances, machines, cars or factories, exposure to methane can reduce the amount of available oxygen breathed in. Since oxygen is necessary for humans, methane gas can be very dangerous for human and animal health.

Looking Ahead

With the Global Methane Pledge, relieving air pollution by removing 8 gigatons of methane could drastically increase the health of citizens, especially those who must live in dangerous and often dirty conditions. A study from Harvard identified that even low amounts of air pollution can harm the health of a population. People affected with respiratory complications similar to asthma are at risk of future health issues when exposed to air pollution.

The Global Air Task Force is making a step in the right direction with the introduction of relieving air pollution and becoming global leaders in the fight against methane gas. The introduction of policies and countries following through with their agreements can benefit the world's fuel economy and air quality with a pledge.

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How the Clean Air Task Force is Reducing Air Pollution - BORGEN

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GLENDALE, Arizona - The Clean Air Task Force dedicated 26 years to reducing air pollution through clean energy, energy replacements and removing super pollutants from the air. The process could help those in poverty as green energy could be more affordable than using gas and oil.

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URL: https://www.denr.gov.ph/index.php/news-events/press-releases/2142-denr-reports-lower-air-pollution-levels-in-2021-new-year-revelries

TITLE: DENR REPORTS LOWER AIR POLLUTION LEVELS IN 2021 NEW YEAR REVELRIES

AUTHOR:  Department of Environment and Natural Resources

DATE PUBLISHED: January 2, 2021
KEY INFO: “This attests to the correctness of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s interest to put a nationwide total ban on firecrackers which I believe clearly speaks not only for the President’s strong policy agenda for health and safety, but for sound environmental governance as well,” Cimatu said. The highest NYE percentage drop recorded are the stations in Naval St., Navotas City with 99 percent from 209 to 1.34 ug/Ncm; Oranbo, Pasig City, 95 percent (130 to 7 ug/Ncm); Bicutan, Taguig City, 78 percent (355 to 79 ug/Ncm); Marikina Justice Hall open compound, Marikina City, 34 percent (189 to 124 ug/Ncm); Caloocan City Hall Annex, Caloocan City, 29 percent (332 to 235 ug/Ncm); Only the station in Don Bosco Barangay Hall Compound, Paranaque City showed a 21-percent increase from 62 to 75 ug/Ncm.

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The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recorded a substantial reduction in air pollution levels in the first day of 2021 in Metro Manila by as much as 59 percent compared to pollution levels recorded last year.

DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu cited the support of Metro Manila local executives and residents to the government's effective implementation of Executive Order 28 which limits the use of firecrackers to "community fireworks display" which has been in effect since 2017.

An average concentration of 87 micrograms per normal cubic meter (ug/Ncm) of Particulate Matter (PM 10) was obtained by DENR-Environmental Management based on the measured data between 12 midnight of December 31, 2020 to January 1, 2021 from its six air quality monitoring stations (AQMS) in Caloocan, Marikina, Navotas, Pasig, Parañaque and Taguig cities.

Last year, the six AQMS yielded an average of 213 ug/Ncm, thereby accounting for a 59-average percent drop compared to its New Year's Eve (NYE) data in January 1, 2020

"This attests to the correctness of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's interest to put a nationwide total ban on firecrackers which I believe clearly speaks not only for the President's strong policy agenda for health and safety, but for sound environmental governance as well," Cimatu said.

The highest NYE percentage drop recorded are the stations in Naval St., Navotas City with 99 percent from 209 to 1.34 ug/Ncm; Oranbo, Pasig City, 95 percent (130 to 7 ug/Ncm); Bicutan, Taguig City, 78 percent (355 to 79 ug/Ncm); Marikina Justice Hall open compound, Marikina City, 34 percent (189 to 124 ug/Ncm); Caloocan City Hall Annex, Caloocan City, 29 percent (332 to 235 ug/Ncm);

Only the station in Don Bosco Barangay Hall Compound, Paranaque City showed a 21-percent increase from 62 to 75 ug/Ncm.

PM10 in firecrackers are mainly coming from residuals of the explosive powders wrapped in paper which consists of a mixture of sulfur (S), carbon (C), and potassium nitrate (saltpeter, KNO3) and other fine minerals which contains heavy metals. The short-term limit for PM10 is 150 ug/Ncm under the National Ambient Air Quality Guideline Value (NAAQGV) of Republic Act 8749 or the Clean Air Act.

Likewise, the EMB report noted that "the NYE 2021 have significantly lower concentrations of PM2.5 compared to the NYE 2020," particularly for its station at the Muntinlupa Bilibid open ground in Muntinlupa City which posted a maximum concentration of 12 ug/Ncm between 12 midnight to 2 AM of January 1, 2021. The reading accounts for a 43-percent drop from 22 ug/Ncm obtained for the same period in last year.

The report however noted its Manila City Station measured a high of 93.5 ug/Ncm around 1 AM of January 1, 2021 from a reading of 40.9 ug/Ncm at 11 pm of December 31, 2020. The short-term limit for PM2.5 is 35 ug/Ncm under the NAAQGV of DENR Administrative Order 2020-14 dated Oct. 21, 2020.

These are attributed to "the strict measures being implemented" by Metro Manila Mayors under Metro Manila Development Authority Resolution No. 20-17 "Prohibiting Individual and Household Use of Firecrackers and Other Pyrotechnic Devices During General Community Quarantine".

Compared to PM10, PM2.5 pollutants are finer particles usually emitted by vehicles and burning plants.

These particles can reach the lungs when inhaled, leading to respiratory and circulatory diseases, including brain damage and cancer. ###

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DENR reports lower air pollution levels in 2021 New Year revelries

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The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recorded a substantial reduction in air pollution levels in the first day of 2021 in Metro Manila by as much as 59 percent compared to pollution levels recorded last year. DENR Secretary Roy A.

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URL: https://earthjournalism.net/stories/health-experts-in-the-philippines-lead-the-fight-against-dirty-air

TITLE: Health experts in the Philippines lead the fight against dirty air
AUTHOR: Imelda V. Abano

DATE PUBLISHED: June 4, 2019
KEY INFO: Air pollution is one of the biggest health emergencies in the Asia-Pacific region, with the Philippines recording 45.3 air pollution-related deaths for every 100,000 people – the third-highest in the world, according to a 2018 study by the World Health Organization. China ranks #1 with 81.5 recorded deaths followed by Mongolia with 48.8. Those deaths are tied to fine particles in polluted air that penetrate deep into peoples’ lungs and cardiovascular systems, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and respiratory infections, such as pneumonia.

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MANILA -- Alarmed by the worsening impacts of air pollution in this country of more than 108 million people, health experts in the Philippines are pushing for the stricter enforcement of laws on clean air and environmental protection to tackle the challenges they pose to public health.
A view of a smog-choked Manila during sunset / Credit: Nonie Villanueva via Flickr
Air pollution is one of the biggest health emergencies in the Asia-Pacific region, with the Philippines recording 45.3 air pollution-related deaths for every 100,000 people - the third-highest in the world, according to a 2018 study by the World Health Organization. China ranks #1 with 81.5 recorded deaths followed by Mongolia with 48.8.

Those deaths are tied to fine particles in polluted air that penetrate deep into peoples' lungs and cardiovascular systems, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and respiratory infections, such as pneumonia.

Around 2.2 million of the world's 7 million premature deaths due to household and ambient air pollution are recorded each year in the Western Pacific Region, which includes the Philippines, the WHO study showed.

Paeng Lopez, a health energy campaigner at Health Care Without Harm Asia, said the Philippines needs to revisit government measures such as the Clean Air Act that were designed to address the problem and its causes.

"Air pollution is still a problem. Waste management is still a problem," Lopez said. "We need to beat air pollution and address waste issues at the same time, as pollutants [are] being emitted, for instance, by burning piles of trash in the open."

The Philippines Clean Air Act of 1999 outlines the government's measures to reduce air pollution and incorporate environmental protection into its development plans, while the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act enacted in 2000 has provisions mandating for solid waste reduction and waste minimization measures, such as recycling, composting, re-use and other methods of waste disposal.

In recent years, however, the environmental department came out with an order that allows cement manufacturers to burn mixed waste to use as an alternative fuel in their facilities, Lopez said. And the government is now coming up with waste-to-energy guidelines that allow waste management facilities to circumvent a ban on waste burning.

"The government needs to implement, level up and improve the standard these laws set," Lopez said, referring to the clean air and waste management acts.

His organization is part of a global initiative aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of the health care sector by promoting energy efficiency, waste management and use of safer chemicals.

Another organization working in the Philippines, the Healthcare for Clean Air Alliance, aims to highlight the health impacts of air pollution by pushing for the strict implementation of laws against air pollutants and helping improve the country's air-quality monitoring standards.

Formed in 2018 and composed of health and environmental advocates, doctors, students and government agencies, the alliance is using a series of environmental campaigns to frame air pollution not just as an environmental problem but also as a health menace.

Efforts to curtail the Philippines' dirty air must come with a strategy to establish the urgency of the issue, said Jonathan Jadloc, chair of the Philippine College of Physicians' Advocacy Committee on Climate Change, which has recently started working with the government to improve education in the health sector and among the public of the problem.

"While many sectors are taking action, there is still a need to do more," Jadloc said.

He suggested identifying the local sources of air pollution and increasing the awareness of its existence, intensifying campaigns for alternative clean sources of energy, encouraging the active involvement of health people and agencies, strengthening organizations working on pollution issues and, finally, urging the government to strengthen and implement existing laws regulating air pollution.

"The role of the health community is pivotal to make the adverse of coal and burning of fossil fuels known to the public," he added.

The true burden of air pollution

One of the major causes of air pollution is coal-fired power plants, Jadloc noted. And pollution from coal burning and coal storage is linked to various respiratory diseases.

According to a joint study conducted by Greenpeace Philippines and Harvard University in 2016, coal-fired power plants expose everyone in the Philippines to toxic pollution, resulting in hundreds of premature deaths every year. The study also shows that coal accounts for 43 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions released annually from fossil fuel combustion, with 28 percent emitted from coal-fired power plants.

Based on the latest statistics from the Philippine Department of Energy (DOE), coal comprises 44.5 percent of the country's energy mix. As of July 2016, there were 30 coal-operating contracts in the development and production phase, 48 coal operating contracts in the exploration phase and 83 small-scale coal mining operators.
Aerial view of Manila on a clearer day / Credit: Imelda V. Abano
While the country is aiming to scale back its use of coal, the DOE stated in its 2016-2030 Philippine Energy Plan that coal will continue to form part of the country's energy mix, contributing a 22.7 percent share both for power and non-power use.

Coal is also used as the baseload to supply the country's growing electricity demand, with the DOE's energy plan stating the department will continue to work on expanding the country's domestic coal resource potential of around 2.53 billion metric tons.

"We need to divest our dependence from coal, and this can only be made possible by political will backed up with solid engineering and scientific solutions to source out more power from alternative sources like hydro, tidal, geothermal, wind and solar," Jadloc said.

Improving air quality while fighting climate change

Climate Change Commission Secretary Emmanuel de Guzman said the Philippines has included reducing short-lived climate pollutants, such as black carbon and methane, in the national planning process as well as in the country's system for measurement, reporting and validation for carbon emissions.

He said the government will also strive to achieve and maintain air quality guidelines and emission standards through the stricter implementation of the Philippine Clean Air Act.

In addition, the government is adopting fuel and vehicle standards set by the European Union to reduce levels of harmful vehicle emissions and is working on the rapid deployment of electric vehicles, De Guzman said. It's enhancing mitigating measures for emissions from agriculture and is shifting toward renewable energy in an effort to limit global warming to below 1.5 degrees Celsius as is called for in the Paris climate change agreement.

"Climate change should be an urgent public health issue as it poses a major health threat to people due to worsening air pollution and illnesses," said De Guzman. "It is, therefore, crucial to address this if the world is to achieve the Paris Agreement's 1.5 degrees Celsius temperature goal."

A new effort to partner with the health community could help advance public awareness.

In February, the Climate Change Commission signed an agreement with the health sector through the Philippine College of Physicians to develop a climate change curriculum and tackle public health challenges in 54 medical schools, tertiary health courses and conduct residency trainings in hospitals.

"Our climate change advocacy has gone a long way now in terms of bringing climate change and health issues such as air pollution into hospitals, clinics and health education," Jadloc said. "Our partnership with the Commission is another challenge for us to address climate change and advance public health in the country."
Imelda V. Abano is EJN's Content Coordinator for the Philippines

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Health experts in the Philippines lead the fight against dirty air

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Alarmed by the worsening impacts of air pollution in a region where the number of pollution-related deaths has become a public health emergency, experts in the Philippines are pushing for the stricter enforcement of laws on clean air and environmental protection.

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URL: https://www.greenpeace.org/philippines/press/9763/new-report-shows-air-pollution-levels-up-as-metro-manila-enters-gcq/

TITLE: New report shows air pollution levels up as NCR enters GCQ
AUTHOR: Greenpeace Philippines

DATE PUBLISHED: June 3, 2020
KEY INFO: “Air pollution doesn’t have to be an inescapable reality. The ECQ gave Filipino citizens a glimpse of what cities can be like with healthy, clean air. It also showed us that air pollution can be solved without sacrificing people’s access to mobility,” said Greenpeace campaigner Rhea Jane Pescador-Mallari. “Moving forward, if the government is willing to use the opportunities and lessons learned from the pandemic and amplify it through policies and infrastructure, active mobility and micro mobility, as well as invest in efficient and safe mass public transport, then a return to the massive pollution levels before COVID-19 can be avoided.”

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Greenpeace, CREA call for measures to ensure post-COVID recovery safeguards air quality

Quezon City-Air pollution levels have rebounded in the National Capital Region with the return of fossil fuel reliant transport and industry, a new report [1] released on World Bicycle Day today by Greenpeace and the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) shows.

The groups are calling for the immediate adoption of measures that would safeguard the air quality in cities and municipalities-noting that while the restriction of movement during the ECQ was largely responsible for the improved air quality in the past 10 weeks, stringent policies and better city and mobility planning will, moving forward after the pandemic, truly address Metro Manila's transportation emissions problem and improve its air quality.

"Air pollution doesn't have to be an inescapable reality. The ECQ gave Filipino citizens a glimpse of what cities can be like with healthy, clean air. It also showed us that air pollution can be solved without sacrificing people's access to mobility," said Greenpeace campaigner Rhea Jane Pescador-Mallari. "Moving forward, if the government is willing to use the opportunities and lessons learned from the pandemic and amplify it through policies and infrastructure, active mobility and micro mobility, as well as invest in efficient and safe mass public transport, then a return to the massive pollution levels before COVID-19 can be avoided."

The Special Report on Managing Air Quality Beyond COVID-19 reveals that pollution levels in Metro Manila have been steadily increasing since the beginning of May, as industries restart and cities that have major connecting highways reportedly began seeing more vehicles on the road. The report compiles data of two major air pollutants that are emitted from fossil fuel combustion: nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Analysis of these two pollutants from March 15 to May 15, 2020 shows an initial and dramatic drop in air pollutant concentrations at the beginning of the lockdown, and the gradual rebound during the MECQ. With the metropolis shifting to looser restrictions on travel and other activities under the general community quarantine (GCQ) starting June 1, a return to smog and pollution levels prior to the ECQ may not be far behind.

While the report looks at the entire Metro Manila, it gives closer examination to the air quality in seven major cities in the metropolis (Makati, Pasig, Manila, Quezon, Marikina, San Juan, and Caloocan), to show that the rebound trends are consistent across the capital. Detailed analysis[2] shows that levels of NO2 and PM2.5 drastically diminished within the first two weeks of ECQ (with the exception of Caloocan). Quezon City and Manila saw the highest reductions of the six. Although the metro's overall air quality remained much improved compared to previous years, the air quality gains are now sliding back in all these cities. This change is expected as the country remains heavily reliant on highly polluting fossil fuel energy sources across all sectors.

NO2 and PM2.5 are linked to severe respiratory and cardiovascular health illnesses. Exposure to high levels of air pollution affects the body's natural defenses against airborne viruses and increases vulnerability to COVID-19 [3]. Short-lived climate pollutants, such as black carbon (a component of particulate matter) and methane, also accelerate global warming and glacial melt [4]. Air pollution further threatens food and water systems, reducing sunlight that reaches plants and crops and even affecting the trajectory and intensity of monsoons, which impact on our food producers and the country's food security. Greenpeace says that these sectors most impacted by the climate emergency are also the sectors hardest hit by the effects of the pandemic, thus the immediate need for green and just recovery measures.

The report recommends recovery efforts that prioritize clean energy sources, green transportation options, and enhanced micro mobility around localities, to keep air pollution at manageable levels and to reduce the compounding risks to human lives and livelihoods brought about by the health and climate crises [5].

"Our recommendations capitalize on opportunities for environmental, economic and social development in the short and long term, with efforts across local and national governments and the private sector. The 'better normal' must be imaginative, and better air quality must be a part of it." said CREA analyst Isabella Suarez.

"As epicenters of growth, cities need to provide an environment that puts in high premium the health and wellness of both people and the planet. Solving air pollution, particularly from fossil fuels, is not only good for people's health, it is also a solution to the climate crisis. At the local level, addressing air pollution is a key aspect of making cities livable and sustainable. At the national level, it means addressing the climate crisis while helping build climate resilient communities," said Mallari.

Notes:
[1] The full report is available here: Special Report - Managing Air Quality beyond COVID-19.
[2] The report gives detailed air quality trends for seven cities in Metro Manila. 1. Caloocan did not see drastically diminished N02 and PM2.5 because the main roads are utilized for trucking and delivery of goods which remained operational during the ECQ; 2. Highest reductions in QC and Manila were due mainly to the closing of schools and recreational activities like malls and the presence of urban forests and green spaces; 3. Rebounds that are largest in Pasig and Makati (>75%) because of the opening of business and hence increasing travel of the working class.
[3] https://energyandcleanair.org/publications/how-air-pollution-worsens-the-covid-19-pandemic/
[4] https://www.ccacoalition.org/en/content/why-we-need-act-now
[5] The report's recommendations include:
* Maintaining flexible remote work arrangements or staggered work shifts, where possible;
* People-centric urban design, where public spaces should be planned in parallel with the establishment of mobility programs;
* Rebuilding trust in mass transit and supporting displaced transportation workers, possibly with LGU-centric green mobility services;
* low-cost, active and carbon-neutral transport options that enable micro-mobility;
* Tightening vehicle emission standards from Euro 2 to 4 to 6, and implementing accordingly;
* Developing capabilities for real-time monitoring of dangerous pollutants in cities;
* Strengthening industrial air pollution standards and wider adoption of renewable energy.

Media contacts:
Rhea Jane Pescador-Mallari, Campaigner, Greenpeace Southeast Asia - Philippines, +63 949 992 8770, [email protected]

JP Agcaoili, Communications Manager, Greenpeace Southeast Asia - Philippines, +63 949 889 1334, [email protected]

Isabella Suarez, Analyst, Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air - Philippines, +63 917 314 6663, [email protected]

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New report shows air pollution levels up as NCR enters GCQ - Greenpeace Philippines

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Greenpeace, CREA call for measures to ensure post-COVID recovery safeguards air quality Quezon City-Air pollution levels have rebounded in the National Capital Region with the return of fossil fuel reliant transport and industry, a new report [1] released on World Bicycle Day today by Greenpeace and the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) shows.

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URL: https://www.dlsu.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/pdf/conferences/research-congress-proceedings/2016/GRC/GRC-SEE-I-001.pdf

TITLE:  An Air Quality Risk Evaluation Method for Metro Manila using Spatial Analytic Hierarchy Process
AUTHOR: Maria Lorna N. Siador and Michael Angelo

DATE PUBLISHED:  March 9, 2016
KEY INFO: Air pollution and health has been jointly studied for years and their correlation have been proven in the literature. In this regard, the Philippine government is regularly quantifying air quality pollutants for legislation and policy making. Currently, the reported values are only in terms of concentration and pollutant loading. To establish a better model for health risk, two parameters are combined – hazard and exposure indices. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique coupled with Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to derive the composite score for the risk index. The hazard index evaluated the mitigating strategies of the government in terms of source (mobile, stationary, and area sources) and pollutant loading (SOx, NOx, and PM). The 450 policy scenario projected emission values and was used as reference value for hazard index. A value for exposure index was achieved by considering the location sensitivity, population density, and population sensitivity. Risk matrix was used to combine the indices and this model was applied to cities of Metro Manila.

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URL: https://www.facebook.com/urbantree302/?__cft__[0]=AZXN69foayS_moO-j9QCJ-mVRTa-RnK5a2hWye1W4YPYb9ENxHygJ6gw9bFyvfIu3eHvOORN1Y4nxedr-bu79TcvE9DebVI-qJW7v5XMJaAWhznrCZ13zkUOiQlYtPr_Ic1nL7qtUtA6pe59nV5eJqHC&__tn__=-UC%2CP-R

TITLE: “They don’t air about us.”

DATE PUBLISHED: April 01, 2022
AUTHOR: Urban Tree Huggers
KEY INFO: Did you also know that we have RA 8749 or the Clean Air Act (CAA)? The CAA is an environmental law that focuses on reducing air pollution in the Philippines. It was passed on June 23, 1999, but remains relevant today. It has many highlights and good practices, but over the years, it has been found to be not exactly airtight. It contains many problems, especially with regard to its implementation.

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Urban Tree Huggers, Cebu City, Philippines. 230 likes · 195 talking about this. Environmental Conservation Organization

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URL: https://www.goodnewspilipinas.com/greenpeace-adarna-house-childrens-book-educate-about-plastic-problems/

TITLE: Greenpeace, Adarna House children’s book educate about plastic problems

AUTHOR: Io Carpiso

DATE PUBLISHED: January 18, 2020
KEY INFO: The illustrations, made by Manila-based freelancer Jill Arteche, were made to catch the eye. Arteche says that it was a deliberate decision to contrast the colorful home of Pawikan with a darker, blearier “basuratown” to show the tragedy of the situation, and the situation is nothing less than tragic as nearly half a million tons of plastic waste from the country ends up in the ocean. This is the first book she’s illustrated for Adarna House.

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Greenpeace, Adarna House children’s book educate about plastic problems

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Philippine publishing company Adarna House has collaborated with Greenpeace Southeast Asia to release a picture book about ocean plastic pollution titled “Bayan ng Basura”.

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URL: https://interaksyon.philstar.com/trends-spotlights/2021/03/23/188184/ang-huling-plastic-documentary-tackles-impact-of-plastic-crisis-to-communities/

TITLE: ‘Ang Huling Plastic’ documentary tackles impact of plastic crisis to communities
AUTHOR: Catalina Ricci S. Madarang

DATE PUBLISHED: March 23, 2021
KEY INFO: “In the end, Ang Huling Plastic aims to spread awareness, spark discussion, and inspire its audience to make change…and demand change! Because for us to see the last of single-use plastics, it might take nothing short of a revolution to get it done,” it added. Moreover, the project also discussed how the novel coronavirus pandemic contributed to the problem, citing the improper disposal of face masks, shields and even delivery packaging. “As the global situation continues, the more likely it is that the gains of previous years will be erased as PPEs, disposable medical equipment, and take-out and delivery packaging, mostly made of plastic, become necessities in the new normal. It is, then, important to remind ourselves—Filipinos particularly (in a country with the longest lockdown)—that this problem continues to exist, and that we should continue to make space for it in our advocacies,” the organization said.

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An environmental group on Monday launched a documentary that raises awareness on the impact of single-use plastic products to communities, particularly the urban poor.

Titled " Ang Huling Plastic," Greenpeace Philippines collaborated with RA Rivera and GMA TV comedians Maey Bautista and Betong Sumaya to produce the full-length documentary film.

The documentary was divided into five chapters where viewers are presented with an in-depth look at the consequences of plastic pollution in different populated areas in Metro Manila over the years.

" From the sanctuary-turned-dredges of Freedom Island in Manila Bay to the monstrous garbage patch in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, this film examines how gravely plastic, as a material, has changed the world," the environmental group said.

The documentary film also included conversations on possible solutions for the environmental crisis.

"In the end, Ang Huling Plastic aims to spread awareness, spark discussion, and inspire its audience to make change...and demand change! Because for us to see the last of single-use plastics, it might take nothing short of a revolution to get it done," it added.

Moreover, the project also discussed how the novel coronavirus pandemic contributed to the problem, citing the improper disposal of face masks, shields and even delivery packaging.

"As the global situation continues, the more likely it is that the gains of previous years will be erased as PPEs, disposable medical equipment, and take-out and delivery packaging, mostly made of plastic, become necessities in the new normal. It is, then, important to remind ourselves-Filipinos particularly (in a country with the longest lockdown)-that this problem continues to exist, and that we should continue to make space for it in our advocacies," the organization said.

Greenpeace Campaigner Marian Ledesma said that the documentary offers the perspectives of common Filipinos who are directly affected by the impact of plastic pollution.

"The film is a unique look at the plastic crisis, offering the perspective of Filipinos, while revealing the problems at different points of plastic's life cycle and exposing the roots of the issue. It's not just an educational exercise, but something that will spark ideas for solutions and deeper discussions on the necessary systems change," said Ledesma.

Rivera shared the same observation, citing the importance of educating the public about this problem.

"I think even with the COVID-19 pandemic still present, we should educate the people on how to solve the problem. Information is really the key since there are very limited avenues to discuss the issue. We need more educational materials, more discussions, and hopefully more legislation that will address it," the director said.

To help reach more viewers, it encouraged others to host screenings to their communities through a form on its Facebook page.

"If you wish to host a screening of the documentary in your communities, please submit your request through this form: act.gp/ahpscreening," the group said.

Greenpeace premiered the documentary film on March 22, coinciding with the observance of World Water Day.

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'Ang Huling Plastic' documentary tackles impact of plastic crisis to communities

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An environmental group on Monday launched a documentary that raises awareness on the impact of single-use plastic products to communities, particularly the urban poor. Titled " Ang Huling Plastic," Greenpeace Philippines collaborated with RA Rivera and GMA TV comedians Maey Bautista and Betong Sumaya to produce the full-length documentary film.

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URL: https://www.flipscience.ph/podcast/ask-theory-podcast-067-air-pollution-1-everlyn-gayle-tamayo/

TITLE: Ask Theory Podcast Ep. 67: Gaano Na Ba Kalala Ang Air Pollution Sa Pilipinas?

AUTHOR: With Everlyn Gayle Tamayo

DATE PUBLISHED: March 27, 2022
KEY INFO: We talked about the status and risks of air pollution in the Philippines, claims that “the Earth is healing during the pandemic,” the concept of just transition, challenges in PH air quality management, involving the public in environmental issues, and more.

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URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxFrcIqQCYk

TITLE: Pollution In The Philippines

AUTHOR: Envirotech Education

DATE PUBLISHED: Jul 21, 2019
KEY INFO: The environmental impact on the world from us is astonishingly bad. This is a small sample of mankind polluting our natural and beautiful environment. Many areas of the Philippines have still been neglected in the movement to better out future. Just because the surface looks pristine, (which is most commonly an illusion for tourists) does not mean all those years of neglected rubbish suddenly diminish. This ends up in our oceans or put into the ground later to inadvertently destroy this world. With more awareness to the impact of our environment we could slowly change and better our inevitable future.