Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and PM2.5 are the answers to determining air quality and are intricately connected to major cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. It has been scientifically verified that being in contact with these contaminants negatively impacts the body's natural immunity systems versus viruses and COVID-19. Due to its minuscule size, PM2.5 particles are unsafe. They can effortlessly surpass the body's natural immune system and get into the lungs with that minuscule size. They enter the lungs and move to the base of the bronchial tubes, where they become trapped in the alveoli. A body has millions of air sacs that swap oxygen for carbon dioxide (Manila Air Quality Index (AQI) and Philippines Air Pollution | IQAir, 2022).

        On the contrary, the Philippines employed more ecological public service vehicles like E-Jeepneys and E-tricycles. Jeepneys and other Public Service Vehicles 15 years old or older are slowly being discontinued in place of more sustainable and ecologically friendly Euro 4 certified vehicles (Manila Air Quality Index (AQI) and Philippines Air Pollution | IQAir, 2022). The E-Jeepney, which operates entirely on electricity, does not require any fossil fuels; thus, it produces no toxic pollutants. It features an eco-friendly design and an ultra-quiet motor that can travel 120 kilometers on an eight-hour charge (Solaready PH, 2018).

Air pollution, lead contact, exposure to other toxins, hazardous waste exposure, including inappropriate e-waste disposal, all result in life-altering illnesses, unfavorable living conditions, and ecosystem destruction. In addition to hindering economic growth and considerably accelerating climate change, pollution also worsens poverty and inequality in both urban and rural areas. The most discomfort is always experienced by the poor, who cannot manage to protect themselves against pollution's harmful effects. The main environmental factor contributing to sickness and early mortality is pollution. And over 11 million early deaths are a result of pollution. That represents many more fatalities than those caused by AIDS, TB, and malaria put together.

Another UN SDG that has been selected is SDG 6, which talks about the advantages of having access to water, sanitation, and hygiene. The most immediate benefit of having access is that it satisfies the physical demand for a source of clean drinking water. But having access to clean water is simply the beginning; proper sanitation and hygienic habits are also necessary for its full utilization. Other development objectives, such as the eradication of poverty and hunger, the lowering of disparities, the improvement of health and well-being, and the reduction of inequities, all depend on access to water, sanitation, and hygiene. Additionally, it has significant wider socioeconomic effects, especially on women and girls.

Appropriate funding is required for water and sanitation systems that not only strengthen the local economy but also help communities become more resilient and prosperous. To reduce the water deficit curve, proper water supply allocation and management are also required. The large percentage of the effects of disasters and climate change can be avoided. It also has accessible primary preventative measures, like drainage systems, dams, and dikes, just like flooding. Typhoon damage was made worse by poor drainage and issues with rubbish disposal. Population growth in the vicinity of waterways has impacted water flow and made maintenance more difficult. Additionally, solid waste and litter, primarily made of plastic, are constantly clogging pumping station entrances and rivers. Population growth and urban congestion, where a sizeable portion of people live in poor neighborhoods that are particularly susceptible to flooding, are socioeconomic difficulties that exacerbate climate and disaster risks. Near rivers, many communities reside in subpar homes.

As per day COVID-19 cases averaged below 1,000 in March, the areas of the main Luzon Island and Metro Manila, which make up roughly 70% of the GDP, were moved to the least number of pandemic restrictions. Now, companies and public transportation are permitted to run at full capacity. Since February, the administration has allowed all internationally vaccinated visitors back into the nation. As the services sector generates 60% of GDP, this should increase tourism and jobs there, according to the report

As to help the accomplishment of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, UNEP is dedicated to collaborating with all parties involved (SDGs). In order to attain the SDGs and maintain the wellbeing of our world, we advocate for environmental sustainability. We seek to guarantee that the environment is aligned in with all different aspects of sustainable development, and we do this by strengthening nations' capacities to monitor their progress toward the goals.

Supplying more useful data regarding the emergency warning system (EWS). The earlier EWS merely monitored a small number of variables and had few sensors. PfR created a "no-regrets" action plan by giving more comprehensive data than only water level, such as prediction and modeling data. As a result, people's attitudes toward flooding began to shift from passive acceptance to proactive risk reduction. Since many Metro Manila residents have been subject to flooding since they were young, they have become accustomed to receiving flood warnings. The PfR's overarching objective was to provide people with the knowledge and tools necessary to prevent flood damage rather than just respond to it when it occurs. According to the program, it is difficult to change urban mindsets like this and requires multifaceted strategies.

Develop a comprehensive national program to mitigate air pollution that will be carried out by the government through dynamic optimization and activity synchronization and proper delegation of duties; promote cooperation and self-regulation among citizens and industries through the use of incentives and market-based instruments; place more emphasis on pollution prevention than on control; and provide for a comprehensive management program on air pollution. The establishment of a finance or guarantee structure for clean-up, environmental rehabilitation, and compensation for individual damages are all included in this.

As to help the accomplishment of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, UNEP is dedicated to collaborating with all parties involved (SDGs). In order to attain the SDGs and maintain the wellbeing of our world, we advocate for environmental sustainability. We seek to guarantee that the environment is aligned with all different aspects of sustainable development, and we do this by strengthening nations' capacities to monitor their progress toward the goals.

Manila Population 2022. (2022). Worldpopulationreview.com. https://worldpopulationreview.com/world-cities/manila-population

Goal 11 | Department of Economic and Social Affairs. (2022). Un.org. https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal11

‌Cariaso, B. (2022, September 16). Air pollution worsen in Metro Manila. The Manila Times; The Manila Times. https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/09/17/news/national/air-pollution-worsen-in-metro-manila/1858700

‌Solaready PH. (2018, July 19). E-jeepney: the greener way to get around. Solareadyph. https://www.solaready.ph/post/e-jeepney-the-greener-way-to-get-around

van Emmerik, T., van Klaveren, J., Meijer, L. J. J., Krooshof, J. W., Palmos, D. A. A., & Tanchuling, M. A. (2020). Manila River Mouths Act as Temporary Sinks for Macroplastic Pollution. Frontiers in Marine Science, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.545812

World. (2019, March 22). Water shortage in the Philippines threatens sustainable development and health. Who.int; World Health Organization: WHO. https://www.who.int/philippines/news/feature-stories/detail/water-shortage-in-the-philippines-threatens-sustainable-development-and-health

7 New Technologies That Create Clean Water for a Thirsty World - Goodnet. (2019, March 21). Goodnet. https://www.goodnet.org/articles/7-new-technologies-that-create-clean-water-for-thirsty-world

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