Asia Tackling Air Pollution through Partnerships

HONG KONG, CHINA (23 December 2002) - More than half of the world's population lives in Asian cities, where the cumulative effects of a growing number of vehicles, low fuel quality, poorly maintained vehicles, and industrial growth have resulted in serious levels of air pollution.

The health consequences are considerable: 20-30% of all respiratory diseases are caused by air pollution.

To tackle this issue, air quality specialists and researchers from around the world are strengthening collaboration on urban air quality management. One major step forward was the formation of the Clean Air Initiative for Asian Cities (CAI-Asia), launched by ADB and the World Bank as a multi-stakeholder alliance to assist Asian countries in efforts to reduce air pollution.

The membership includes 20 major Asian cities, national government agencies responsible for air quality management, leading research institutions, and key companies such as Ford and Shell.

The philosophy of CAI-Asia is to promote and demonstrate innovative ways - through sharing experiences and building partnerships with cities, government agencies, the private sector, nongovernment organizations (NGOs), academia and development agencies - to improve air quality and the overall quality of life in cities.

CAI-Asia, in cooperation with Hong Kong Polytechnic University and other international organizations and private companies, organized last week's Regional Workshop on Better Air Quality in Asian and Pacific Rim Cities 2002, in Hong Kong, China, to discuss the status of air quality management and draw up recommendations on viable solutions.

The workshop was designed to build on regional and city experiences and encourage networking by bringing together air quality specialists, experts, and policymakers from across the region.

"It has been very useful for experts from all over Asia to come together to discuss the issues and share best practices," says Charles Melhuish, ADB Senior Transport Specialist and member of the workshop organizing committee. "This knowledge-sharing will go a long way in improving air quality improvement projects throughout the region."

Six sub-workshops helped in the exchange of ideas and to generate practical recommendations for cleaning the air. They covered strategic air quality management in Asian cities, air quality monitoring, stationary and mobile sources of pollution, institutional arrangements for air quality management, and climate change.

"The participants were keen to have this opportunity for collaboration," says Dr. Wing-tat Hung of Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the main organizer on the Hong Kong side.

"They are seeking solutions for their cities and have managed to get information on successful examples from other countries. It will definitely strengthen partnerships."

Also introduced to Asia during the workshop was the Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles, which was launched during the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg.

The Partnership is a global initiative to address vehicular air pollution, developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency, which is working together with CAI-Asia to advance its goals in Asia.

It will focus on two priority areas

• the elimination of lead in gasoline and the reduction of sulfur in diesel and gasoline
• cleaner vehicle technologies that require lower sulfur and lead-free fuels.

It will bring together governments, industry, and NGOs to implement these efforts.

Lead is widely recognized as an extremely harmful toxin, especially to children under the age of 6, who can suffer from mental development problems and lower IQ levels when exposed. Leaded gasoline has been eliminated in 85%-90% of the fuel used worldwide, but there are still 88 countries that allow its use. The Partnership will focus on these countries to eliminate leaded gasoline.

Sulfur is also harmful to health and high levels in fuel prevent the use of new vehicle technologies and advanced emission control devices. Once sulfur levels in fuel are reduced, these technologies can reduce emissions of nitrogen and sulfur oxides, particulates, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons.

The stakeholders involved in the Partnership will work with developing countries in Asia to help develop action plans to eliminate leaded gasoline and reduce the levels of sulfur in diesel and gasoline.

They also support the development and adoption of cleaner fuel standards and vehicle requirements. The Partnership will develop public outreach materials and conduct education programs, and awareness campaigns.

The current membership includes automobile and engine manufacturers, oil companies, environmental NGOs, international organizations, and 16 countries.