YET again, Metro Manilans, some 13 million of the country’s population of 117 million, wake up and told that air pollution in the rising megapolis consistently exceeds global safety standards, exposing the residents to serious health risks.
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels are often several times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended limits, according to multiple sources monitoring the pollution level.
Multiple sources, including reports by the air quality technology company IQAir, environmental groups like Greenpeace, and the Philippine government’s Environmental Management Bureau, confirm that air pollution in Metro Manila routinely exceeds both the country’s normal guideline values.
Metro Manila’s air pollution levels are seen by environmental scientists as higher than the world average, the root cause being the rapid urbanization and industrialization, which lead to significant emissions, predominantly from vehicular traffic and industrial processes.
But the air pollution situation in Metro Manila, while a significant public health crisis, is not considered hopeless, as recent data and ongoing initiatives demonstrate that improvement is possible through targeted actions and policies.
In essence, vehicle emissions in Metro Manila are a critical environmental and health issue, characterized by high pollutant loads and significant contributions to both local smog and global warming.
Pollution analysts say while air quality has improved, industrial activities, particularly in heavy sectors like steel production and chemical manufacturing, remain significant contributors to local air quality issues.
There are reasons for hope, however, in light of progress done by the authorities.
Air quality consultants say the COVID-19 lockdowns from mid March 2020 provided a stark, real-world example of rapid air quality improvement.
The significant reduction in traffic and industrial activity led to a 40 percent decrease in PM2.5 levels within a fortnight, making the Sierra Madre mountains visible from the city center and offering tangible proof that human actions directly impact air quality.
Scientists say overall air quality in Metro Manila has actually improved over the past two decades due to efforts like phasing out leaded gasoline and anti-firecracker campaigns. PM2.5 levels have reportedly seen a 37.6 percent reduction since 2016.
Government agencies and private organizations are also collaborating on data-driven solutions and policies are being implemented to ban older vehicles, enforce industrial emission standards, and adopt stricter fuel standards.
While the challenge is significant, the evidence shows that a combination of government regulation, technological improvements, and public action can lead to better air quality in the country’s capital region.
These improvements are attributed to stricter emission standards and enhanced industrial monitoring.
