GROUP 3

• AIR POLLUTION


  • Refers to the release of pollutants into the air that are detrimental to human health and the planet
• People living in low- and middle-income countries disproportionately experience the burden of outdoor air pollution with 89% (of the 4.2 million premature deaths) occurring in these areas
• The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that indoor and outdoor (ambient) air pollution cause around 7 million deaths worldwide annually
• WHO Air Quality Guidelines

  • 99% are NOT Met
  • 1% are Met
• In 2019, according to WHO, effects of ambient and household pollution are associated with 6.7 million pre-mature deaths annually
• In 2019, according to WHO, ambient air pollution is estimated to have caused 4.2 million pre-mature deaths worldwide
• Common causes of Outdoor Air Pollution Related Deaths

  • Ischaemic Heart Disease and Stroke (37%)
  • Acute Lower Respiratory Tract Infection (23%)
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (18%)
  • Cancer Within Respiratory Tract (11%)
  • Others (11%)
• Ground-level ozone


  A colorless and highly irritating gas that forms just above the earth's surface. It is called a "secondary" pollutant because it is produced when two primary pollutants react in sunlight and stagnant air

  
• Nitrogen dioxide


  A chemical compound with the formula NO2. One of several nitrogen oxides, nitrogen dioxide is a reddish-brown gas
• Particulate matter


  A common indicator for air pollution. Major components: sulfates, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, black carbon, mineral dust, and water. PM 2.5 and PM10
• Carbon monoxide


  A colorless, odorless, and tasteless toxic gas produced by incomplete combustion
• Sulfur dioxide


  A colourless gas with a sharp odour. Common sources: Industrial Emissions, Gas Appliances, Forest Fires, Biomass Burning, Power Generation, On-Road Vehicles
• CLIMATE CHANGE refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas
• Burning fossil fuels generates greenhouse gas emissions that act like a blanket wrapped around the Earth, trapping the sun's heat and raising temperatures
• The average temperature of the Earth's surface now is about 1.1 degrees Celsius warmer. 2011-2020 has the warmest record
• Consequences of climate change


  • Intense droughts
  • Water scarcity
  • Severe fires
  • Rising sea levels
  • Flooding
  • Melting polar ice
  • Catastrophic storms
  • Declining biodiversity
• Air pollution contributes to respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia among Filipinos, especially in urban areas with high pollution levels. According to a study, air pollution is responsible for approximately 27,000 premature deaths each year in the Philippines due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases
• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is estimated to cause about 7 million premature deaths globally every year
• The economic costs of air pollution in the Philippines are substantial, including healthcare expenses and lost productivity. A report estimates that the economic cost of air pollution in Metro Manila alone amounts to about $1 billion annually, primarily due to health impacts and lost labor productivity
• Air pollution contributes to environmental degradation in the Philippines, affecting ecosystems, water bodies, and agricultural lands. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions can lead to acid rain, which harms forests, freshwater ecosystems, and coral reefs
• Air pollution can also harm tourism in the Philippines, particularly in popular destinations such as Metro Manila and major cities. Poor air quality can deter tourists and affect their overall experience
• Air pollution often disproportionately affects vulnerable communities in the Philippines, including low-income urban areas and informal settlements. These communities may have limited access to healthcare services and suffer more from the health impacts of air pollution
• The Philippines is highly vulnerable to extreme weather events such as typhoons, floods, and landslides. Climate change exacerbates the intensity and frequency of these events
• Smog is a type of visible air pollution that reduces visibility. Most of the smog we see today is photochemical smog, formed by the reaction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere

  
• The Philippines has a long coastline, making it susceptible to sea-level rise. Coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, and loss of land are significant concerns. Sea levels in the Philippines could rise by up to 60 centimeters by 2100, threatening coastal communities and infrastructure
• The Philippines is one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, with numerous endemic species. Climate change affects ecosystems, leading to habitat loss, shifts in species distribution, and increased extinction risk
• Increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere lead to ocean acidification, threatening marine life such as corals, shellfish, and plankton
• Climate change exacerbates health risks by promoting the spread of vector-borne diseases, heat-related illnesses, and air pollution
• Root causes and contributors of air quality issues

  • Emissions from industries and manufacturing activities
  • Vehicle emissions
  • Burning of fossil fuels
  • Deforestation and biomass burning
  • Agricultural activities
  • Household air pollution
  • Industrial and agricultural waste
• Root causes and contributors of climate change

  • Burning fossil fuels
  • Deforestation
  • Industrial processes
  • Agriculture
  • Land use changes
• Direct effects of air pollution


  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Respiratory diseases
  • Adverse birth outcomes
  • Allergies and immunological disorders
• Indirect effects of air pollution and climate change


  • Vector-borne diseases
  • Heat-related illnesses
  • Water and foodborne diseases
• Air Quality Standards


  • Pollution Control Measures
  • Monitoring and Compliance
  • Environmental Impact Assessment
  • Public Awareness and Participation
• Tree Planting Activities

  • Air Purification
  • Particulate Matter Reduction
  • Ozone Reduction
  • Community Engagement
  • Bicycle Promotion