The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a series of Air Quality, Energy and Health Science and Policy Summaries (SPS)to support decision-makers by presenting key insights from scientific research. As part of this series, Transboundary Cooperation for Our Shared Air – Protecting Public Health has been published, underscoring the urgent need for regional and global collaboration to combat air pollution and mapping key organizations linked to air quality. The technical brief recognizes the critical role of networks such as EANET in advancing scientific cooperation and improving air quality management.
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Air Pollution: A Shared Challenge
Air pollution remains one of the greatest environmental health risks, linked to 6.4 million deaths globally each year. Its impacts are not confined to national borders, as pollutants travel across regions, harming ecosystems, economies, and public health far from their source. The WHO brief stresses that regional cooperation is essential to address this challenge, citing examples of long-standing agreements and networks worldwide.
The WHO technical brief notes that transboundary cooperation is vital to achieving co-benefits for climate and health. By providing reliable data, fostering dialogue among governments, and facilitating technical and financial cooperation, networks such as EANET contribute to the momentum created by recent global commitments, including the 2024 United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) resolution 6/10 on Promoting regional cooperation on air pollution globally.
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Way forward
While significant progress has been made in certain regions, the technical brief emphasizes that more can be done to broaden the scope of existing collaborations, mobilize resources, and build capacities worldwide. WHO calls for stronger multisectoral action, particularly engaging the health workforce in air pollution control.
Focused on unlocking and future-proofing air quality management in Asia, the regional multi-stakeholder consultation workshop was held in Bangkok, Thailand, on May 27 and 28 2024. Co-organized by UNEP, ESCAP, and EANET, it aimed to improve multilateral and international cooperation on air pollution, drawing 212 participants from 32 countries, including representatives from academia, government, youth groups, NGOs, the private sector, and UN agencies.
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Opening Session
Ms. Maria Cristina Zucca, Head of the Pollution and Health Unit at UNEPopened the workshop. She stressed the health risks of air pollution, causing 6.5 million deaths annually, mainly in Asia-Pacific. She urged for robust action and multilateral cooperation, citing the UNEA-6 resolution on promoting regional cooperation on air pollution. Dr. Sangmin Nam, Director of the Environment and Development Division at ESCAP, highlighted the public health impact in Asia-Pacific and emphasized the importance of regional technical cooperation through RAPAP. Dr. Le Ngoc Cau, Deputy Director General of the Viet Nam Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology, and Climate Change, and Chair of the Bureau of the 25th Intergovernmental EANET Meeting emphasized the significance of EANET and called for continued regional cooperation to advance air quality management, including monitoring additional pollutants.
Transitioning to future-oriented strategies, Dr. Andrea Hinwood, Chief Scientist at UNEP, delivered a keynote presentation on the importance of horizon scanning and strategic foresight in air quality management. She stressed the interconnectedness of air pollution, climate change, and biodiversity, and how these factors collectively impact public health and the environment.
Several strategies were proposed to effectively address air pollution. Firstly, the implementation of WHO guidelines on air pollution was advocated, with aims to save lives, disseminate knowledge, establish standards, promote dialogue, and contribute to climate action. Secondly, leveraging both Low-Cost Sensors and satellite data was suggested to bridge gaps in atmospheric monitoring. This approach could support existing monitoring networks and prioritize early warning systems for events such as Dust and Sand Storms (DSS) wildfires, and overall air quality. Thirdly, enhancing air pollution monitoring using satellite data was recommended, with a comprehensive approach that included mapping, monitoring, modeling, and measuring. Additionally, integrating data from various spheres such as the atmosphere, lithosphere, biosphere, and hydrosphere was proposed to gain a better understanding of air pollution dynamics. Collaboration with international organizations was also encouraged. Finally, recognizing clean air as a fundamental human right was emphasized. Prioritizing data collection on areas and populations most affected by air pollution was deemed essential for targeted interventions and policy formulation.
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Panel Discussion on Understanding the Transboundary Haze Issue
Key actions were emphasized in addressing haze pollution. Collaboration among ASEAN countries was deemed crucial to address transboundary haze pollution, with a focus on implementing regional initiatives such as the ASEAN Haze-Free Roadmap. Engagement of various stakeholders beyond traditional forestry sectors, including agriculture and biodiversity sectors, was seen as necessary to address land-clearing practices. Developing robust warning systems like the WMO’s Vegetation Fire and Smoke Pollution Warning Advisory and Assessment System was considered vital, alongside enforcing national laws and fostering regional cooperation to combat haze pollution effectively. Prioritizing sustainable land and forest management, particularly in regions like the Mekong countries, was highlighted as essential to prevent large-scale fires. Providing financial support for projects addressing air quality management and ensuring scientific findings translated into actionable solutions through community engagement and implementation-focused initiatives were both emphasized.
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Unlocking Finance for Clean Air in Cities
The session on unlocking financial resources for clean air initiatives brought together experts from various organizations including UNEP, the Clean Air Fund, representatives from the governments of the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Mongolia, the World Bank, and the Massive Earth Foundation.
National governments were advised to establish robust legal and policy frameworks and secure long-term funding for air quality initiatives. Government support, societal investment in environmental efforts, substantial funding mechanisms, and private sector involvement were deemed crucial. Learning from examples such as Mongolia, considering the environmental impact of small businesses, and raising awareness through NGOs was recommended. Regional cooperation, international funding channels, and domestic commitments to funding air quality projects were seen as essential. Climate action presented opportunities for industrial innovation. Reforming vehicle tax systems to prioritize mileage and emissions over vehicle type, inspired by successful reforms in Europe, could fund clean air initiatives.
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A Global Knowledge Platform on Air Quality
Juliette Laurent from the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) emphasized the importance of assessment, political support, and future planning for air quality management, introducing the CCAC’s Air Quality Management Exchange (AQMx) initiative.
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Future Challenges and Solutions in Air Quality Management
The final session of the workshop addressed future challenges and potential solutions in air quality management. Experts from UNEP, the governments of Japan, the Republic of Korea and Thailand, and ESCAP, participated in this session.
The discussions emphasized regional and subregional bodies, as well as financing institutions, to develop and implement regional solutions and cooperate on setting goals for air quality improvement, as outlined in UNEA Resolution 6/10. Panelists underscored the need for essential resource mobilization and tailored regional solutions to achieve significant air quality improvements. Strengthening international and regional collaboration through platforms such as RAPAP, EANET, and the Asia Pacific Clean Air Partnership (APCAP) was recommended, focusing on knowledge sharing, capacity building, and joint research projects. It was also suggested to promote greater regional coherence and harmonization towards cleaner air, leveraging cooperative channels, and addressing regional ozone pollution. Prioritizing technology and innovation, improving data accuracy for public communication, and fostering international and regional cooperation were highlighted as essential for effectively combating air pollution. Leveraging geospatial data, ground-based sensors, digital technology, AI, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, and fostering cross-border collaboration were also recommended strategies.
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RAPAP as a Collective Action Programme
The sessions on 28 May focused on the Regional Action Programme on Air Pollution (RAPAP) which was adopted by ESCAP member States at the 7th Committee on Environment and Development in 2022, and subsequently endorsed by ESCAP resolution (79/6). RAPAP provides a framework or reference for national, subregional, multilateral, and multistakeholder mechanisms to advance their cooperation agenda for clean air in the Asia Pacific region. The sessions aimed at exchanging information and updates on initiatives supporting regional clean air cooperation, identifying focus areas, and recommending actions to enhance collaboration and stakeholder contributions.
Experts from UN agencies, Development agencies, Foundations, the ASEAN, NGOs, research institutes, and Asian governments discussed opportunities for technical cooperation involving identifying training needs, sharing best practices, and promoting partnerships to tackle air pollution. Recommendations for accelerating regional cooperation were discussed, including developing coordinated strategies, enhancing air quality monitoring and technical assistance, and improving communication and stakeholder engagement.
The EANET Seminar on the Effects of Acid Deposition and Air Pollution on Human Health and Ecosystems was conducted online on 31 October 2023 and aimed to gain knowledge, learn from pollution reduction efforts globally, and foster a collective understanding among scientists and policymakers. Approximately 80 participants joined the seminar online, contributing to meaningful discussions on the adverse effects of air pollution.
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Opening Statements
Opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Shiro Hatakeyama, Director General of the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP), the Network Center for the EANET, and Mr. Bert Fabian, Coordinator, Secretariat for the EANET.
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International Perspectives on Environmental Policymaking Related to Air Pollution and Health
Mr. Thomas Scheuschner, an expert from the German Environmental Agency specializing in ICP Modeling and Mapping under UNECE, started by presenting the: “Critical load assessment and its contribution to policy decision making in Europe.” In his presentation, he highlighted the key milestones of the UNECE Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP) and then explained how Critical Load Approaches and analyses can be used for air quality management strategies, by presenting Critical Load estimation methods and the European Critical Load database, among others.
Dr. Dorota Jarosinska from the WHO Regional Office for Europe, European Centre for Environment and Health, WHO, followed with her presentation on “Experience of policy-making based on scientific evidence of the Task Force on Health under the CLRTAP and WHO with CLRTAP.” In her presentation, Dr. Jarosinska introduced the Joint Task Force on the Health Aspects of Air Pollution (TFH) established under the CLRTAP and its work plan, before explaining the importance of the new WHO global air quality guidelines, and how they are being used by policymakers in the European Union.
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Finally, Dr. Hiroaki Minoura from Nagoya University of Commerce & Business, presented his findings on the “Health effects study of in vivo and in vitro exposure to automobile emissions.” He explained the results from in vivo testing to assess health risks of emissions from transport, in vitro toxicological screening for automotive emission-related substances, and an epidemiological assessment of automobile-related health risks.
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Closing Remarks
The session concluded with closing remarks delivered by Prof. Fan Meng, Deputy Director General of ACAP. The seminar was marked by discussions among participants contributing to fostering a better understanding of the complex relationship between air pollution, human health, and the environment.
The Network Center for the EANET organized the Workshop « Relationships between the Atmospheric Environment, Human Health, and Ecosystems » virtually, on 31 October 2022. It gathered renowned East Asian and European researchers and experts from academia (Hokkaido University, Japan, and Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, China), international organizations (CLRTAP-UNECE, WHO, IIASA), and the Network Center for the EANET, who shared scientific findings on the effects of atmospheric deposition on human health and ecosystems as well as best science-based practices for policymakers. About 50 participants joined the Workshop.
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Scientific knowledge of the atmospheric environment and related effects in East Asia
Prof. Kayo Ueda, from the Graduate School of Medicine of Hokkaido University, analyzed the effects of air pollution on human health in Japan, Thailand and beyond, and showed how exposure to specific air pollutants could cause various health outcomes aside from respiratory diseases. She also explained how to estimate the mortality using epidemiological evidence and emphasized improving air quality could prevent millions of pollution-related deaths per year.
Prof. Zhaozhong Feng, from the Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, explained the results of his research on the effects of ozone on crop production in Asia. After presenting the trends of surface ozone concentrations at the global scale, he highlighted the impacts of ozone on crops and yield loss in China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. Results from his work demonstrated that China showed the highest relative yield loss compared to Japan and the Republic of Korea. It also estimated the total ozone-induced annual loss of crop production at US$63 billion, revealing the need to take necessary mitigation actions for ozone emission control and adaptive agronomic measures against the rising surface ozone levels across East Asia.
Dr. Hiroyuki Sase is the Head of the Ecological Impact Research Department of the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP), Network Center (NC) for the EANET. His presentation focused on the effects of atmospheric deposition on forest ecosystems. Dr. Sase presented the changes in atmospheric deposition in the EANET joint research sites including Thailand, Japan, and Russia, and explained the different responses of forest ecosystems in various climatic zones. Key findings from the EANET sites showed that although atmospheric deposition had decreased, recovery from acidification and/or from nitrate saturation had not been necessarily observed in forest ecosystems.
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Science-based policy experiences from Europe and beyond
Ms. Anna Kaplina, Secretariat, Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP), United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), presented the history and successes of the UNECE Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution over the last 40 years. Among these achievements, she highlighted the decrease in emissions from 40% to 80% since 1990 in the UNECE region, resulting from the expertise, policy guidance, and capacity building among the 51 Parties.
As mentioned in the Medium Term Plan for the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia (EANET) (2021-2025), the Participating Countries established the EANET in 2000 to recognize increasing concerns about acid deposition due to rapid economic development in East Asia that had jeopardized environmental sustainability. The establishment of EANET has benefited from the viewpoint of environmental sustainability and the experience of Europe and other regions that have earlier carried out relevant activities for monitoring acid deposition and related substances, including quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC), data accumulation, and evaluation. Over the span of 20 years, the accumulation of scientific knowledge and regional economic development, the environmental pollution situation worldwide, and the urgent and important fields of action have changed significantly, and, in November 2021, the Twenty-third Session of the Intergovernmental Meeting on the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia (IG23) for the EANET made important decisions on the expansion of the scope of the EANET, from acid deposition, to also include a wider scope of atmospheric environment-related substances.
As the deterioration of the atmospheric environment by pollutants emitted from anthropogenic activities may cause adverse effects on humans and ecosystems, the Workshop on the Relationship between the Atmospheric Environment and Human Health and Ecosystems will allow discussions and experience-sharing with various stakeholders, such as policymakers, scientists, and the general public.
To further discuss and understand scientific knowledge and relevant policy measures, the Workshop on the Relationship between the Atmospheric Environment and Human Health and Ecosystems will gather renowned East Asian and European researchers and experts from academia (Hokkaido University, Japan, and Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, China), international organizations (CLRTAP-UNECE, WHO, IIASA), and from the Network Center for the EANET, to share scientific findings on the effects of atmospheric deposition on human health and ecosystems, as well as best science-based practices for policy-makers to reduce the impacts of atmospheric pollutants.
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2. Objectives and Participants
The Workshop on the Relationship between the Atmospheric Environment and Human Health and Ecosystems will aim at:
sharing scientific knowledge on the relationships between the atmospheric environment and human health and between the atmospheric environment and ecosystems
showcasing science-based policy experiences on the reduction of atmospheric pollutants in other regions, such as Europe
contributing to sharing a common understanding of future directions for environmental measures to be developed by policymakers and scientists at the national and international levels
Although this event is open to the public, the expected participants will be mainly government officials from the EANET Participating Countries, scientists, such as the Scientific Advisory Committee members, Task Force members, other relevant scientists from the EANET and beyond, etc.
Air pollution remains one of the greatest environmental health risks, linked to 6.4 million deaths globally each year. Its impacts are not confined to national borders, as pollutants travel across regions, harming ecosystems, economies, and public health far from their source. The WHO brief stresses that regional cooperation is essential to address this challenge, citing examples of long-standing agreements and networks worldwide.
