Air pollution is a serious problem for the Philippines, and is the focus of this environmental monitor. The report looks at the air quality by examining, pollutants, the sources of pollution including transport, resuspension and construction, waste burning, indoor air pollution, and industry and power; and responses to the problems observed. Particulates, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, lead, greenhouse gasses, and ozone depleting substances are each examined. Seven challenges which need to be addressed are: reducing particulate matter in Metro Manila through improved maintenance for high use commercial vehicles, improved fuel quality, and shifting to four-stroke motorcycles; requiring catalytic converters in gasoline vehicles; improving public transport and traffic management; implementation of the Clean Air Act with adequate institutional capacity, funding, and political commitment; strengthening enforcement with incentives and penalties; improving air quality management by integrating monitoring and analytical capacity with decision making; and moving from public awareness to participation.
