Air pollution: a tale of two countries
Budi Haryanto1, Peter Franklin
1Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia. bharyant@cbn.net.id
Reviews on Environmental Health
|July 1, 2011
Summary
Rapid Asian urbanization increases air pollution and premature deaths, disproportionately affecting the poor. Comparing Indonesia and Australia offers lessons for Pacific Rim nations to combat urban air quality issues.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Public Health
- Urban Planning
Background:
- Economic growth and urbanization in Asia drive energy demand, leading to significant urban air pollution from various sources.
- Australia's lower urbanization rate results in comparatively lower urban air pollution levels.
- Air pollution causes an estimated 500,000 premature deaths annually, with urban poor populations being most vulnerable due to exposure and limited healthcare access.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare air pollution levels and health impacts between Indonesia and Australia.
- To identify key differences and similarities in urban air pollution challenges.
- To derive actionable insights for Pacific Basin Rim countries to mitigate air pollution.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of urban air pollution data.
- Assessment of health impacts related to air quality.
- Review of urbanization and energy consumption trends.
Main Results:
- Asian cities face severe air pollution due to rapid development, unlike less urbanized Australia.
- Vulnerable populations in polluted areas experience heightened health risks.
- Differences in pollution levels highlight varying impacts of urbanization.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the distinct air pollution profiles of Indonesia and Australia is crucial.
- Lessons learned can inform strategies for improving air quality in Pacific Basin Rim urban centers.
- Addressing the health impacts on the urban poor is a critical component of air pollution mitigation efforts.
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