November is dubbed “Clean Air Month” and as part of this celebration, DENR Secretary Jose Atienza urges everyone, especially local government offices to help in improving air quality across the nation. He said in a workshop held last October 26, “The Clean Air Act and national government efforts are not enough to solve this problem. The real implementation happens in our cities, our communities.”
Ten years have passed since the implementation of the Clean Air Act. These ten years have seen the removal of lead and reduction of sulfur levels in fuel. Campaigns against smoke belching are currently being done by different cities across the country. At present, one of the major projects of the PCA is to replace 2-stroke engine motorcycles to 4-stroke ones, and preferably – to those using renewable and clean fuels. Still, the need to do more is there.
One of the most important things that need to be done is to spread awareness to the communities about air pollution and how it greatly affects climate change, one of the biggest issues the world is facing today. At present, air pollution has been the cause of most respiratory illnesses especially with the children and the elderly. Over half a billion dollars on health cost due respiratory illnesses are known to be associated with air pollution. The effect of air pollution not only manifests itself in the poor health of people but it also can be felt by the drastic changes in our climate.
Partnership for Clean Air (PCA) and Clean Air Initiative for Asian Cities (CAI-Asia) Center hopes to use Clean Air month to spread awareness on the current air pollution problems that we are facing. A series of workshops and events are planned in November by DENR, and DOTC with international partners like ADB, ACFA, GTZ and PCFV. These workshops would center on air quality management and sustainable transport.
On December, during the Climate Change Convention in Copenhagen (known to all as COP15), air pollution would likely be one of the concerns that would be tackled. As explained by Ms. Sophie Punte, Executive Director for CAI-Asia, “Air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions often come from the same sources, and black carbon and ozone also contribute to climate change. This means that taking smoke belching vehicles off the road is good for blue skies and a better climate.”
Clean Air Month's Updated Schedule:
9 November
Seminar on Cleaning the Air for LGUs of Metro Manila
Sulo Hotel
10 November
Makati Green Route: Opening of First Charging Station and Depot for Electric Vehicles
Makati Fire Station, Ayala Ave. Ext. Makati City
12 November
Forum on Greening the Transport Sector - with BEST Recognition
Heritage Hotel, EDSA, Pasay City
"One-Wall-One-World" Launching of Boysen KNOxOUT - A Fight for Cleaner Air
"First Paint with Revolutionary Cleaning Technology"
Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Makati City
11-13 November
Seminar for McDonald's Pollution Control Officers: Lecture on Air & Water, Climate Change, Ozone Layer Protection and Solid Waste Management
Valero, Makati City
17 November
Biofuels Forum
18 November
Roundtable Forum on Clean Air 10 Celebrations
Sulo Hotel, Quezon City
19 November
Awarding of Winners for the National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools
SM City, North EDSA, 4th Floor, The Annex
19-20 November
Launching of Philippine Youth Environment Network (PhilYEN)
Theme: Kabataan Sama-Samang Naninindigan Para Sa Kalikasan
Leong Hall, Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, Quezon City
22 November
Clean Air Month Critical Mass Ride: Costumed Bicycle Ride to Celebrate Clean Air Month and 10th Anniversary of the Clean Air Act
Intercity - Quezon City - Manila - Quezon City
23-27 November
East Asian Seas Congress 2009
Theme: Partnerships at Work - Local Implementation and Good Practices
Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City
25-27 November
Seminar for McDonald's Pollution Control Officers: Lecture on Air & Water, Climate Change, Ozone Layer Protection and Solid Waste Management
Valero, Makati City
25-26 November
National Senior Educator's Assembly 2009
Theme: The Environmental Awareness and Education Law (Republic Act 9512), and the Challenges for Building a Climate Change - Resilient Nation
Hotel Stotsenberg, Clark Field, Pampanga
Sunday, November 8, 2009
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