- China: With the continuing growth of the economy, China will face a more severe situation of energy consumption, electricity generation and vehicle population leading to an increase in multiple pollutant emissions. Controlling regional air pollution especially fine particles and ozone, as well as reducing carbon emissions from fossil fuel consumption will be a big challenge for the country. To defend public health and the eco-system, the ambient air quality in all Chinese cities shall attain the national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) and ambient air quality guideline values set by the World Health Organization (WHO). To reach the air quality targets, the emissions of SO2, NOx, PM10, and volatile organic compounds (VOC) should decrease by 60%, 40%, 50%, and 40%, respectively, on the basis of that in 2005 (J Environ Sci, 2012). A comprehensive control policy focusing on multiple pollutants
and emission sources at both the local and regional levels were proposed to mitigate the regional air pollution issue in China. The options include the development of clean energy resources, promotion of clean and efficient coal use, enhancement of vehicle pollution control, implementation of synchronous control of multiple pollutants including SO2, NOx, VOC, and PM emissions, prevention and control of regional air pollution and application of climate-friendly air pollution control measures.
- Australian: To help ensure a clean air future, Australia’s Environment Ministers established the National Clean Air Agreement to help governments prioritize national actions to address air quality issues. State and territories have primary responsibility for monitoring and managing air quality in their jurisdictions. They monitor and report against national ambient (outdoor) air quality standards that protect health. They also have legislation and strategies in place to manage air quality, including for point source emissions from a particular industry or facility where local circumstances play a key role. The Australian Government takes a lead role in national issues such as fuel quality and vehicle emissions as well as implementing Australia’s international obligations. In addition, the Australian Government is able to take a national approach on issues that have been identified by all Australian governments and includes the decision to manage noxious emissions from outdoor powered equipment and propulsion marine engines through the Product Emissions Standards Act 2017 and Product Emissions Standards Rules 2017. (Department of the Environment and Energy - Australia)
- Malaysia: The Malaysian Department of Environment in developing and introducing a modern air pollution control policy. Emission control for vehicles and
industrial equipment are identified along with partner agencies, for example. General solutions are developed for monitoring compliance with these limits. Improving fuel quality is especially significant since this is the only way to meet modern exhaust emission standards for new vehicles and reduce emissions from old vehicles.
Improving the quality of data on the causes and consequences of air pollution (air monitoring network, emission register, health studies) gives the government agencies an effective basis for environmental policy decisions, at the same times creating transparency for the public. At the municipal level, local public transport and non- motorised transport are developed. The improvement of environmentally sensitive urban transport is explained in workshops for industry, media and universities. In addition, environmental communication and intensive information campaigns for project activities increase the awareness of broad segments of the population about the importance of the environment. Activities at the international level involve promotion of the Clean Air Initiative for Asian Cities and private sector technology transfer between Malaysia and Europe. (BMZ)
- Viet Nam: Vietnam’s Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment saw that the decline in air quality in recent years is severe in many urban areas, especially in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. In 2013, National Environment Report showed that air pollution in Hanoi was ranked from unhealthy to hazardous for over 265 days of the year. The main sources of urban air pollution are traffic and industrial activities, by the Vietnam Environment Administration.
Vietnam’s Law on Environmental Protection was signified in 1994 and updated and strengthened in 2005 and 2014. Central-level attention on protecting the
environment also involves setting environmental sustainability goals in its 2015-2020 long term plan, issued in 2016. In February 2017, Decree No. 155/2016/ND-CP on Sanctioning Administrative Violations in Environment Protection performed into effect. The decree sets in place fine up to VND 1 billion (USD 44,400) for individuals violating environmental laws, and up to VND 2 billion (USD 88,800) for organizations, the highest administrative fines ever to be set into effect. The Vietnamese government has policies to address industrial air pollution. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has drafted a National Action Plan on Air Quality Management (2020 to 2025). The plan includes a 20% reduction target for NOx, SOx and particulate matter emitted by cement, chemicals, fertilizer and petroleum production facilities. Vietnam’s draft Environmental Law (55/2014/QH13) also includes air quality management requirements, including point source registration, emissions inventory and installation of continuous emission monitoring systems for the biggest stationary source emitters. Improving air pollution control also will demand industrial parks to install emissions treatment systems. (Vietnam Environment Administration)