Friday, January 27, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Formula Juan
Jeepneys are the most popular means of public transportation in the Philippines. Known for their flamboyant decoration and crowded seating. Transporting millions of Filipino everyday. A national icon famous for Filipino pride yet infamous for filipino irresponsibility.
Now this vehicle that came from the ashes of world war II is in trouble. Accounting for 90% of the total vehicular air pollution in the country, making commuters face a real threat of danger. Citizens in city suffers more and more each day as pollution in the city arises. From the industrial exhaust to vehicular pollutions, diesel engines from our Jeepneys topped it all in contributing for air pollution.
Riding our national pride may now be a guilt process knowing that riding one can cause serious threats to others.
Formula juan proposes a change for it all. A plan for making our national icon a guilt free ride. Making it still the number one choice of public transportation. With the help partner corporations, formula juan presents the race for cleaner air. The problem is in the diesel engines of the jeepneys. Replacing it with the lpg engine, compared to diesel. LPG shows significant levels of lower emmisions resulting to lower carbon foot print.
60% less Carbon Monixide
90% less oxides from Nitrogen
70% less Ozone-Harmful particles
90% less contaminants particles
The old diesel engines that produces less power and more pollution is the cause. The more economical and the high efficiency rating LPG is the key.
Formula Juan plans to encourage corporations in financing our local Jeepneys in the cost of engine replacement with a return of full flamboyant Jeepney decorations serving as great advertisement for the sponsoring company.
Formula one gives chance for people to be informed about air pollution yet helping our economy by giving advertising opportunities to corporations.
A win-win situation for our national pride.
Reffenrences;
www.fjuan.com
Montreal Protocol
"The overarching lesson of the Montreal Protocol is that by acting on one challenge, we also act on many other." - Ban Ki- Moon, United Nation Secretary General
You may watch the video above to fully understand the purpose and the importance of Montreal Protocol.
Reference: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnp0YU3u1r4
Sunday, January 22, 2012
The Gases that Kills
Carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, is the main pollutant that is warming Earth. Even though all living things emit carbon dioxide when they breathe, carbon dioxide is widely considered to be a pollutant when associated with cars, planes, power plants, and other human activities that involve the burning of fossil fuels such as gasoline and natural gas. Just in the past 150 years, such activities have pumped enough carbon dioxide into the atmosphere to raise its levels higher than they have been for hundreds of thousands of years.
Other greenhouse gases include methane — which comes from such sources as swamps and gas emitted by livestock — and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which were used in refrigerants and aerosol propellants until they were banned because of their deteriorating effect on Earth’s ozone layer.
Another pollutant associated with climate change is sulfur dioxide, a component of smog. Sulfur dioxide and closely related chemicals are known primarily as a cause of acid rain. But they also reflect light when released in the atmosphere, which keeps sunlight out and causes Earth to cool. Volcanic eruptions can spew massive amounts of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, sometime causing cooling that lasts for year.
If we continue our thoughtless abuse of these dangerous gases, we could all be on our way to oblivion.
Posted by: Mariel E. Madlambayan
Monday, January 16, 2012
How to Reduce Air Pollution?
According to National Geographic, there are 5 easy steps to reduce air pollution, the article on their website is as follows:
Cutting down on air pollution is an important step in going
green. While transportation is the most obvious generator of air pollution,
other aspects of your lifestyle also affect the amount of emissions you create
-- everything from the products you buy, your behaviors at home and the way you
handle household waste. A number of small changes in different areas of your
life can make a difference. The big results come when everyone is making such a
contribution.
Step 1:
Save energy around the house. According to the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, saving energy can reduce carbon emissions.
Because most energy sources require burning fossil fuels, the less energy you
use, the greener you are. Set your appliances and lights on a timer to turn off
after a certain period of inactivity. Use compact fluorescent bulbs instead of
standard lightbulbs, and use your microwave instead of the oven to heat small
items.
Step 2:
Step 2:
Manage your heating and cooling. Turn your thermostat down
in the winter and up in the summer whenever you are at work, sleeping or on
vacation. You can also turn your water heater down to 120 degrees to save
power. Make sure your insulation is up to the recommended level for your area,
and insulate pipes that pass through unheated spaces. Check to see that your
windows and doors are not leaking warm or cool air. To make sure your furnace
and air conditioners are running efficiently, perform regular maintenance.
Step 3:
Cut back on the amount of packaging you purchase and the
amount of household waste you produce. The process of manufacturing packaging
releases harmful emissions into the atmosphere, so patronize brands that use as
little packaging as possible. Recycle everything you can: aluminum, paper,
glass, plastic and cardboard are usually easy to recycle. When you are
disposing of chemical-based substances like paint, batteries, pesticides or
solvents, check with your local waste management office for a safe,
eco-friendly method.
Step 4:
Reduce the amount of time you spend in the car. Carpool or
use public transportation whenever you can. For shorter distances, walk or ride
your bike to do errands. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation,
changing to carpooling can save a person over $1,000 per year. If you avoid
driving alone only one day every week for a year, you can save hundreds of
dollars in expenses, not to mention the wear and tear on your car. When you
must drive, refill your gas tank during colder times of the day and avoid
spilling gas to prevent evaporation into the atmosphere.
Step 5:
Improve your fuel economy. According to the EPA, a 1 percent
increase in fuel economy equals a 1 percent decrease in carbon dioxide
emissions (see References 1). Avoid accelerating quickly, braking hard and
driving at high speeds, particularly when in heavy traffic. Remove excess
weight from your car and remove unused roof racks or bike carriers, which cause
drag.
Air Monitoring and Treatment
Previously I have blogged about the
current state of the Philippine air. It was stated there that there has been
improvement on the level of air pollution mainly because of efforts from the
government and the people. I guess I have done my part by doing simple things
like saving electricity whenever I could and by walking instead of riding a
tricycle if the distance permits.
The government has also established
the Philippine Clean Air Act (Republic Act No. 8749) in June 1000. It is a
program that manages the air quality of the Philippines. It aims to achieve and
maintain healthy air for all Filipinos. It took effect last November 25, 2000.
Some of the initiatives implemented by
the government are: the use of cleaner fuels (CME, ethanol, biofuel, LPG),
phase-out of two-stroke motorcycles and leaded gasoline, lowering of sulfur in
diesel, and improvement of pedestrian facilities and bikeways to encourage
walking and biking.
Along with that, the government has
also intensified drives for proper and efficient implementation of emission
tests, roadside antismoke belching, preventive maintenance technologies and
monitoring of private emission testing centers.
The Ecological Solid Waste Management
Act of 2000 (Republic Act No. 9003) was also established that prohibits open
burning of waste which is the chief source of harmful dioxin and furan in the
country. (Framelia V. Anonas, S&T Media Service).
You
may also view some of the effort done by the government through the Clean Air Portal.
The mission of the Clean Air
Initiative for Asian Cities (CAI-Asia) is to promote better air quality and
livable cities by translating knowledge to policies and actions that reduce air
pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from transport, energy and other
sectors. It was established in 2001 by ADB, the World Bank and USAID as part of
a global initiative that also includes Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Aside
from those mentioned, there is also monitoring done by the government to
measure pollution levels in certain parts of the country, as of 2006.
Also, the government has established
the Metro Manila Air Quality Improvement Sector
Development Program
ADB, as a major
development partner of the Philippines, has been working actively with the
government to address the air pollution issues in the country since 1998, with
emphasis on those associated with transport sector. ADB has been providing
assistance through lending and technical supports. The Metro Mania Air Quality
Improvement Sector Development Program, approved in December 1998, was the first
and the most comprehensive program provided by ADB to support the government’s
CAA.
The primary objective of
the program is to improve air quality in Metro Manila Airshed (Metro Manila,
Regions III, and IV, through the abatement of the main mobile and stationary
sources of air pollution using integrated medium- to longtermcontrol measures. The
program helps the government reduce air pollution through policy reform, capacity
building, and infrastructure investment for public and private sectors. Major
objectives and activities of the program include:
(i)
improvement of fuel quality;
(ii)
improvement of vehicle emission inspection and maintenance;
(iii)
implementation of an anti-smoke belching program;
(iv)
rehabilitating ambient air quality monitoring system;
(v)
strengthening regulatory enforcement; and
(vi)
raising public awareness.
MMAQISDP is coordinated by DENR. Participating institutions
include EMB, regional offices of DENR, Metro Manila Development Authority,
Laguna Lake Development Authority, DOTC, LTO, Department of Trade and Industry,
DOE, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Health
(DOH), LGUs, and nongovernment organizations (NGOs).
To read more on the matter, visit
this link.
Do
you think the steps taken by the government are enough? Well, I feel that it is
enough however it will only be effective if the people cooperate. We
should ALL walk the talk to be able to see results. This fight for the
elimination of air pollution is not just the government’s responsibility but
also ours, the citizens because all of us are affected in one way or another. Knowing
these, have you done your part as a citizen of the Philippines? If so, do share
some tips and the efforts you have done in helping eliminate air pollution J
The Current State of Philippine Air
Recently, we went to a trip
abroad, upon arrival in the Philippines I woke up with pimples on my face that
were not there before. It made me think, could it have been the change in
climate or the condition of our air. Upon research, these are the information
gathered on the current state of the Philippine air:
Knowing these, it seems very
alarming, isn’t it? That was years ago yet it seems that not much has changed.
However, based on recent news air pollution level in Metro Manila HAS indeed
improved.
“A report of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in 2004
revealed that certain places in the country recorded very high levels of deadly
particles, with some even exceeding the National Air Quality (NAAQ) guideline
values in the Philippine Clean Air Act.”
“Notable among the deadly particles observed
were particulate matters (PM10 and PM2.5), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen
dioxide (NO2), nitrogen monoxide (NO), carbon monoxide, and others.”
“Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are
emitted primarily by motor vehicles as a result of combustion of fossil fuel. Carbon
monoxide is usually produced when there is an incomplete combustion of fuels
and biomass, usually through gas cooking stoves, water heaters, charcoal
grills, wood stoves, motor vehicles, power tools with internal combustion
engines, and even smoking.”
“...highest annual mean concentration of TSP
was detected at the intersection of EDSA and Congressional Avenue (Quezon City)
at 275 microgram per normal cubic meter against the guideline value of 90
microgram per normal cubic meter (μg/Nm3).”
“Outside Metro Manila, the annual mean TSP
guideline values exceeded in 18 out of the 24 monitoring stations, with Bocaue,
Bulacan registering the highest TSP mean value of 859 μg/Nm3, exceeding the
NAAQ guideline value almost ten times. The figure is attributed to the presence
of rice mills near the sampling site. Other areas with more than twice the
guideline value for TSP are Baguio City, Alaminos City, San Fernando City in La
Union, Calapan City, Iloilo City, and Zamboanga City.”
“DENR clarified, however, that the indicated
levels represent the pollution level only at the vicinity where monitoring
stations are situated and do not represent the entire city or province where
the stations are located.”
“With regard to very fine particulates such
as PM22, monitoring data of the Department of Science and Technology’s
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) showed that the annual mean
of three monitoring stations went beyond the guideline value of the Unites
States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Major sources of PM22 in Metro
Manila are fuel burning and soil, according to PNRI.”
“In a similar study undertaken by the Manila
Observatory, dangerous PM2.5 level was frequently observed to exceed USEPA
standards. The study noted that more than half (or 56 percent) of daily PM2.5
levels along major roads such as EDSA surpassed the acceptable standard.”
The article on Inquirer (as of June 15, 2011) is as follows:
The air pollution level in Metro Manila has decreased since
last year amid government’s continuing efforts to reduce the number of vehicles
on the road and a crackdown on smoke belchers.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) revealed encouraging figures
Wednesday even as the metropolis has yet to attain the prescribed maximum level
of air pollutants, pegged at 90 ug/Ncm (unit of suspended particles).
“We have hardly achieved the prescribed guidance values but
levels are going down,” DENR-EMB Assistant Director Gilbert Gonzales said.
On the second day of a Clean Air Act forum at the DENR on
Wednesday, Gonzales said the amount of total suspended particulates (TSP) in
Metro Manila’s air was measured at 121 ug/Ncm last April, from 138 ug/Ncm in
July of last year.
Figures have been alternately rising and dipping since last
year, but levels in the first four months showed some improvement, with
February’s 120 ug/Ncm the lowest recorded so far in 2011.
The record low since the second half of last year was
September, when 109 ug/Ncm was recorded in the air. The high-traffic holiday
month of December had the dirtiest air, with some 152 ug/Ncm.
Gonzales said the figures showed a “significant improvement”
from last year.
“It is everybody’s duty to keep our air clean. Pollution
control can only be effective when all sectors of society work together,” he
added.
Under the 12-year-old Clean Air Act, the government
undertook antipollution measures, including the gradual switch to cleaner fuel,
a renewed antismoke belching campaign and vehicle volume reduction schemes for
public and private vehicles.
Gonzales said the government is acquiring 10 more vehicle
emission testing machines for distribution to transport agencies and local
government units to boost antismoke belching operations.
Ma. Cristina Velasco, assistant general manager for planning
at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, said Metro Manila’s air
quality remains a constant health threat to its roughly 11.6 million residents.
It’s good that, according to the government, there is
improvement. But still, it’s not enough. More effort is needed to really lessen
air pollution to a tolerable level, if not completely eliminate it. Well, at
least there is effort! Else, we would not only worry about pimples but our
health as well! How about you? What are your views on the matter?
http://www.scribd.com/doc/39473401/Philippines
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/15226/air-pollution-level-down-in-metro-manila
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/15226/air-pollution-level-down-in-metro-manila
Sunday, January 15, 2012
The Montreal Protocol
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is essentially an international agreement that controls the production and consumption of substances that can cause ozone depletion in the stratosphere. These substances mainly include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, carbon tetra chloride, and methyl chloroform. They are aimed to be phased out after using CFC alternatives without compromising societal benefits from CFC products.
It is good to know that there is an existing treaty like this that started for like more than 2 decades ago and it has been approved by 196 states around the globe. This just means that several countries still care on our environment and they still believe that they can do something about to preserve Mother Nature. It is also overwhelming to know that this agreement still exists after undergoing 7 revisions from the time it was signed and entered into force.
The ozone layer is expected to recover by 2050 if the international agreement is adhered to. It has been considered as an example of exceptional international teamwork, with Kofi Annan, a Ghanaian diplomat who served as the 7th Secretary General of the United Nations, quoted as saying that "Perhaps the single most successful international agreement to date has been the Montreal Protocol."
I'm hoping that this movement continues until the elimination of ozone-depleting substances is achieved.
by: Kathleen Joy Santos
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Current Laws Regarding Air Pollution in the Philippines
Republic Act No. 8749: DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES
Last June 23, 1999, Republic Act No. 8749 or known as Philippine Clean Air Act of
1999
was enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines
Chapter 1-Article
1-Section 2 states the following Declaration of Principles:
“The
State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and
healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.”
“The
State shall promote and protect the global environment to attain sustainable
development while recognizing the primary responsibility of local government
units to deal with environmental problems.”
“The
State recognizes that the responsibility of cleaning the habitat and
environment is primarily area-based.”
“The
State also recognizes the principle that "polluters must pay.”
“The
State recognizes that a clean and healthy environment is for the good of all
and should, therefore, be the concern of all.”
Having
healthy environment is one of the purposes of the Act. With these principles, polluters
may have the idea of giving importance to the environment by doing something excellent
that will contribute to healthy air pollution. Also, people's concern would be
a better way of improving our environment. Thus, Declaration of Principles of
this Act will surely give us an idea that we should be responsible of our own
environment.
by: Mariel Madlambayan
The Current State of Philippine Air
Despite being a no expert in telling the quality of air in cities around
our country, through my everyday experiences commuting to school and back home for
almost 5 years, I can attest the our air is evidently going through air
pollution problems especially here in Metro Manila. It was like inhaling this
kind of air is part of my everyday life, whether I like it or not.
According
to Clean Air Initiative for Asian Cities (CAI-Asia) Center, to be able to understand
the air pollution problem of a country, a lot of examinations are required and
these include its geography, climate, drivers (urbanization, industry and
economy, energy, and transport), sources, status, and impacts of air pollution.
And through the help of the conducted national emissions inventory of air
pollution sources in 1990, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR) has identified the sources of air pollution in most cities in the
Philippines and these are motor vehicles, open burning of solid waste, and
industry. In this regard, through the different studies and monitoring done by the
DENR in the country, it is then justifiable to say that the Philippines is experiencing
a low air quality.
The
impacts of having a low air quality may not be obvious to most of us but this
should not be the reason for ignoring it. Serious health impacts and
destruction of our environment are the most alarming products of air pollution.
And if we do not do something to help our air to recover from its current state,
we may experience worst impacts in the future.
We
all want to live in a clean and beautiful environment. And to make this possible,
we should all take part in saving our environment from different forms of
pollution, even in small ways.
by: Kathleen Joy Santos
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