Clean Air in Pakistan:

Summary of progress on improving air quality

Country Network Pakistan Pakistan Clean Air Network November 2008

Clean Air in Pakistan

Table of Contents
FOREWORD ................................................................................................................................................... 3 1. TRENDS IN AIR QUALITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ................................................................................. 4 1.1 1.2 1.3 2. Drivers of Air Pollution and Climate Change................................................................................. 4 Air Pollutants and Greenhouse Gas Emissions ............................................................................. 6 Impacts of Air Pollution................................................................................................................. 8

CLEAN AIR NETWORK PAKISTAN ........................................................................................................... 9 2.1 2.2 Introducing the Clean Air Network Pakistan................................................................................. 9 Key Achievements and Challenges ............................................................................................... 9

3.

RESPONSES TO IMPROVE AIR QUALITY .............................................................................................. 12 3.1 3.2 3.3 Policies ........................................................................................................................................ 12 Programs / Projects and Training Courses .................................................................................. 12 Case Studies of Concrete Actions ............................................................................................... 13

About CAI-Asia
The Clean Air Initiative for Asian Cities (CAI-Asia) was established as a joint initiative by the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, and the United States Asia Environmental Partnership (a project of USAID), in 2001. CAI-Asia promotes innovative ways to improve air quality of Asian cities by sharing experiences and building partnerships. This multi-stakeholder initiative has three parts: The CAI-Asia Center, a regional, Philippines-based non-profit organization as the implementing arm of CAI-Asia The CAI-Asia Partnership, a United Nations Type II partnership, with over 120 member organizations CAI-Asia Country Networks in the Peoples Republic of China (PRC), India (2009), Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Viet Nam.

Clean Air in Pakistan

FOREWORD
Air quality management (AQM) is still a major challenge in Asia. Fast growing Asian economies and continued urbanization have increased the demand for mobility and energy in the region, resulting in high levels of air pollution from transport, industry and other sources. The World Health Organization estimates that (outdoor) air pollution causes over half a million premature deaths per year, leaving the urban poor particularly vulnerable, since they live in air pollution hotspots, have low respiratory resistance due to bad nutrition, and face a lack of access to quality health care services. With regard to efforts towards improving air quality, we are pleased to present a report on updates and progress in Pakistan. This summary report addresses related areas, most importantly health, climate change, transport and energy management. The document has been prepared by Pakistan Clean Air Network (hosted by IUCN-International Union for Conservation of Nature), with the assistance of the Pakistan Environment Protection Agency. It presents: Trends in air quality and climate change The Clean Air Network of Pakistan, including main achievements and challenges Responses to address air pollution in Pakistan, including policies, programs/projects, training courses, and several case studies of concrete actions taken

You are invited to discuss with us the achievements and challenges of Pakistan at the Roundtable for South Asian Countries on Thursday, 13 November, between 10:30 12:00, at the Better Air Quality (BAQ) workshop 2008 in Bangkok, being organized under the theme Air Quality and Climate Change: scaling up win-win solutions for Asia. You can also visit our country webpage on www.cleanairnet.org/pcan and www.cleanairnet.org/pakistan for more information, or you may contact us directly. We welcome your support to help improve air quality in Pakistan!

Muhammad Aqib Uddin Clean Air Network Coordinator Pakistan Pakistan Clean Air Network

Glynda Bathan Policy and Partnerships Manager Clean Air Initiative - Asia Center

Clean Air in Pakistan

1.

TRENDS IN AIR QUALITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

This chapter explains the drivers of air pollution and climate change, trends in air pollutant levels and greenhouse gas emissions, and impacts of air pollution.

1.1

Drivers of Air Pollution and Climate Change

Pakistan is rapidly urbanizing. By 2050, 63.66% of the people will be living in cities, compared to 30.58% in 1990. Bigger cities put more pressure on available resources, including clean air.

Urbanization
350000 300000 80%
population (thousands)

100% 90%

250000 200000 150000 100000 50000

70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%

0 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050

0%

Rural Population

Urban Population

% of Population in Urban Areas

Source: Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat

Figure 1. Urbanization increase between 1990 and 2005 and forecast for 2050 As the GDP of Pakistan is rising, energy consumption is also increasing. It increased from 1.177 quadrillion BTU in 1990, to 2.252 quadrillion BTU in 2005.
Trends in Energy Consumption and Economic Growth
120 2.50

100 2.00
Energy Consumption (Quadrillion BTU)

80
GDP (billion US$)

1.50 60 1.00 40

0.50 20

0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
GDP (current Billion US$)
Source: Energy Information Administration and World Bank

0.00
Primary Energy Consumption (Quadrillion BTU)

Figure 2. Energy consumption increase compared to GDP, between 1990 and 2005

Clean Air in Pakistan

Industrial Emissions Though the industrial sector in Pakistan is small in size compared to other economic sectors, it is rapidly expanding due to a liberal government policy. Almost all metropolitan cities have industrial estates, where a cluster of industries of different types exist. Majority of cement, fertilizer and sugar units, power plants, and steel furnaces located in the vicinity of towns cause excessive air pollution. Brick kilns are another source of pollution in many areas. The use of low-grade coal and old tires in brick kilns generate dense black smoke and other kind of emissions. At present, 50% of the energy mix is natural gas and thermal power is predominantly being generated by natural gas. The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) is working on a notification of fuel specifications for brick kilns, in order to prevent the pollution caused by usage of low grade fuel. The government is also planning to shift industries to areas with all the requisite facilities, away from residential areas. Vehicle Emissions Vehicular emissions in all the major cities of Pakistan are the primary source of air pollution. The transport sector is the largest user of petroleum products accounting for 47.4% of consumption (Table 1). The use of adulterated fuel and poorly maintained vehicles are some of the reasons for excessive and highly toxic emissions from vehicles.
Table 1: Percent Share of Consumption of Petroleum Products Year 2000-01 Year 2006-07 % share 2.6 10.9 1.4 46.2 36.8 2.1 100 % share 0.6 9.5 0.6 47.4 40 1.9 100

Sector

Household Industry Agriculture Transport Power Other government Total Source: Pakistan Energy Year Book, 2007

Vehicle ownership is also growing rapidly. In 1994, the total number of registered vehicles was 3.5 million; while in 2005 it was 5.2 million. In terms of number, two-wheeled motor vehicles dominate.

Clean Air in Pakistan

Vehicle Registration
6000000

5000000

number of vehicles

4000000
Others Trucks

3000000

Bus Cars+ SUV's

2000000

Three-wheelers Two-wheelers

1000000

0 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004

Source: Official Statistics from the Government

Figure 3. Growth in number of vehicles, between 1994 and 2005

1.2

Air Pollutants and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The main air pollutants in the Pakistani cities are Sulfur dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM - usually expressed as PM with diameter of 10 microns or smaller, PM10, or 2.5 microns or smaller, PM2.5), Carbon monoxide (CO), ozone, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and lead. The pollutant of concern in Pakistan is Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) in the ambient air. The major sources of SPM are vehicles, industry, burning of solid waste, brick kilns and natural dust. A study conducted by Pak-EPA in five cities (Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi and Islamabad), with the assistance of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), revealed that the inhalable SPM in the ambient air is 6-7 times higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) acceptable limits. The study also established that 40% of SPM comes from vehicular emissions, while the rest is from industrial and natural sources. Pak-EPA has established a monitoring station at Bahawal Nagar (a district in the Punjab Province), to monitor the impacts of transboundary pollution in Pakistan. Table 2 shows the PM10 concentration in year 2007, with a maximum value of 367.52 g/m3, a minimum value of 120.21 g/m3 and an average value of 201.08 g/m3. Figure 4 shows a comparison between PM10 concentration and WHO standards.
Table 2: Level of PM10 at Bahawal Nagar in 2007 3 Name of month PM10 (g/m ) February, 2007 217.72 March, 2007 120.21 April, 2007 143.2 May,2007 367.52 June , 2007 135.14 July, 2007 227.21 August, 2007 134.90 September, 2007 105.42 October, 2007 247.05 November, 2007 257.05

Clean Air in Pakistan

December, 2007 January, 2008

239.78 217.72

Bahawal Nagar 2007 PM10 Level

250 200

g/m3

150 100 50 0 Bahawal Nagar Bahawal Nagar WHO WHO

Figure 4. Bahawal Nagar PM10 Level in 2007 compared with the WHO Guideline Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from fossil fuel combustion in Pakistan, expressed as carbon dioxide (CO2)equivalents, are rapidly increasing. In 1990, GHG emissions were 68,068 thousand metric tons, in 2004 this was 125,669 thousand metric tons.

CO2 Emissions and Economic Growth

120 140000

100

120000

80
GDP( billion US$)

80000 60 60000 40 40000 20

20000

0 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004

GDP (current Billion US$)

Source: Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center and World Bank

CO2 (thousand metric tons)

Figure 5. Trends in Greenhouse Gas Emissions (CO2-equivalents) from fossil fuel combustion in Pakistan between 1990 and 2004

CO2 (thousand metric tons)

100000

Clean Air in Pakistan

The greenhouse gas inventory of Pakistan is provided below:

Table 3: Greenhouse Gas Inventory of Pakistan CO2 CH4 N2O NOx CO Removals 2,891.2 36.9 410.257 732.130

Greenhouse Gas Source and Sink Categories Total National Emissions and Removals Energy Industrial Processes Agriculture Forestry and Land Use Change Wastes Source: UNDP

CO2 Emissions 94,571.9

SO2

Halocarbons

775.462

3.098

77,171.80 11,269.6 6,527.1

281.4 2,507.9 -

0.606 29.916 -

409.908 0.349 -

706.126 15.75 10.254 -

764.487 10.975 -

101.9

6.396

3.098

1.3

Impacts of Air Pollution

Increase in the urban population accompanied by excessive release of air emissions from vehicles, industries and burning of municipal waste in Pakistan, has resulted in economic costs. The economic cost of air pollution is estimated at Rs.65 billion/year (or US$998 million/year) for urban air pollution. In the cities, widespread use of low-quality fuel, combined with a dramatic expansion in the number of vehicles on roads, has led to significant air pollution problems. Air pollution levels in Pakistans most populated cities are high and are causing serious health issues. Various surveys show that air pollution levels in cities have either crossed safe limits, or have reached the threshold values.
Table 4: Annual Costs of Health Impacts of Ambient Particulate Air Pollution (Billion Rs.) Health End-Points Attributed Total Cases Total Annual Costs Premature mortality adults 21,791 58-61 Mortality children under 5 yrs 658 0.83 Chronic Bronchitis 7,825 0.06 Hospital Admissions 81,312 0.28 Emergency room visits/ outpatient 1,595,080 0.80 hospital visits Restricted activity days 81,541,893 2.06 Lower respiratory illness in children 4,924,148 0.84 Respiratory symptoms 706,808,732 0.00 Total 62-65 Rs. Source: Country Strategic Environment Assessment Report, 2006 by the World Bank

Clean Air in Pakistan

2.
2.1

CLEAN AIR NETWORK PAKISTAN

Introducing the Clean Air Network Pakistan

The Clean Air Network of Pakistan is a CAI-Asia Country Network. Under an agreement with the Asian Development Bank in 2005, IUCN, a non-city member of CAI-Asia, helped establish the Pakistan Clean Air Network (PCAN) and serves as its secretariat. PCAN aims to address air quality issues in Pakistan and promote better air quality management (AQM) practices in urban centers. The approach includes awareness raising, capacity building and provision of a broad knowledge base for AQM. One of the key achievements of the Network is the establishment of Clean Air Coordination Committees for Karachi and Peshawar. PCAN also keeps track of air quality drivers, trends, impacts and responses. In doing so, it works together with a wide range of stakeholders, who have an interest in better air quality in Pakistan and who have a role to play in achieving this: government agencies, development partners (including donors, foundations, development agencies), civil society (including non-governmental organizations, academia and research institutes) and the private sector. Stakeholder groups are shown at the end of this Chapter.

2.2

Key Achievements and Challenges

In line with the increasing global commitments towards environment protection, Pakistan has not only ratified a number of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAS), but has also initiated various national environment programs. Pakistan has also effectively dedicated itself to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), as adopted by the UN member states in the year 2000. With regard to AQM, a number of achievements have been made, mostly with the collaborative efforts of Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) and PCAN. Some of these initiatives are Pak-EPA established fixed and mobile Air Monitoring Stations in 2007 in five (5) major cities of Pakistan, with the cooperation of the Government of Japan. The air quality data obtained from these stations has led to the development of National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) for ambient air quality; this is in the process of stakeholder consultation. Pak-EPA has developed the Pakistan Clean Air Program (PCAP). The PCAP is currently being finalized with the involvement of PCAN. This Program aims to address the issue of air pollution, with some interventions at the policy level. Moreover, a roadmap is being followed for the adoption of Euro Standards. Euro-II standards for petrol (new/ used vehicles) will be implemented by 2009. Euro-II compliant diesel fuel will be available by December 2011 and Euro-II compliant diesel vehicles will be introduced by July 2012. To reduce the industrial pollution, a Self Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) has been developed by Pak-EPA, in consultation with the stakeholders, to conduct the analysis of industrial emission. Under a Self-Monitoring and Reporting System, industries in Pakistan will be responsible for systematically monitoring their environmental performance and reporting the data to environmental protection agencies.

Clean Air in Pakistan

A Green Industrial Program has been launched by Pak-EPA, for nationwide reduction in the pollution levels, by providing the flexibility to the industries to choose cost-effective environmental solutions and by promoting pollution control measures. Pakistan is the leading user of CNG in Asia and has become the third leading country in the world to use CNG in the transport sector. Presently, more than 1.7 million vehicles are using CNG as fuel and more than 2200 CNG stations are operational in different parts of the country. The government is promoting the use of CNG in the transport sector. The number of CNG vehicles in Pakistan has increased by 250,000 or 30% during the period April 2005-April 2006, making Pakistans CNG fleet the largest in Asia and the third largest in the world, after Argentina and Brazil. There is a noticeable increase in conversion rate of vehicles from petrol to CNG. About 1.7 million vehicles have been converted to CNG, contributing immensely to the reduction of increasing air pollution in the country (Table 5).
Table 5: Growth in CNG Sector Year CNG Stations December, 1999 62 December, 2000 150 December, 2001 218 December, 2002 360 December, 2003 475 December, 2004 633 December, 2005 835 December, 2006 1190 th 16 May, 2007 1450 February, 2008 2063 Source: Economic Survey of Pakistan 2007-2008 Converted Vehicles 60,000 120,000 210,000 330,000 450,000 660,000 1,050,000 1,300,000 1,400,000 1,700,000

An Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) has been established by the government. Under the Board, ethanol has been launched as an alternative fuel for vehicles. Furthermore, a pilot project has been successfully implemented for production of biodiesel and for village electrification in many areas.

Despite the progress made, several challenges remain, including Despite established policies and procedures, need for adequate physical, financial and human resources limit the effective implementation of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997. Capacity building of government officials, political will and an effective monitoring system are required in order to fulfill the national and international obligations. The role of civil society organizations and other stakeholders needs to be strengthened. As the driving force behind clean air initiatives in Pakistan, PCAN requires sustained funds to effectively realize its objectives. Without new sources of funding, the further strengthening and consequent expansion of the programme is proving to be restrictive. Hence, an effort is being made towards directing adequate financial resources to support its endeavors. PCAN is also striving to further enhance stakeholder cooperation and effective involvement, while also making an effort towards overcoming any institutional gaps and weaknesses.

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Clean Air in Pakistan

Figure 8. Clean Air Network of Stakeholders in Pakistan

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Clean Air in Pakistan

3.

RESPONSES TO IMPROVE AIR QUALITY

Countries and cities can address air pollution in several ways, such as through policies, programs, training courses and on-the-ground measures.

3.1

Policies

Pakistan has a range of policies relevant to AQM. Policies can be directly aimed at improving air quality, or they can cover related areas (such as health, climate change, energy management and environment) or sectors such as transport, industry and construction, that affect air pollution indirectly. The most important ones are: National Conservation Strategy: National Conservation Strategy (NCS) was approved in 1992. It includes 14 core areas, all aiming to protect the environment. Achievements under NCS have primarily been awareness raising and institution building, rather than actual improvements to environmental and natural resources. National Environmental Action Plan: This programme was approved by the Pakistan Environment Protection Council in 2001. It mainly aimed to achieve environmental sustainability and poverty reduction in the context of economic growth. It included air pollution in its core programs. Key objectives achieved included the introduction of unleaded gasoline and reduction of sulfur in diesel. National Environment Policy: National Environment Policy (NEP) was approved in 2005. NEP provides an over arching framework for addressing the environmental issues faced by Pakistan, particularly air pollution, lack of proper waste management, deforestation, desertification, natural disasters, climate change, loss of biodiversity pollution of fresh water bodies and coastal waters. It also gives directions for addressing the cross sectoral issues, as well as the underlying causes of environmental degradation, along with meeting international obligations. Pakistan Clean Air Programme: In the last Pakistan Environment Protection Council meeting, Pak EPA / MoE submitted the Pakistan Clean Air Programme (PCAP) which highlights the major sources of urban air pollution that need to be addressed. These include: Vehicular emission Industrial pollution Solid waste burning Agriculture residue burning Forest fires Indoor air quality Natural dust Tariff preference to CNG driven buses Introduction of cleaner fuels Phasing out of polluting public service vehicles

3.2

Programs / Projects and Training Courses

The CAI-Asia Center and CAI-Asia Country Networks compiled a compendium of AQM related organizations, programs/projects and training courses. This was published in January 2007. For Pakistan, 18 programs and

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Clean Air in Pakistan

projects were identified. In Asia, 28 air quality training courses, delivered on a regular basis, were identified. For more information, see www.cleanairnet.org/compendium.

3.3

Case Studies of Concrete Actions

Vehicular Emission Testing System (VETS) check vehicles

To control air pollution caused by vehicles, the Vehicle Emission Testing System Team of Pak-EPA carries out vehicular emission testing on a daily basis, in collaboration with the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP). Noncomplying vehicle owners are directed to tune up their vehicles and get them rechecked.

The VETS team has carried out tests of 39,057 vehicles from May 2005 to September 2008. Out of these, 34,203 (88%) vehicles have been cleared and have been issued green stickers. Four thousand eight hundred fifty-four (12%) polluting vehicles have been issued red (warning) stickers.
Table 5: Data on Vehicles Tested for Emissions (May 2005 to September 30, 2008) Green/ Red/Non Total Vehicles Checked Compliance Compliance 18,988 14,295 920 34,203 2,865 1,632 357 4,854 21,853 15,927 1,277 39,057

S.NO 1 2 3

Fuel Type Diesel CNG Petrol Grand Total

Motor Vehicle Examination Centers will be established in five major cities of Pakistan in the next two years.

Lahore bans 2-stroke rickshaws from its main road

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Clean Air in Pakistan

Concerned citizens filed a suit against the growing menace of air pollution in Lahore. In the course of the suit, the Court created a Commission with representatives from different sectors to recommend solutions to reduce air pollution from vehicles in Lahore. The Ministry of Environment, City District Government of Lahore, IUCN Pakistan, CAI-Asia, World Bank and Asian Development Bank organized a National Workshop for the Improvement of Urban Air Quality of Pakistan in December 2004. Among the workshop recommendations pertaining to 2-stroke 3-wheelers were the (1) phase out of these vehicles, (2) the ban on registration of new 2-stroke 3-wheelers, and (3) their replacement with 4-stroke CNG 3-wheelers. In April 2006, 2-stroke rickshaws were banned from Lahores major road and the government provided a subsidy to rickshaw owners who decided to shift to 4-stroke rickshaws. Because of these initiatives, the City reports improvements in air quality resulting from the ban.

Organizing learning events on air quality, climate change and sustainable transport
Important events on air quality, climate change and sustainable transport were organized in Pakistan this year by the Pakistan Country Network and key stakeholders. These include: A four-day training course on Addressing Climate Change through Better Air Quality Management organized by Pak-EPA with the Pakistan Clean Air Network, IUCN Pakistan and the CAI-Asia Center in October 2008 A forum on A Different Vision for Urban Development and Mobility in September 2008, where Enrique Pealosa, a politician-turned-international development adviser from Latin America, interacted with Pakistani city planners on how to build cities for people instead of cars. IUCN Pakistan, the Clinton Climate Initiative and the Pakistan Clean Air Network jointly organized the event.

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Clean Air in Pakistan

CAI-Asia Center Unit 3510, 35th floor Robinsons-Equitable Tower ADB Avenue, Pasig City 1605 Metro Manila, Philippines Tel +66 2 3952843 Fax +66 2 3952846 center@cai-asia.org www.cleanairnet.org/caiasia

Pakistan Clean Air Network IUCN Pakistan 1, Bath Island Road, Karachi 75530 Tel +92 21 5861540 Fax +92 21 5861448 mohammad.aqib@iucnp.org www.cleanairnet.org/pcan

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