Bangkok's Battle against Pollution:

Things got a little hazy in Thailand's capital city recently, leading to the closure of over 350 schools, the highest number in five years. But Bangkok isn't taking the situation lying down; free public transport for a week was soon announced as a bid to mitigate the city's infamous traffic and resulting exhaust fumes.

Persistent Problem:

Seasonal air pollution is no stranger to Thailand and other countries in the region. This recent wave of poor air quality resulted in the most schools closing since 2020, affecting thousands of students. Public health is also a concern as cancer-causing microparticles small enough to enter the bloodstream through the lungs hit 108 micrograms a cubic metre, considerably above the World Health Organization's recommendation.

Actions Taken:

Several measures were activated to combat further pollution. A ban on stubble burning - the practice of burning leftover crops to clear fields - was put in place with legal consequences for violators. Also announced was a week of free public transport across Skytrain, metro, light rail system, and bus services. Further measures such as limitations on construction in the capital and seeking cooperation from nearby countries were proposed, demonstrating a multifaceted approach to improve air quality.

Region-Wide Issue:

Cities in neighboring Vietnam and Cambodia also ranked high on the most-polluted list with their air quality reaching "red level", meaning highly polluted. The cause was attributed to climate change, waste incineration, and forest fires, highlighting a shared struggle across the region.

Environmental Fallout and Climate Change Connection:

According to a report by Unicef, the schooling of 242 million children was disrupted by climate shocks in 2024. Air pollution, worsened by climate change, is considered a "secondary impact of climate-induced hazards", underscoring the interconnectedness of these environmental challenges.

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