DKI Jakarta’s Pollution Rank drops from 12 to 20. Has the air quality finally improved?
💡 Summary:
- In 2022, PM2.5 pollution in DKI Jakarta decreased compared to 2021.
- The possible reason of the decreasing air pollution because there is 12% increase in wind speed last year.
- Assessing air quality based solely on the region's average is not enough because DKI Jakarta is so large and pollution is hyperlocal.
- According to Nafas data, pollution levels remain high in most districts of DKI Jakarta.
According to the World Air Quality Report 2022 by IQAir, DKI Jakarta is now ranked as the 20th most polluted city in the world with PM2.5 pollution of 36.2 ug/m3. This is a decrease from its previous rank of 12 in 2021, with a PM2.5 level of 39.2 ug/m3. Does this mean that the air quality in DKI Jakarta has finally improved?
After monitoring, nafas data shows similar results. In comparison to 2021, PM2.5 pollution in DKI Jakarta has decreased by 3 ug/m3 this year.
What caused the decrease in pollution? Did pollution sources significantly decrease, or are there other factors supporting this decline?
According to our investigation, during the same period when PM2.5 pollution decreased in DKI Jakarta, wind speed also increased by 12%. This resulted in improved air quality in the capital city due to the increased wind speed last year.
However, assessing the air quality of DKI Jakarta from its average region is not enough. DKI Jakarta's area is so vast, while pollution is hyperlocal. The good news is that nafas has many sensors installed in various areas of DKI Jakarta.
Let's analyze the air quality data for DKI Jakarta in 2022! We can begin by examining the air quality data for each municipality in DKI Jakarta.
Nafas data shows that PM2.5 pollution in East Jakarta is higher than the DKI Jakarta average, at 43 ug/m3 or nearly 9 times higher than WHO's recommendation.
Now let's get into more detail on the district scale. From the data below, it is clear that many districts exceed the provincial average. The three districts in DKI Jakarta with the highest PM2.5 pollution in 2022 are Ciracas, East Jakarta (56 ug/m3), Cipayung, East Jakarta (52 ug/m3), and Pesanggarahan, South Jakarta (51 ug/m3).
Based on our data analysis, it is evident that air pollution is a significant issue in almost all areas of DKI Jakarta. The average PM2.5 pollution level also exceeds the WHO guidelines by 11 times.
It's important to remember that air quality is hyperlocal and fluctuates, which means there are many other factors that can influence changes in it. These factors include pollution sources, weather conditions, the atmosphere, and other variables.
Let's not be easily influenced by rankings, nafas citizens. Our goal towards achieving clean and healthy air for everyone is still a long journey ahead!
☝️ What can we do to minimize exposure to air pollution?
- Remember to check the air quality on the nafas app every day before engaging in any activities.
- When air quality worsens, follow nafas recommendations to minimize exposure.
- Reduce outdoor exercise time when pollution is high, or you can also move your exercise to one of the Clean Air Zone locations that ensure healthy indoor air quality.
