Why is PM2.5 so early this year?
Created By RISC | 2 years ago
Last modified date : 2 years ago
You may be happy to feel a cooling breeze… but it’s also a sign that the “dust season" is here again.
So why has PM2.5 come early this year?
A high-pressure area from China has disrupted monsoon rains so it’s already winter and dust is back too.
Wind cannot disperse the dust that gathers in the city from car exhausts, engines, household equipment, and open-air incineration.
So how are dust and cool weather related?
A "temperature inversion" prevents the dust and pollution we release each day from floating up into the upper atmosphere. A lot of dust lingers in the city during the night to the morning then declines in the afternoon. (See inverse temperature phenomena at https://fb.watch/gihsWQe92n/)
The inverse temperature phenomenon is happening more often partly because of climate change. Many cities around the world are facing this problem more and more, just like Thailand. Extreme air pollution from forest fires or chemical explosions could become worse with a temperature inversion. Air pollution will intensify until it affects the health of local people.
Solutions and coping strategies include evaluating and identifying sources of air pollution. Management plans include shifting towards sustainable development and reducing carbon emissions to target Net Zero.
Story by Phetcharin Phongphetkul, Sustainable Designer/ LEED®AP BD+C, WELLTM AP,Fitwel Ambassador, TREES-A NC, RISC
References:
Seasons of Thailand - The Meteorological Department of Thailand
https://www3.tmd.go.th/info/%E0%B8%A4%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%82%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A8%E0%B9%84%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A2
Climate change has led to more temperature inversions and the rise of 'super pollution events'
https://www.greenbiz.com/article/climate-change-has-led-more-temperature-inversions-and-rise-super-pollution-events
100 European cities take up the challenge to become carbon neutral by 2030
https://www.climate-kic.org/news/100-european-cities-take-up-the-challenge-to-become-carbon-neutral-by-2030/