Coronavirus response gives Asean cities a chance to embrace a greener, healthier future
- Improved air quality in cities across Southeast Asia is a welcome development but one that is not sustainable in the long term without further reforms
- Making cities greener and pedestrian-friendly, revamping public transport and promoting energy-efficient buildings now will help ensure a healthier future
Lockdowns in many Association of Southeast Asian Nations cities have significantly reduced air pollutants that are harmful to the human respiratory tract. According to IQAir data cited by the Southeast Asia Globe, Singapore was the only one of 10 regional cities surveyed in February that was in the “good” Air Quality Index category.
By May, once lockdowns were in effect, Manila, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City had joined Singapore in the “good” category. Bangkok showed the most improvement, with its pollution score declining by more than 50 per cent.
A recent study in the Oxford Review of Public Policy surveyed 231 economists from 53 countries, with respondents suggesting that using Covid-19 government stimulus packages to build green infrastructure and improve energy efficiency would offer the best economic and environmental returns.
If Asean cities follow this recommendation, they would help reduce global carbon emissions and rebuild the region’s post-pandemic economies in the long run.
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Cities across the region are expected to have significant population growth, with Asean projecting an additional 70 million people living in urban centres by 2025. Manila and Jakarta are expected to have 15 million and 12 million people respectively by then, while Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City will grow to 8 million.
These poor liveability indicators are a reminder that Asean cities need more ambitious reforms. They can start by greening urban corridors and designating bike lanes. City dwellers might be discouraged from using crowded buses, underground metros or trains to get to work while restrictions on public transport are in place. For those who still depend on public transport, cycling could be a cheap, sustainable and safe alternative.
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Revamping public transport is also important. It is possible to improve quality standards while also exercising social distancing and maintaining good hygiene. Monitoring emissions while planning to fully switch to electric or biofuel buses should be a priority during the recovery from Covid-19. Eco-friendly buses cost more than diesel models, but their lower running costs and reduced pollution will lead to long-term savings.
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Energy-efficient buildings are expected to become more affordable and create new jobs in the construction sector that will be badly needed in the economic recovery.
Covid-19 has temporarily improved the air quality in many Asean cities. Moving forward, this should inspire them to build healthier, more liveable cities for the future.
Melinda Martinus is lead researcher in sociocultural affairs at the Asean Studies Centre, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore