Clean Air and Blue Skies in 66th Episode of Stories for a Better Normal

Every year, air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide, with the Philippines ranking third among countries having the highest air pollution-related deaths at 45.3 cases for every 100,000 Filipinos, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The episode will look at the implementation of the Clean Air Act and how the WHO’s 2021 Air Quality Guidelines can help realize its goals.

Numerous studies demonstrate severe health risks from PM2.5 (particulate matter that has a diameter of less than 2.5 microns) and NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) air pollution, even at levels far below the current WHO guidelines. This includes the risk of death from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections. Many in the medical and scientific communities have also pointed out the direct relationship between air pollution and the way variants of the novel coronavirus are spread more easily when they latch onto ambient particulate matter.

The online conversation, conceptualized and hosted by a three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 14 October 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda. Two lucky viewers can win tablets by tuning in throughout the program.

As an online discussion to promote health, environmental consciousness, and climate-adaptive practices, “Stories for a Better Normal” aims to change the mindset of individuals, families, and communities by demonstrating ways in which a ‘better normal’ can be realized within our communities.

This online discussion is organized in partnership between the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda, the Climate Change Commission, and the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, with support from the Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines and Mother Earth Foundation.###