Abstract:

This paper discusses the current and future role of different policy instruments (command and control, education, economic, co-regulation and self-regulation) in establishing effective air quality management (AQM) in developed and developing East Asian cities. Policies for the prevention and control of air pollution are in a state of transition, and the purpose of this research is to investigate the driving forces and impediments to policy change.

Research techniques included conducting interviews with AQM experts in seven large East Asian cities (Singapore, Jakarta, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Beijing and Tokyo) to gain local insights into the selection and implementation of policy instruments. The cities were specifically chosen to represent AQM policy viewpoints from developed and developing countries in East Asia and enable a comparative study of the region.

The results indicate that command and control regulations are considered to be the most important tools for effective AQM in all East Asian cities, but there are concerns about the limitations of this tool (e.g. resources needed, penalty levels, enforcement problems). In addition, the other policy instruments were considered to be increasingly important for future AQM in the East Asian cities surveyed. However the reasons why policy instruments would become less or more important in their city, and neighbouring large East Asian cities were varied.

This paper provides an in-depth, localised perspective on the future directions of air quality management policy in East Asia.

Presentation: http://www.cleanairnet.org/baq2006/1757/docs/SW3_1.ppt