MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Philippines is set to engage in a global partnership with NASA to investigate and tackle air quality concerns in the Asian region.
On Sunday, February 4, Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) revealed that collaboration between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the DENR is set to take place.
Loyzaga revealed that NASA is planning specialized scientific research flights to investigate the atmosphere of Metro Manila and its adjacent areas. Engineers and air quality specialists from the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the DENR will be on board these flights, collaborating with NASA scientists to enhance their understanding.
“This collaboration with NASA and other respected partners will lead to significant advances in our understanding of air pollution and our ability to tackle this pressing issue,” Loyzaga said.
“The data gathered from the research flights will be used in our programs to mitigate air quality issues that affect public health and to address climate change,” she added.
The collaboration, known as Airborne and Satellite Investigation of Asian Air Quality (ASIA – AQ), united professionals from NASA in the United States, the DENR, South Korea’s National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA).
Loyzaga mentioned that the NASA initiative will utilize sophisticated satellite technology, on-the-ground observations, and aerial missions to enhance comprehension of the air quality issues specific to Metro Manila.
“The collaboration will help to improve air quality models, provide accurate forecasts, and develop effective policies to ensure better air quality in the future,” she added.
Loyzaga noted that the NASA project will employ advanced satellite technology, ground-based observations, and airborne missions to improve understanding of the air quality issues unique to Metro Manila.
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