Tuesday, October 31, 2023, the Postgraduate Student Association (HMP) of the Faculty of Public Health (FPH) Universitas Indonesia (UI) held a public discussion with the theme “Continuous Air Pollution, What is the Solution and Implementation of the Green Economy?”. The public discussion held via Zoom Meeting was motivated by the Low Carbon Development (PRK) planning initiated by the government. This public discussion activity succeeded in presenting three speakers, ranging from environmental scientists, lecturers, to experts from the ministry.
Dinda Shabrina, Nafas atmospheric scientist, explained material regarding air pollution advocacy efforts that have been carried out. According to him, solving air pollution must start from the availability of air quality data. “We cannot improve what we cannot measure. “With accurate data, citizens can live wiser, academic research can be carried out more easily, and government policies can be more easily disseminated,” he said. Dinda and Nafas, a technology-based health company that focuses on air pollution, have conducted a lot of research on the impact of air on health. Based on research results, air pollution has been proven to increase the risk of respiratory disease, stunting and the risk of low birth weight in babies.
Furthermore, Dr. Drg. Ririn Arminsih, M.Kes., Lecturer at the Department of Environmental Health, FPH UI, spoke about the risks of air pollution and how to overcome them. Air pollution itself is defined as the contamination of indoor and outdoor air by chemical, physical or biological substances that have the potential to change the natural characteristics of the atmosphere. Air pollution can come from household activities, motorized vehicles, industrial activities, and forest fires. The dangers caused by air pollution can vary, from coughs, sore throats, chest pain, reduced brain function, reduced immunity, to system disorders, such as the nervous system. “From the entire population, pregnant women, babies, and children, as well as people “The elderly are the population most vulnerable to experiencing health impacts due to air pollution,” said Dr. Ririn. “For this reason, countermeasures are needed from various sectors, starting from industry, households, transportation, city planning, power generation and waste management,” he continued.
Meanwhile, the Waste Management Coordinator, Assistant Deputy for Waste and Waste Management at the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Kemenko Marves), Rizal Panrelly, explained about “Application of the Green Economy in Controlling Air Pollution”. A green economy is an economic system that seeks to reduce carbon emissions and other negative impacts on the environment by conserving the use of natural resources, reducing waste and pollution, and promoting the use of renewable energy and clean technology. Until now, transportation as well as the manufacturing and energy industries still contribute highly to the pollutant burden of NOx, CO, SO2 and PM2.5. “A gradual improvement in air quality is needed, starting with community protection and then continuing with the gradual implementation of solutions,” he said. Rizal. The government has also developed collaborative action towards a green economy, starting with periodic monitoring and coordination capabilities, expanding public transportation, emission testing, increasing emission quality standards, incentive/disincentive programs, as well as communication and education.
Through various efforts to control pollution carried out by various parties, especially the government through the implementation of a green economy, it is hoped that the level of air pollution in Indonesia will decrease. (WR)