A study conducted by researchers at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), has found that enforcing robust air pollution control programs across Southeast Asia could help prevent up to 36,000 premature deaths annually by 2050.These deaths would else affect from long- term exposure to ground- position ozone, a dangerous contaminant linked to serious respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.
Published in the journal Environmental Research Letters, the study highlights the critical need for the region to borrow cleaner technologies and stricter emigrations norms. Ground-level ozone forms when nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in sunlight. Unlike ozone in the upper atmosphere which shields the Earth from ultraviolet radiation — ground- position ozone is dangerous to human health. It can aggravate asthma, reduce lung function, and contribute to unseasonable death, particularly among children, the senior, and individualities with pre-existing conditions.
The NTU-led team used regional chemical transport models to analyze how various future emissions scenarios could affect ozone levels and related health impacts. Under the most sustainable scenario, known as SSP126—which assumes significant reductions in emissions and widespread adoption of clean technologies—the study projected up to 36,000 fewer ozone-related deaths annually by 2050. Even under a more moderate scenario (SSP245), which reflects gradual improvements in emissions control, the study estimated a 47% reduction in ozone-related mortality compared to 2019 levels.
The exploration linked metropolises similar as Singapore, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City as particularly vulnerable due to high emigrations from business, shipping, and assiduity. These civic areas are especially sensitive to both NOₓ and VOC emissions, meaning binary reduction strategies would be essential for meaningful ozone mitigation. Suburban and pastoral regions, meanwhile, were set up to respond more significantly to NOₓ reduction alone, indicating that targeted programs can be acclimatized to different areas for maximum effectiveness.
Steve Yim, lead author of the study and an associate professor at NTU’s Earth Observatory of Singapore, called for an urgent action, stating:
“Air pollution is one of the leading environmental threats to human health worldwide. Our findings show that with the right policies and investments, Southeast Asia can save tens of thousands of lives annually by reducing ozone pollution.”
He also noted that air pollution doesn’t respect borders. Regional cooperation will be critical, especially in addressing issues like trans boundary haze and emissions from shipping and artificial exertion that affect multiple countries contemporaneously. A coordinated trouble among ASEAN nations will be essential to making lasting progress.
The study comes at a time when Southeast Asia is passing through rapid-fire urbanization and artificial expansion. Without strong interventions, these trends could worsen air quality and place further people at threat. By investing in cleaner structure, stricter regulations, and public education, governments can insure healthier surroundings for their populations.
This research reinforces the growing global consensus that tackling air pollution delivers both environmental and public health benefits. In Southeast Asia, the stakes are high — but so are the potential gains. As the region works toward a sustainable and resilient future, the message from NTU Singapore is clear: protecting the air we breathe isn’t just about the environment — it’s about saving lives.
