Tracking the Invisible: A Deep Dive into Monitoring Air Pollution from Space
BANGKOK, Thailand – January 19, 2026 – As a new year begins, a persistent and often invisible crisis continues to grip much of Asia and the Pacific: hazardous air quality. While many associate air pollution with visible sources like vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions, the reality is far more complex.From wildfires and dust storms to volcanic eruptions, the sources are diverse, and the impacts are far-reaching, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable populations. The air we breathe is falling short of World Health Organization (WHO) safety standards,demanding urgent and innovative solutions.
The Scale of the Crisis: A Region Under Pressure
The scope of the problem is staggering. In 2024, a concerning 25 of the world’s most polluted cities were located in the Asia-Pacific region. These cities faced PM2.5 levels considerably exceeding the WHO’s annual maximum of 5 micrograms per cubic meter. PM2.5, or fine particulate matter, is particularly dangerous as its small size allows it to penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, contributing to a range of health problems, including respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer.
Though, attributing blame solely to urban progress is a simplification. Air pollution is a multi-hazard crisis, driven by both human activity and natural events. Wildfires, increasingly frequent and intense due to climate change, release massive amounts of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and PM2.5. Sand and dust storms, exacerbated by desertification and land degradation, carry particulate matter across vast distances. Even volcanic eruptions contribute significantly, releasing sulfur dioxide and ash that can linger in the atmosphere for months.
The Climate-Pollution Feedback Loop
A critical and often overlooked aspect of this crisis is the interconnectedness between climate change and air pollution. Rising temperatures intensify wildfires, creating a vicious cycle of increased emissions and worsening air quality. Heat also accelerates the decomposition of waste, generating additional pollutants. This feedback loop poses a notable threat to both human health and the health of ecosystems. The situation transforms localized hazards into regional challenges, demanding collaborative solutions.
Beyond Mitigation: The Need for Adaptation and Preparedness
While reducing emissions at the source remains crucial, it’s not a complete solution. Natural hazards will continue to contribute to air pollution, regardless of emission reduction efforts. This necessitates a shift in focus towards adaptation and preparedness. Investing in robust monitoring systems,early warning mechanisms,and public health infrastructure is essential to minimize the impacts of air pollution events.
Earth Observation: A Powerful Tool for Monitoring and Early Warning
Earth observation technologies, particularly satellite-based sensors, are playing an increasingly vital role in monitoring air quality. Platforms like Sentinel-5 Precursor and the Geostationary Surroundings Monitoring Spectrometer (GEMS) provide unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution, detecting key pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), tropospheric ozone, and carbon monoxide.
These satellites bridge the gaps in ground-based observation networks, providing complete coverage and enabling authorities to track transboundary pollution events – from agricultural fires to volcanic emissions and urban smog. The Pan-Asia Partnership for Geospatial Air Pollution Information, led by ESCAP, exemplifies the power of integrating satellite data with surface observations to create robust monitoring systems.
Innovative Applications: Check Phoon and SatGPT
Several innovative applications are leveraging these technologies to improve air quality monitoring and public health protection. The Clean Air for Lasting ASEAN project highlights the success of “Check Phoon” (meaning “dust” in Thai), a PM2.5 Monitoring System developed by Thailand’s Geo-informatics Information and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA).
Check Phoon is available as both a web-based platform and a mobile application, providing real-time, high-resolution PM2.5 concentration data across Thailand. The system integrates satellite data (including from Himawari), meteorological information, hotspot detections, and ground-based monitoring station data.
Building on the success of SatGPT for flood mapping,researchers are exploring the potential of a similar AI-driven approach for monitoring and managing air pollution linked to volcanic activity. This demonstrates the adaptability and potential of these technologies to address a wide range of environmental challenges.
Regional Cooperation: A Collective Responsibility
Addressing the transboundary nature of air pollution requires strengthened regional cooperation. The Regional Action Program on Air Pollution promotes science-based collaboration, sharing of best practices, and increased technical and financial support among ESCAP member states. The Regional Space Applications Programme facilitates the sharing of crucial Earth observation data and expertise.
These initiatives contribute to accessible and actionable geospatial information, strengthening early warning systems and enabling authorities to forecast and quantify air quality with greater precision. However, more ambitious and coordinated efforts are needed to match the scale and pace of this evolving crisis.
Looking Ahead: A Call for urgent Action
The Asia-Pacific region has demonstrated resilience in the face of numerous disasters, but the air pollution crisis demands a stronger and more urgent response. Investing in advanced monitoring technologies, fostering regional cooperation, and prioritizing both mitigation and adaptation strategies are essential steps towards ensuring clean air for all. The right to breathe clean air is a fundamental human right, and protecting it requires a collective commitment to transformative change.
Keran Wang is Chief of Space Applications Section, ESCAP; Sheryl Rose Reyes is Consultant, Space Applications Section, ESCAP; Taisei Ukita is former Intern, Space Applications Section, ESCAP.
The authors would like to thank Sangmin Nam, Director of the Environment and Development Division of ESCAP, for his contributions to this article.
IPS UN Bureau
© Inter Press Service (20260114090546) — All rights Reserved. Original source: Inter Press Service
