Jeonnam Province, Last Year's Environmental Policy Achievements Stand Out

Analysis of Ministry of Environment's Nationwide Air Pollution Monitoring Network Data... Annual Average PM2.5 'Lowest Nationwide'

Recorded 15㎍/㎥... 21.1% Decrease from 19㎍/㎥ in 2019, Lowest Since Monitoring Began

[Muan=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Jamin] The annual average concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Jeonnam Province last year recorded the lowest level since observations began in 2015, making it the lowest nationwide.

According to Jeonnam Province on the 12th, the National Institute of Environmental Research under the Ministry of Environment analyzed last year's data from the nationwide air pollution monitoring network (472 nationwide, 43 in Jeonnam). The national annual average concentration of fine particulate matter was 19㎍/㎥, while Jeonnam recorded 15㎍/㎥, the lowest in the country.

This represents a 21.1% decrease compared to the 19㎍/㎥ concentration in Jeonnam in 2019, marking the lowest level since fine particulate matter monitoring began in 2015.

Last year, the number of days with fine particulate matter levels classified as 'Bad' (36㎍/㎥ or higher) in Jeonnam was the lowest nationwide at 7 days, significantly reduced from 24 days in 2019, confirming that Jeonnam had the clearest air days.

In particular, among the 40 basic local governments nationwide that met the fine particulate matter environmental standard (15㎍/㎥), 11 cities and counties in Jeonnam were included, demonstrating excellent results.

By region within the province, Wando County had the lowest concentration at 12㎍/㎥, followed by Yeosu City (13㎍/㎥) and Gwangyang City (14㎍/㎥).

The decrease in fine particulate matter is analyzed by the province as a combined result of domestic and international fine dust policies, 40 days of good air quality in China, the impact of COVID-19, and meteorological conditions.

Last year, the province distributed 2,472 eco-friendly vehicles and installed 11,000 emission reduction devices on vehicles to improve fine dust levels, and established and operated 43 air monitoring networks.

Additionally, the province created 10 fine dust blocking forests around industrial complexes, along with 53 urban forests closely connected to daily life, such as urban wind path forests and living environment forests, to help reduce fine particulate matter concentrations.

Going forward, the province plans to faithfully implement 22 key tasks across 6 sectors according to the fine dust management detailed implementation plan (2020?2024) to improve air quality and protect the health of residents.

Park Hyunsik, Director of the Environment and Forestry Bureau of Jeonnam Province, said, “We will faithfully carry out Jeonnam’s fine dust management measures reflecting the government’s fine particulate matter reduction plan,” and added, “Active participation from residents is necessary, including restrictions on the operation of grade 5 emission vehicles to reduce fine dust in the transportation sector.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.