EJN-Supported Journalists Produce 25 Stories on the Impacts of Air Pollution Across India and Indonesia
Air pollution remains a significant threat to human health, the environment, and socio-economic stability worldwide. Data from the World Health Organization indicates that 99% of the global population breathes air that exceeds WHO guideline limits for air quality, with people in low- and middle-income countries facing the highest levels of exposure to particulate matter and other pollutants.
To improve public understanding of these threats and foster demand for clean air solutions in some of the most disproportionately affected regions, EJN’s Clean Air Catalyst project, has supported 150+ journalists across India, Kenya, and Indonesia to report on air pollution issues in three heavily polluted cities: Indore, Nairobi, and Jakarta, since 2022.
In 2022, we awarded story grants to 22 journalists in India and Indonesia to investigate the causes and consequences of poor air quality in Indore and Jakarta.
Read stories from our Clean Air Catalyst grantees in Nairobi here.
Their stories examine the various health impacts of air pollution on vulnerable communities, and highlight clean air solutions, as well as the barriers hindering their implementation, and more. Here’s a selection of their reporting:
Indore, India
Aditya Singh examined the link between factory smoke and fertility issues—and the resulting social stigma and harassment that women face—in Madya Pradesh's industrial hub, Pithampur.
Manish Kumar uncovered the severe and disproportionate health effects of air pollution on children living in Indore, India's "cleanest" city, leading to respiratory issues and stunted growth.
Sonal Chourey reported on the health impacts of vehicular pollution on working women in Indore.
Ravleen Kaur produced a three-part series on the potential of Bio-Compressed Natural Gas (bio-CNG)—gas produced from organic waste—to address air quality issues in India. She explored challenges related to odor control and air quality management at Asia's largest bio-CNG plant in Indore, examined the viability of Compressed Biogas as a sustainable energy source, and delved into the economic, operational, and infrastructural barriers to its implementation.
Jakarta, Indonesia
Marina Azhari collaborated with Abdus Somad on two stories investigating the health and economic impacts of air quality on trans women in different regions of Indonesia. They spoke to trans women in Maumere, Sikka District, where clean energy has improved economic opportunities, and examined how social stigma, poverty, and limited access to health programs leave trans women in Jakarta especially vulnerable to air pollution.
Anastasia Ika reported on Jakarta's push for electric vehicles to combat air pollution amid environmental sustainability concerns and challenges related to battery sourcing and coal dependency.
Glenys Octania investigated the significant health risks posed by air pollution in Indonesia—particularly its impact on women's reproductive health—and the need for more research to inform effective health policies.
Zainur Mahsir Ramadhan examined the ongoing challenges of implementing Low Emission Zones in Jakarta and the resulting impact on local residents.
Valda Kustarini produced a two-part series exploring the multifaceted effects of air pollution on Jakarta residents. She explored the tangible and intangible costs of health issues linked to air pollution, as well as its broader societal impacts, such as poor sleep quality and rising healthcare expenses.
Wulan Kusuma Wardhani produced two stories on the challenges and initiatives related to vehicle emissions testing in Jakarta. She investigated the social and regulatory barriers contributing to low participation rates, and explored what is needed for successful implementation.
“Both India and Indonesia have been deeply impacted by air pollution. Through our training, mentoring and the story grants, we helped journalists understand how air pollution and health are closely interconnected and encouraged them to cover the issue from different perspectives,” said Stella Paul, EJN's Environment and Health Project Officer.
“We were happy to observe that with our support, journalists in both cities were able to report, for the first time, stories that are more people-centric, and highlight issues that were rarely covered before, such as the impacts of air pollution on ethnic and sexual minorities, people with auto-immune disorders and women sanitation workers, among others,” she added.
You can find the latest stories, resources and updates on EJN’s Clean Air Catalyst project here.
Banner image: Istu Prayogi (57), who is diagnosed as sensitive to air pollution, has felt respiratory distress since 1995. Prayogi has been using a medical mask since 2016 / Credit: Valda Kustarini for KBR.
