Busan’s Air Quality significantly improved.
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Busan’s air is getting cleaner. According to the results of observation of particulate matter in Busan by the Research Institute of Public Health & Environment, Busan Metropolitan Government, the level of fine dust particles in the city has declined and the air quality of Busan has been significantly improved.
The amount of particulate matter recorded between January and September of this year reached 48 micrograms per cubic meter. As a result of the efforts of the air quality improvement project, a steady improvement from around 58 micrograms per cubic meter in 2005, 51 micrograms per cubic meter in 2008, and 49 micrograms per cubic meter in 2009 has been seen. In particular, the amount of particulate matter in 2009 passed the national environmental standard of 50 micrograms per cubic meter for the first time.The average amount of particulate matter in the first half of the year reduced by 3 to 10 micrograms per cubic meter even though the most severe yellow-dust storm so far occurred this year in the Busan area. Therefore, the city expects that the amount of particulate matter will decline further to 46 micrograms per cubic meter by the end of this year.
Improvement in Busan’s air quality has been possible through the city’s efforts and the public’s active participation. The city has introduced CNG buses and worked to reduce the pollution caused by diesel cars. Environmentally friendly transportation policies including the public transportation transfer discount system, and the city’s sidewalk tree planting project, have also contributed significantly to the improving situation.
From next year,
