- Who we are
ABOUT US
We catalyze action for clean air and livable cities in Asia
Clean Air Asia is an international NGO that leads the global mission for better air quality and healthier, more livable cities in Asia. We reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in 1000+ cities in Asia through science-based policies and programs that cover air quality, transport and industrial emissions and energy use.
Learn More >> - What we do
FEATURED PROJECTS
Integrated Programme for Better Air Quality in AsiaThe Integrated Programme for Better Air Quality in Asia (IBAQ Programme) is addressing the growing challenge of air pollution in Asia and is directly contributing to the development of healthier and more livable cities throughout the region. The IBAQ Programme, launched in July 2014 by Clean Air Asia and the Ministry of the Environment of… . . Read More
Better Transport Data for Sustainable Transport Policies and Investment PlanningThe overall outcome of the project is the improved availability and quality of transport data in the Developing Member Countries of the Asian Development Bank, and thus help guide decisions on transport investments and policies, which are in line with sustainability objectives. The impact will be better informed policies and investment decisions in DMCsin support… . . Read More
View more Projects >> - Country Networks
COUNTRY OFFICES
In China, Clean Air Asia is the only international NGO fully dedicated to air quality work and one of the pioneers in city-level air quality management, having established a city network numbering 13 cities in this regard.
Clean Air Asia India is focused on transport, green freight and sustainable mobility work bringing projects such as the walkability study in Indian cities, the Walkability App, National bus fuel efficiency framework, Green trucks toolkit for India and its case study, online freight brokerage platform etc.
- News
SPOTLIGHT
Report shows average PM2.5 level of Chinese cities close to WHO Interim Target-1, the result of a seven-year battle for blue skiesClean Air Asia’s latest report, China Air 2020 – Air Pollution Prevention and Control Progress in Chinese Cities, found that the air quality of Chinese cities in 2019 generally continued the trend of improvement as seen in the previous six years. The average annual mean concentration of PM2.5 of 337 Chinese cities was down to… . . Read More
Stringent coal-fired power plant emission standards needed for coal-dependent South and Southeast Asian countriesCoal power capacity will continue to increase in South and Southeast Asia, increasing air pollutant and carbon dioxide emissions, if controls are not implemented. There are weak emission standards for coal-fired power plants (CFPs) in most countries in those regions, and poor enforcement of standards. This places the environment and public health at a greater… . . Read More
New policy brief tackles air quality monitoring under the new normalThe Philippines is one of the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic in the Southeast Asian region. Since March, the country has been under community quarantine which has led to noticeable improvements in air quality in Metro Manila. People have seen blue skies without haze in the metro after many years, giving residents a glimpse… . . Read More
New City Solutions Toolkit scales up action for better air quality across AsiaThe launch today of our new City Solutions Toolkit is another step forward in enabling city administrations and local government units to improve air quality in Asia’s cities. Supporting the implementation of our landmark Guidance Framework for Better Air Quality in Asian Cities, the City Solutions Toolkit provides step-by-step guidance on the key elements… . . Read More
View more News >>ON THE AIR
- Library
- BAQ
BAQ CONFERENCE
Clean Air Asia’s biennial Better Air Quality Conference (BAQ) is the region’s leading international air quality conference. It covers the key sectors of transport, energy, industry and climate change, drawing world-renowned experts from multiple sectors, as well as policymakers, practitioners and industry leaders. BAQ provides a venue for the exchange of the latest air quality development and trends, and for networking, innovation, and experience-sharing. Since the first BAQ in 2002, the conferences have proven to leverage change and influence policies, and facilitate the development of new projects and programs throughout Asia and the establishment of innovative partnerships.
- Join us
Our Team
Clean Air Asia is composed of:
- A Board of Trustees that has oversight over Clean Air Asia and also comprises Board committees. The Board and Center Members meet annually.
- The Executive Director and the Deputy Executive Director manage Clean Air Asia and the relations with the Partnership, Country Networks, and other partners and advisors. Together with the Head of Programs, the Transport Manager, the Finance and Administrative Services Manager, the China Director and India Director oversee the management of the three offices and Country Networks.
- Program Managers are involved in planning and management of programs and projects, including the BAQ conference. Specialists and researchers support the programs and related activities.
STAFF
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Bjarne Pedersen, Executive DirectorBjarne has broad international experience, particularly in environmental issues and sustainable development, with a proven track record of achieving meaningful impact through strategic leadership, resource mobilization and team building at all levels. Prior to joining Clean Air Asia, he was the Global Director at Consumers International, a leading international consumer advocacy organization. |
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Glynda Bathan-Baterina, Deputy Executive DirectorGlynda, alongside the Executive Director, leads the Clean Air Asia team, sets the organization’s strategic direction, and undertakes resource mobilization. A lawyer with 16 years’ experience in environment policy, she led teams to assist national and city governments develop and implement policies and roadmaps through Clean Air Asia’s four programs. She holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Philippines and a Master in Environmental Management degree from a joint program of the Ateneo de Manila University and the University of San Francisco. |
Air Quality and Climate Change Program
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Dang Espita Casanova, Air Quality Program ManagerDang leads our Air Quality Program. She is primarily involved in the Integrated Programme for Better Air Quality (IBAQ Programme), where she coordinates the development of the Guidance Framework for Better Air Quality in Asian Cities. She also contributes to the implementation of upgrades for the Clean Air Scorecard Tool. Dang is a licensed Chemist, with training on pollution chemistry and natural products from the Marine Science Institute at the University of the Philippines. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from the University of the Philippines and is presently completing her Master’s Degree in Chemistry from the same university. |
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Everlyn Tamayo, Air Quality SpecialistEverlyn has a master’s degree in Environmental Science from the University of the Philippines (Diliman). Her work has focused on aerosol characterization and atmospheric pollution. She also has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry. She is a licensed chemist and has taught in top Philippine universities while undertaking research and writing engagements related to air quality and climate change. |
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David Ecal, ResearcherDavid is a licensed mechanical engineer and is currently completing a master’s degree in environmental engineering. Before joining Clean Air Asia, he worked as a Senior Science Research Specialist for a Department of Science and Technology renewable energy mapping project. His work is focused on clean air technology and clean energy generation. |
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Dana Babela, ResearcherDana is a licensed chemist, with a master’s degree in chemistry from the University of the Philippines, Diliman. Her graduate research work was primarily focused on particulate matter and aerosol studies. She worked with the University of the Philippines, Diliman, for almost eight years, working as a college chemistry laboratory instructor and later as a University Research Associate. |
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Precious Benjamin, Capacity Development OfficerPrecious looks after the strategic planning and project implementation of Clean Air Asia’s work in cities, and is involved in the planning, conducting, and monitoring and evaluating of a range of project activities, as well as research, the preparation of project reports, workshops, conferences, and events. She has an environmental science degree from the Ateneo de Manila University. |
Sustainable Transport Program
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Kathleen Dematera Contreras, Sustainable Transport LeadKathleen Dematera is the coordinator of our Sustainable Transport Program. Her work focuses on clean fuels and vehicles, fuel economy, low-emission urban development, active transportation, and green freight and logistics. In her role, Kathleen establishes strategic partners across the region, ensures effective collaboration with governments and key stakeholders, and provides support on research and project planning and design. She joined Clean Air Asia as a researcher in 2012. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and a Master in Environmental Management. |
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Naressa Saripada, Transport ResearcherNaressa has three years’ experience in the field of research and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications, and has extensive knowledge on transport and the environment through her postgraduate studies at the University of Sydney, Australia. She also has a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of the Philippines, Cebu City. |
Communications
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Robyn Garner, Communications and Marketing ManagerRob has more than 20 years’ communications experience. She worked for 12 years as a print journalist and sub-editor in the Australian media, and for the past 15 years has been working in Asia (Mongolia, Japan, Thailand, Philippines) as a communications specialist in the international development sector with such organizations as UN agencies, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Pact, The Asia Foundation, and the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development. She has a Bachelor of Arts (Journalism) degree from the University of Queensland and a Master of Social Science (International Development) degree from RMIT University in Melbourne. |
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Shaira Panela, Communications AssistantShai has been an independent science journalist in the Philippines for the past eight years and is a regular contributor of news stories and features covering science, agriculture, the environment, and technology for both national and international news organizations, including Rappler, GMA News Online, Asian Scientist, SciDev.Net, and Mongabay. She has also written and edited policy papers and case studies for a range of NGOs on such topics as health policy, marine conservation, sanitation, poverty, and environmental conservation. Shai has Bachelor of Arts Journalism degree from the University of the Philippines and is completing a Master of Arts Journalism degree from Ateneo de Manila University. |
Finance and Administrative Services
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Art Docena, Finance & Administrative Services ManagerArt leads the finance and administrative services team. He developed many of the Clean Air Asia’s operating procedures and is in charge of monitoring the organization’s financial budgets and financial reporting. He is a Certified Public Accountant and has extensive knowledge on financial management, accounting functions, financial modeling, financial forecasting and feasibility analysis. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, major in Accounting from the Philippine School of Business Administration. |
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Jovy Coroña, Executive AssistantJovy provides comprehensive support to the offices of the Executive Director and the Deputy Executive Director, including proactive coordination with the senior management team. She takes the lead role in organizing the BAQ conference, annual meetings and other events, and performs secretariat functions for the Clean Air Asia Partnership. Jovy’s previous employment in Dubai includes high-level executive management support, organizing international events and human resource management. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education from the University of Sto. Tomas. |
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Cris Inclino, Project Administration OfficerCris handles contracts management and prepare project financial reports. She also assist the program managers and country directors in the preparation and submission of project proposals to funding agencies. In coordination with the project team, she prepares contract and TOR for project consultants and sub-grants. Cris has a vast experience working in international non-governmental organization in the field of finance and administration. |
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Valerie Gabiana, FAS AssistantValerie is an accounting graduate who is completing a master’s degree in public administration. She previously worked as a finance assistant and provided administration support at BEAM-ARMM (Basic Education Assistance for Muslim Mindanao in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao), a project funded by the Australian government. |
Clean Air Asia China Office
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Lu Fu, China DirectorLu leads the implementation of China Program and related projects of Clean Air Asia in China. She holds BA in International Law, MA and PhD in Environmental Law from the Wuhan University, China and conducted her PhD research in the University of Leuven, Belgium. She is specialized in policy and regulation analysis of environmental issues, and has worked as project manager and coordinator with UNEP in Thailand and leading environmental consulting firms in China. |
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Wei Wan, Air Quality Program ManagerWei is responsible for the management and implementation of the air quality management and transport projects in China, and supports the implementation of China components of related programs in our Manila and Delhi offices. She holds a PhD degree in Environmental Science from the Peking University and a member of the East Asian Association of Environmental and Resource Economics (EAAERE). |
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Zhang Weihao, Senior Environment ResearcherZhang Weihao supports the implementation of air quality management and transport-related programs and projects of Clean Air Asia in China. Before he joined Clean Air Asia, he worked for China Alliance for Clean Stoves, responsible for the implementation of international projects associated with biomass energy and climate change. He holds a Master’s Degree of Environmental Science and Engineering and Bachelor’s Degree of Environmental Engineering from Beijing University of Chemical Technology. |
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Huihui Cheng, Senior Environment ResearcherHuihui supports the implementation of air quality management and transport-related programs and projects of Clean Air Asia in China. She graduates from Johns Hopkins University-Nanjing University Center for Chinese and American Studies with a Master’s degree in International Relations focusing on Energy, Resources, and Environment. She also holds a B.A. in International Politics from Tianjin Foreign Studies University. |
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Lei Bian, Environmental ResearcherLei Bian received her bachelor’s degree and first master’s degree from the University of British Columbia, with a specialization in food and resource economics. She also has a MSc in Global Energy and Climate Policy from the University of London from 2017-2018. She previously worked for the ADB China office as a consultant on the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation program, and was an intern with the WHO Regional Office for Western Pacific Region. |
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Qiuxia Wang, Communications and Campaign ManagerQiuxia Wang has a Bachelor of Arts in International Journalism and Communication from Beijing Foreign Studies University She then became a member of a grassroots NGO in China, working on public engagement and information disclosure of different environmental topics. She was the one of the initiators and the coordinator of campaign, “I Monitor the Air for My Country”, which called for the government to monitor and disclose PM2.5 data. In 2013, she joined Greenpeace East Asia, campaigning to improve China’s air quality by reducing its coal use; she was the leader of the PM2.5 city rankings which attracted huge media coverage in China. |
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Qiuyi Wang, AnalystQiuyi has a bachelor’s degree in International Politics from Sun Yat-sen University and a master’s degree in International Affairs from the University of California, San Diego. She has interned at several international and domestic environmental NGOs, including the Wildlife Conservation Society, the Global Environmental Institute, and China Blue. |
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Mingming Liu, Communications OfficerMingming is the Communications and Events Officer at Clean Air Asia’s China office. Her main responsibilities are to implement the communications strategy, support campaigns, and be responsible for events organization. She has a master’s degree in economics from China Agricultural University. |
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Nancy Zhao, Administration and Finance OfficerNancy has years of experience working for multinational companies, including HSBC, GE Capital, Siemens and BEA, with specializations in human resources and finance, and has worked with a start-up company. She has a master’s degrees from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Tsinghua University. |
Clean Air Asia India Office
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Prarthana Borah, India DirectorPrarthana leads the implementation of the Clean Air Asia programme in India. A sustainability strategist with 18 years of experience, she has a track record of generating and managing resources to give momentum to and execute large projects. She has worked closely with various Ministries of the Government of India in Environmental Education (EE)/ Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and built partnerships with corporate houses, UN and other donor agencies. Having worked in different locations of India including Delhi, Gujarat and Northeast India she has extensive experience in involving local partners and adapting programs to meet local needs. |
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Prerna Sharma, Education and Outreach CoordinatorPrerna has eight years’ experience in the development sector having worked with NGOs like Save the Children and the Indian Environment Society. She has an M.Sc. (Environmental Sciences) and has worked in program design, development, implementation, and management, as well as program and financial monitoring. |
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Anil Kumar, Environment ResearcherAnil has submitted his PhD (Environmental Science) thesis from IIT (ISM) Dhanbad. He has expertise in air quality monitoring instruments, traffic emissions models and analytical tools. He has worked in the Environmental Monitoring Division of CSIR-IITR in Lucknow. His work has been primarily docused on the assessment of ambient air quality in industrial and urban areas. He has also worked on the stack monitoring of point sources. |
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Geeta Choudhary, Senior Finance And Administration OfficerGeeta is the Senior Finance and Administration Officer in Clean Air Asia’s India office. She has a Master’s in Commerce degree and more than seven years’ experience in finance, accounting and administration in the development sector in India. Prior to joining Clean Air Asia, Geeta worked with international NGOs such as Médecins Sans Frontières, Islamic Relief Worldwide and Evidence Action. |
Indonesia
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Devina Anasruron, Indonesia CoordinatorDevina is an environmental engineer with experience in environmental protection, natural resource management, energy and climate change. She was a Senior Programme Officer at the Danish Embassy in Jakarta, and has extensive experience in coordinating national programs under government-to-government development grants on environmental protection and renewable energy. She has a master’s degree in Environmental Engineering from a joint programme of the Aalborg University Denmark and the TU Harburg Hamburg Germany. She also completed a climate change management postgraduate program at the University of Edinburgh. |
Nepal
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Shankar Sharma, National Transport CoordinatorShankar has 10 years’ environmental experience, particularly in climate change, energy, air pollution and sustainability. He has worked for Clean Energy Nepal and Nepalese Youth for Climate Action, and was the focal point of the Climate Action Network South Asia for Nepal. He has a master’s degree in Environmental Science from Tribhuvan University. |
Vietnam
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Trinh Thi Bich Thuy, Sustainable Transport ExpertTrinh Thi Bich Thuy has more than 16 years’ experience in the fields of environment and climate change. She has a master’s degree in Environmental Management Science from the Asian Institute of Technology. Thuy worked as a climate change expert for several projects funded by the Vietnam government, UNDP, ADB, and the World Bank in the field of greenhouse gas reduction assessment and climate change adaptation. She also has more than 10 years’ experience working on government research in the field of transportation. |