The monsoon Asia region is home to many countries undergoing rapid industrialisation due to demanding economic growth. Because it is located in a domain with copious amounts of water vapour and solar radiation, emissions associated with rapid urbanisation lead to severe air pollution via complex atmospheric chemistry, causing critical environmental problems that are common among neighbouring nations. In recognition of the common challenges, the International Global Atmospheric Chemistry – Monsoon Asia and Oceania Networking Group (IGAC-MANGO) was formed in October 2015. IGAC-MANGO uniquely brings researchers on atmospheric chemistry and environmental changes from East, Southeast and South Asia. Priority topics identified include air quality and health, atmospheric composition and monsoon, and trans-boundary air pollution. As the group is young, there is a need to strengthen working relationships among them. Furthermore, although monsoon Asia is a “frontier” for atmospheric chemistry research, the studies have been limited by scientists in the region as well as by the international community. Hence it is important to engage different countries from the monsoon Asia region by holding meetings and capacity building workshops to foster the community and enhance communications among scientists, as well as between scientists and policy-makers, and to establish close collaborations with the international community.
Project • CBA2017-02MY-Tanimoto