South Africa's Air Pollution: What's The Impact?

South Africa is the largest emitter of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and also leads in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions on the African continent. In 2019, air pollution was the second-leading cause of mortality across the continent, with South Africa recording 25,800 deaths in the same year. In 2021, more than 3,365 children under five years of age died due to air pollution-related causes in the country. South Africa is ranked 47th out of 138 countries for air pollution globally.

South Africa's air pollution statistics

South Africa is the largest emitter of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and also leads in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions on the African continent. The country's massive coal reserves are a contributing factor to its high emissions. South Africa's energy consumption and air pollution have a range of effects, from local to global.

Air pollution is the second biggest threat to health in South Africa, causing 25,800 premature deaths in 2019. It is linked to respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, neurological damage, and cancer. Nearly 100% of the population breathes air that exceeds the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guideline levels. In 2022, a judgement by the South African High Court recognised that the poor air quality in the Highveld Priority Area (HPA) breaches citizens’ constitutional right to a healthy environment. Low-income communities in this area are the most impacted by poor air quality, as many live near industrial plants, incinerators, refineries, or mines.

Johannesburg, Cape Town, and the Highveld region are some of South Africa's fastest-growing and most polluted cities. In Johannesburg alone, $640 million (R12 billion) could be saved from 2023-2040 if the city implements clean air measures. This is equivalent to 36% of the South African government’s total budget for HIV and HIV/TB health outcomes in 2019.

The South African government introduced a carbon tax in 2019 to address the issue of poor air quality. This tax is imposed on companies that burn carbon-based fuels, with the aim of incentivising them to adopt renewable energy technologies. The Clean Air Fund is also working with government, civil society organisations, and academic institutions in South Africa to support the clean air movement and advocate for solutions to air pollution.

The impact of air pollution on health

South Africa is rapidly urbanising, and air pollution is the second biggest threat to health in the country. In 2019, air pollution was responsible for 25,800 premature deaths in South Africa, with nearly 100% of the population breathing air that exceeds the World Health Organization's (WHO) guideline levels.

The health effects of air pollution can vary depending on the types and concentrations of pollutants in the air. Short-term exposure to high levels of particulate matter can lead to reduced lung function, respiratory infections, and aggravated asthma. Long-term or chronic exposure, on the other hand, increases the risk of more serious diseases with longer onsets, such as stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer. Ozone (O3) is another dangerous pollutant, which irritates the lungs and can cause breathing problems such as chest tightness, coughing, and shortness of breath.

Certain populations are more vulnerable to the health impacts of air pollution. Children, the elderly, and pregnant women are more susceptible to air pollution-related diseases. Additionally, people with pre-existing chronic conditions, such as heart and lung disease, may be at higher risk. Maternal exposure to air pollution has been linked to adverse birth outcomes, including low birth weight, pre-term birth, and small gestational age births. Psychosocial stress, such as poverty and racial/ethnic discrimination, can also amplify the harmful effects of air pollution.

The burden of air pollution on African livelihoods and population health is among the highest in the world. In 2019, Africa had the highest death rate linked to air pollution, with 155 deaths per 100,000 people, almost double the global average. South Africa is taking steps to address this issue, with organisations like the Clean Air Fund working with the government, civil society organisations, and academic institutions to implement policies and solutions to improve air quality.

The country's coal reserves and energy consumption

South Africa's energy sector is dominated by coal, which meets around 70% of the country's primary energy demand. South Africa is the 7th largest consumer of coal in the world, accounting for 2.36% of the world's total consumption. The country holds 35,053 million tons of proven coal reserves, ranking 8th in the world and accounting for about 3.08% of the world's total coal reserves. South Africa's coal reserves are equivalent to 173.3 times its annual consumption levels, meaning that at current consumption levels, the country has about 173 years of coal left.

However, South Africa is also a significant exporter of coal, exporting 30% of its coal production (83,198,279 tons per day in 2016). The country is making efforts to diversify its energy mix, as its coal-fired fleet is ageing. The 2019 Integrated Resource Plan sets out a long-term diversification of the power mix by 2030, with a focus on introducing natural gas and renewable energy sources such as concentrating solar power (CSP). South Africa has excellent natural resources for CSP development.

Oil and gas are also important energy sources for South Africa, and recent gas discoveries could reduce the country's import needs. The government is focusing on diversifying the power mix by increasing the share of gas and renewables in the energy sector, while also meeting the growing energy demand and ensuring a socio-economically just transition. The affordability of electricity supply is a key concern in the diversification of the energy mix, as the structure of consumption and spending on electricity is skewed towards higher-income groups.

While South Africa is taking steps to reduce its reliance on coal, air pollution remains a significant issue in the country. It is the second biggest threat to health in South Africa, causing 25,800 premature deaths in 2019. Nearly 100% of the population breathes air that exceeds the World Health Organization's (WHO) guideline levels. South Africa had the fourth-highest number of deaths linked to particulate matter pollution (PM2.5) in Africa in 2019.

Air pollution and climate change

Africa is home to more than 1.2 billion people and experiences some of the worst air pollution and most severe health consequences globally. In 2019, air pollution was the second leading risk factor for death across the continent, causing 1.1 million deaths. Five of the world's ten most heavily polluted countries are in Africa when it comes to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

South Africa is a significant contributor to air pollution in Africa. It is the largest emitter of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and leads in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions on the continent. The country's massive coal reserves and energy consumption on a grand scale contribute to air pollution, with coal-fired power plants being a major source of pollution. In 2019, South Africa recorded 25,800 deaths linked to PM2.5, the fourth-highest number of deaths in Africa. Additionally, air pollution was responsible for 3,365 deaths in children under five years of age in South Africa in 2021.

The impact of air pollution on health in South Africa is significant. It is the second biggest threat to health in the country, causing various health issues such as premature birth, low birth weight, asthma, and lung diseases. The Highveld Priority Area (HPA), an industrial region in central South Africa, is particularly affected by poor air quality, with low-income communities and informal settlements bearing the brunt of the impact as they live near industrial plants and mines.

Climate change and air pollution are closely interlinked. Many of the drivers of air pollution are also sources of greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to global warming and climate change. By reducing air pollution, we can also help protect the climate. As the 12th largest greenhouse gas polluter in the world, South Africa has an important role to play in addressing climate change. The country has taken some steps towards improving air quality, such as implementing a carbon tax and participating in initiatives like the Breathe Cities program in Johannesburg. However, more urgent action is needed to address the issue effectively.

To address air pollution and climate change, South Africa needs to transition away from coal and fossil fuels and towards cleaner energy sources. The country's NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions) under the Paris Climate Agreement provide an opportunity to commit to more ambitious climate mitigation and adaptation measures. By incorporating the perspectives and needs of children and young people into national climate policies, South Africa can ensure a more sustainable future for its youth. Additionally, community engagement, capacity building, and collaboration between government, academic institutions, and environmental organizations are crucial for driving systemic change and improving air quality in South Africa.

Initiatives to improve air quality

South Africa is the twelfth largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world, with most emissions produced by the electricity sector, the metals industry, and the transport sector. The country's rapid urbanization has also contributed to high levels of air pollution, particularly in Johannesburg, which is projected to attain megacity status by 2030.

To address these issues, several initiatives have been undertaken by the government, civil society, and international organizations to improve air quality in South Africa:

• The South African government has implemented regulated air quality standards, known as Minimum Emissions Standards (MES), which require all regulated industries to meet standards that are not harmful to people and the environment. However, reports suggest that the government does not ensure adequate compliance with MES, and air quality monitoring stations are not evenly distributed across the country.
• The Clean Air Fund is supporting the clean air movement in South Africa by advocating for solutions to air pollution. They are working with government, civil society organizations, and academic institutions to address the root causes of air pollution. The Clean Air Fund has also signed a collaboration agreement with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) to strengthen efforts to improve air quality management across the country.
• The University of Pretoria and Zabcor are deploying low-cost sensors to inform government action on air quality.
• The South African Medical Research Council is generating localized evidence to understand the impact of air pollution on health, which will help inform policy and decision-making.
• The Breathe Cities initiative is providing technical support, community engagement, and capacity building to Johannesburg, which is one of 14 cities participating in the program. The initiative aims to strengthen air quality data and inform policy through comprehensive source apportionment studies.
• The UrbanBetter Cityzens for Clean Air Campaign supported young runners in gathering data on air pollution and campaigning for clean air measures in Cape Town.
• The environmental justice NGO groundWork is engaging with communities and building awareness of air pollution in the three National Air Quality Priority Areas.
• The "Deadly Air" litigation brought by the Centre for Environmental Rights resulted in a watershed judgment by the South African High Court in 2022. The court confirmed that air pollution in the Highveld Priority Area (HPA) breaches citizens' constitutional right to a healthy environment and that the government must hold big polluters accountable. This judgment sets a precedent for improving air quality in other priority areas and cities across South Africa.

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