Air Pollution In South Africa: Strategies For Clean Air

Air pollution is a pressing issue in South Africa, causing approximately 25,800 premature deaths annually and posing a significant threat to health. The country's extensive coal reserves and energy consumption contribute to high emissions of sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide, with air quality deteriorating as a result. To address this, South Africa has implemented a carbon tax, aiming to incentivise a shift towards renewable energy sources and mitigate temperature increases. However, the effectiveness of this tax in reducing emissions is uncertain due to the low levy. Various organisations, such as Greenpeace Africa and Clean Air Fund, are advocating for solutions and taking initiatives to improve air quality and address the climate crisis. With South Africa assuming the G20 Presidency in 2025, there is an opportunity to showcase leadership in tackling this challenge on a global scale.

Reduce carbon dioxide emissions

South Africa is the world's 14th largest emitter of greenhouse gases (GHGs), with CO2 emissions principally due to a heavy reliance on coal. South Africa's energy sector accounts for nearly 86% of emissions, and the country possesses massive coal reserves. In 2019, South Africa implemented a carbon tax to incentivize carbon majors to change their carbon-intensive business models and adopt renewable energy technologies. However, the tax rate is currently too low to be effective in cutting the country's emissions.

To reduce carbon dioxide emissions, South Africa could:

• Transition to renewable energy sources: South Africa has pledged to peak its emissions between 2020 and 2025, with a significant shift away from coal towards gas and renewables. While coal will continue to play a role for decades, the plan includes no new coal plants after 2030 and closing four-fifths of capacity by 2050.
• Implement effective carbon pricing policies: South Africa was the first African country to adopt a carbon tax policy. However, the current rate is too low to meet emission targets. Raising the carbon tax rate and improving carbon pricing policies can promote low-carbon investments and support economic growth.
• Reduce government subsidies for non-renewable energy sources: Eskom, South Africa's electricity producer, receives subsidies that are greater than the electricity levy and the official carbon tax rate, providing little incentive to move away from coal-fueled generation. Reducing these subsidies can encourage a transition to renewable energy sources.
• Improve transportation systems: Inefficient transportation is a significant contributor to South Africa's carbon footprint. Intensive public transport systems are needed to transport people between their homes and workplaces due to the spatial impact of Apartheid. Improving transportation systems can reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable development.
• Address government corruption: Embezzlement, bribery, and corruption in government negatively impact public funding for green programs and divert focus from lowering carbon emissions. Reducing corruption can help ensure that economies operate efficiently and facilitate environmental intervention.

Implement carbon tax

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 air pollution problem is so severe that it is the second-biggest threat to health in the country, causing 25,800 premature deaths in 2019.

To address this issue, the South African government has implemented a carbon tax through the Carbon Tax Act of 2019, which came into effect on 1 June 2019. The tax is assessed on each ton of greenhouse gas pollution produced by entities operating emissions generation facilities above a certain capacity, with the tax being paid to the government. The basic idea behind the carbon tax is to incentivize the use of non-fossil fuel-based energy and encourage investment in green energy projects, creating an economic boost in the clean-tech markets and green jobs.

The carbon tax rate in South Africa has seen changes over the years, with the most recent update in 2024 bringing it to R190 per tonne of CO2 equivalent, a 16% increase from the previous rate. The government has also proposed a higher carbon tax rate of R640 per tonne of CO2 equivalent on all greenhouse gas emissions exceeding the carbon budget, which is expected to come into effect after the Climate Change Bill is enacted and the relevant regulations are gazetted.

While the carbon tax is a step in the right direction, there are concerns about its effectiveness in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The tax rate may be too low to have a significant impact, and it is uncertain if pricing carbon will lead to the desired outcomes. However, the carbon tax is just one part of South Africa's efforts to combat air pollution and climate change. The country is also engaging in initiatives like the Breathe Cities program and collaborating with organizations like the Clean Air Fund to advocate for solutions and raise awareness about the issue.

Improve food security

South Africa is the largest emitter of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and leads in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions on the African continent. The country's massive coal reserves and energy consumption on a grand scale have resulted in severe air pollution, which emerged as the second-leading cause of mortality across the continent in 2019.

To prevent air pollution in South Africa, it is essential to address the issue of food security, which is closely linked to climate change. Here are some measures that can be taken to improve food security and, in turn, help prevent air pollution:

• Support for small-scale and rural farmers: Small-scale and rural farmers in South Africa, particularly those in household-level agricultural production, need more support from the government. This includes providing access to finance, communication infrastructure, education, and skill development resources. By empowering these farmers to increase their production, the country can improve food security and reduce the impact of climate change on crop yields.
• Protection of arable land: Implementing policies to protect arable land from the effects of global warming is crucial. This includes adopting sustainable farming practices, such as conservation agriculture, agroecology, and climate-resilient crop varieties. By safeguarding arable land, South Africa can ensure food production remains stable even in the face of changing climatic conditions.
• Addressing food distribution and consumption: Climate change impacts not only crop production but also food distribution and consumption. It is essential to develop an efficient and equitable food distribution system that ensures access to affordable and nutritious food for all, especially in vulnerable communities. This may involve improving transportation infrastructure and promoting sustainable consumption patterns.
• Integrated policy approach: South Africa can benefit from developing an integrated policy framework that addresses the complex interplay between food security, climate change, and air pollution. This includes aligning agricultural policies with environmental goals, such as reducing emissions from agricultural practices and promoting sustainable land use.
• Collaboration and awareness: Collaboration between government, civil society, and academic institutions is vital to address food security and air pollution. Engaging with communities, raising awareness about the impacts of air pollution, and promoting sustainable practices at the local level can lead to collective action and behavioural changes that contribute to improved food security and air quality.

Reduce air pollution in Johannesburg

Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa, is facing significant challenges due to air pollution, which poses a severe threat to the health and well-being of its residents. As the city strives to attain megacity status, it is crucial to implement effective measures to reduce air pollution and improve the quality of life for all its inhabitants. Here are some instructive guidelines to reduce air pollution in Johannesburg:

Addressing Emissions from Vehicles and Traffic

• Johannesburg's history as a mining town and its rapid urbanisation have led to a substantial increase in traffic volume. To tackle this issue, the city can invest in improving public transportation systems, such as buses, light rail, and metro networks. This will encourage more people to opt for public transport, reducing the number of private vehicles on the roads and, consequently, decreasing traffic-related emissions.
• The city should also consider implementing congestion charges for private vehicles entering the city centre during peak hours, providing an incentive for people to carpool or use public transportation.
• Additionally, the city can promote active transportation by developing dedicated bike lanes and pedestrian walkways, making it safer and more convenient for people to cycle or walk instead of driving.

Regulating Industrial Zones and Power Plants

• Johannesburg's industrial zones and power plants are major contributors to air pollution. The city government should enforce strict regulations on emissions from these areas, ensuring that industries adopt cleaner technologies and implement effective pollution control measures.
• Financial incentives, such as subsidies or tax breaks, can be offered to industries that invest in renewable energy sources like solar or wind power, encouraging a transition away from fossil fuels.
• Regular inspections and monitoring of industrial zones and power plants should be conducted to ensure compliance with emission standards, with penalties for those who violate the regulations.

Improving Energy Access and Reducing Household Pollution

• Many households in socio-economically deprived areas of Johannesburg rely on polluting fuels, such as coal and wood, for cooking and heating due to inadequate electricity grid expansion. The city should prioritise extending the electricity grid to these areas, providing access to cleaner energy sources.
• Additionally, the city can promote the use of cleaner and more efficient household energy technologies, such as solar cookers or improved biomass stoves, through subsidies or microfinance schemes.
• Educating communities about the health risks associated with indoor air pollution and providing them with information on alternative energy sources can empower them to make healthier choices.

Advocating for Policy Changes and Community Engagement

• Community engagement and advocacy are crucial in addressing air pollution. The city should encourage the formation of local groups and NGOs that can raise awareness about air quality issues and advocate for policy changes at the local and national levels.
• The city government should also collaborate with academic institutions and research organisations to generate localised evidence on the impact of air pollution and develop data-driven solutions.
• Johannesburg can also leverage its G20 Presidency in 2025 to showcase its commitment to tackling air pollution, sharing best practices and seeking international cooperation to address this challenge.

Implementing Advanced Technologies for Pollution Monitoring

• The City of Johannesburg can partner with technology companies, such as IBM, to utilise advanced technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) to predict the repercussions of certain measures and create precise air pollution forecasting systems.
• By analysing data from various sources, including vehicle emissions, industrial zones, and domestic fuel burning, the city can make informed decisions and implement targeted solutions to reduce air pollution effectively.

Reduce particulate matter pollution

South Africa has the highest emissions of sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide on the continent. In 2019, air pollution was the second-leading cause of mortality across Africa, causing 25,800 premature deaths in South Africa alone. The country has the fourth-highest number of deaths linked to particulate matter pollution (PM2.5) in Africa.

Particulate matter pollution refers to small and medium solid or liquid particles present in the atmosphere. These particles are so small that they can be inhaled and cause serious health problems. Some particles can even get into the bloodstream. The major components of PM are sulfates, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, black carbon, mineral dust and water.

To reduce particulate matter pollution in South Africa, the following actions can be taken:

• Reduce the usage of household products that create particulate matter.
• Avoid burning and quit indoor smoking.
• Opt to walk, cycle, or use public transport instead of driving.
• Pay attention to vehicle maintenance.
• Use indoor air purifiers.
• Conserve energy by using solar energy, biogas, and rainwater harvesting.
• Reduce the use of particulate matter-forming appliances.
• Use low-carbon health services to reduce environmental health risks for patients, health workers, and the community.
• Support policies and investments that promote cleaner transport, energy-efficient homes, and better municipal waste management.

Frequently asked questions