Bronte Wells
Air pollution is one of the greatest environmental threats to human health, causing about 7 million deaths each year globally, with 1 million of those occurring in Africa. Africa experiences some of the worst air pollution and the most severe health consequences in the world. In 2019, air pollution was the second leading risk factor for death across Africa, causing 1.1 million deaths. While household air pollution is declining, ambient air pollution is increasing. Fossil fuel combustion has driven an increase in outdoor air pollution, and in 2019, the number of deaths caused by outdoor air pollution increased to 29.15 per 100,000 population, up from 26.13 deaths per 100,000 in 1990.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 2022-11-17 |
| Number of deaths caused by air pollution | 1.1 million in 2019; 7 million globally in 2017 |
| Number of deaths that could be prevented by taking action on air pollution and climate change | 880,000 per year |
| Number of deaths that could be prevented by 2030 | 200,000 |
| Reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2063 | 55% |
| Reduction in methane emissions by 2063 | 74% |
| Reduction in nitrous oxide emissions by 2063 | 40% |
| Reduction in oil and gas methane emissions by 2025 | 45% |
| Reduction in oil and gas methane emissions by 2030 | 60-70% |
| Number of countries that joined the Global Methane Pledge | 25 |
| Percentage reduction in human-caused methane emissions by 2030 | 30% |
| Percentage increase in Africa's population by 2030 | 32% |
| Percentage increase in Africa's population by 2063 | 137% |
| Percentage increase in food production required by 2063 | Almost 300% |
| Number of measures identified through the Integrated Assessment on Air Pollution and Climate Change for Sustainable Development in Africa | 37 |
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What You'll Learn
Air pollution sources
Africa is undergoing an environmental and epidemiological transition, with air pollution being the second-largest cause of death on the continent. In 2019, air pollution was responsible for 1.1 million deaths across Africa, with 700,000 fatalities from household air pollution and 400,000 from outdoor air pollution. The death rate linked to air pollution in Africa is almost double the global average.
Residential and Fossil Fuel Use
Residential fuel use, including indoor cookstoves and stoves for heating, is a significant contributor to household air pollution in Africa, particularly in Eastern and Central Africa. In 2019, about 236,000 newborns died within the first month of life from air pollution exposure, with 80% of those attributed to household air pollution. Overall, household air pollution is responsible for more than 50% of premature deaths due to pneumonia among children under five.
Fossil fuel combustion is the biggest contributor to outdoor air pollution in Southern Africa. In South Africa, for example, energy production contributes to 23% of ambient PM2.5 levels.
Transportation
Transportation, including motor vehicles, is a source of outdoor air pollution. Policies promoting cleaner modes of transportation, such as electric buses and vehicles, are being implemented in some African cities, such as Cairo, to reduce emissions and improve air quality.
Industry
Industrial facilities contribute to air pollution through emissions from smokestacks. Clean technologies and low-emissions fuels can help reduce industrial air pollution.
Waste Burning
Waste burning, including agricultural waste incineration, contributes to outdoor air pollution. Improved waste management practices, such as capturing methane gas emitted from waste sites instead of incineration, can help reduce pollution from waste burning.
Forest Fires
Forest fires are another source of air pollution. Certain agro-forestry activities, such as charcoal production, can also contribute to air pollution.
Desert Dust
In North Africa and Western Africa, windblown dust from desert or arid areas, known as desert dust or sand and dust storms, is a significant contributor to PM2.5 levels.
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Household air pollution
Africa is undergoing an environmental and epidemiological transition, with air pollution being linked to 1.1 million deaths in 2019. The continent experiences some of the worst air pollution in the world, with particulate matter pollution (including ambient PM2.5 and household air pollution) being the leading risk factor for deaths across the continent.
Residential fuel use, especially in the form of solid biomass fuels and kerosene, is a significant contributor to household air pollution in Africa. Over 4 million people die prematurely from illness attributable to household air pollution from cooking with these fuels. The use of solid fuels and kerosene for cooking and heating produces high levels of household air pollution, including small soot particles that penetrate deep into the lungs. In poorly ventilated dwellings, indoor smoke can be 100 times higher than acceptable levels for fine particles.
The prevalence of household air pollution varies across the continent. It is highly prevalent in East Africa and the Nile Basin African countries, except Egypt. In 2019, Somalia had the highest prevalence of household air pollution from solid fuels, with 78% of households using them for cooking, while Egypt had the lowest, at 0.02%.
Some countries are beginning to undertake policy measures to improve their air quality. For example, Ethiopia's first Air Quality Management Plan outlines the country's commitment to implementing pollution reduction strategies in priority sectors.
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Outdoor air pollution
The sources of outdoor air pollution in Africa are diverse. Fossil fuel combustion, including coal-fired power plants and vehicle emissions, plays a significant role. Industrial facilities, agricultural waste incineration, and forest fires also contribute to the problem. In addition, the absence of effective national policies on air quality in many African countries hinders efforts to combat outdoor air pollution.
The health impacts of outdoor air pollution in Africa are severe. In 2019, air pollution was responsible for approximately 1.1 million deaths across the continent, with outdoor air pollution causing 400,000 of these fatalities. The death rate linked to air pollution in Africa is almost double the global average, with 155 deaths per 100,000 people compared to the global average of 85.6 per 100,000. Newborns and young children are particularly vulnerable, with about 236,000 newborns dying within the first month of life due to air pollution exposure. Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy and early childhood can cause brain injuries in children, leading to reduced cognitive function and IQ loss.
Some African countries are beginning to address outdoor air pollution through policy measures and initiatives. For example, Egypt's Greater Cairo Air Pollution Management and Climate Change Project aims to improve air quality through waste management and the introduction of electric buses. Ethiopia's Addis Ababa Air Quality Management Plan outlines a commitment to implementing pollution reduction strategies. Community activism is also playing a role, with environmental groups holding governments accountable and taking legal action to ensure the right to clean air.
To conclude, outdoor air pollution is a significant and growing issue in Africa, with far-reaching consequences for public health, the economy, and the environment. Addressing this problem requires a combination of systemic reforms, policy changes, and a transition to cleaner energy sources. By taking action, African countries can prevent premature deaths, reduce emissions, and protect their populations from the harmful effects of air pollution.
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Air pollution and health
Africa experiences some of the worst air pollution and severe health consequences globally. In 2019, air pollution was the leading risk factor for deaths across Africa, with 1.1 million fatalities. The death rate linked to air pollution in Africa (155 deaths per 100,000 people) is almost double the global average.
Causes of Air Pollution in Africa
The sources of air pollution vary within and between countries and regions across Africa. Residential fuel use, fossil fuel use for energy production, transportation, industry, and waste burning significantly contribute to outdoor particulate matter (PM2.5). Fossil fuel use is the biggest contributor in Southern Africa, while residential fuel use is an important factor in Eastern and Central Africa. For example, energy production contributes to 23% of ambient PM2.5 levels in South Africa.
Desert dust, or sand and dust storms, are also significant contributors to PM2.5 in the Sahara and Sahel regions of North Africa and Western Africa. In addition, indoor sources of air pollution, such as cookstoves and open fires, are a major concern, particularly in households that rely on solid fuels like wood, crop waste, charcoal, coal, and dung for cooking and heating.
Health Impacts of Air Pollution in Africa
The health impacts of air pollution in Africa are extensive and vary across regions. Newborns and young children are particularly vulnerable, with about 236,000 newborns dying within the first month of life due to air pollution exposure. Air pollution is also linked to low birth weight, respiratory diseases, tuberculosis, and increased risk of pneumonia in children under five.
Additionally, air pollution exposure during pregnancy and early childhood can cause brain injuries in children, reducing cognitive function and IQ scores. The economic costs of air pollution-related health issues are also significant, with losses in gross domestic product and impacts on economic development.
Addressing Air Pollution in Africa
Some African countries are beginning to implement policy measures to improve air quality. For example, Egypt has initiated the Greater Cairo Air Pollution Management and Climate Change Project, which aims to reduce pollution from waste burning and promote the use of electric vehicles. Ethiopia has also developed its first Air Quality Management Plan for Addis Ababa, demonstrating a commitment to reducing pollution and improving the health of its residents.
Furthermore, Africa has the opportunity to pursue non-polluting pathways to growth by investing in renewable energy and clean technologies. By avoiding becoming locked into fossil fuel-based economies, African countries can mitigate ambient air pollution, build human capital, and accelerate sustainable development.
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Air pollution and the economy
Africa is undergoing a massive transformation, with its population projected to more than triple in the 21st century, from 1.3 billion in 2020 to 4.3 billion by 2100. The continent is urbanising, with 13 projected megacities by 2100, and industrialising, with economies growing and life expectancy almost doubling. This rapid urbanisation and industrialisation have brought new challenges, with air pollution being a significant one.
Air pollution is a major issue in Africa, with the continent experiencing 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 Africa, with an estimated 1.1 million deaths linked to exposure to air pollution. The death rate linked to air pollution in Africa (155 deaths/100,000 people) is almost double the global average (85.6/100,000). The impact of air pollution on health, human capital, and the economy in Africa is significant and growing as countries develop.
The sources of air pollution in Africa vary within and between countries and regions. Residential fuel use, fossil fuel use for energy production, transportation, industry, and waste burning all contribute significantly to outdoor PM2.5 pollution. Fossil fuel use is the biggest contributor in Southern Africa, while residential fuel use is an important contributor in Eastern and Central Africa. For example, energy production contributes to 23% of ambient PM2.5 levels in South Africa. Desert dust, or windblown dust, is also a significant contributor to PM2.5 pollution in the Sahara and Sahel regions of North Africa and Western Africa.
The impact of air pollution on the economy in Africa is substantial. Air pollution imposes economic costs through lost economic output due to air pollution-related diseases and deaths. In 2019, the loss in economic output due to air pollution-related morbidity and mortality was $3.02 billion in Ethiopia (1.16% of GDP), $1.63 billion in Ghana (0.95% of GDP), and $349 million in Rwanda (1.19% of GDP). Additionally, air pollution has been correlated with losses in cognitive development among Africa's children, resulting in a total loss of 1.96 billion IQ points across the continent. This loss of intelligence has significant economic relevance as high intelligence underpins a country's human capital and economic development.
Some countries in Africa are beginning to undertake policy measures to improve their air quality. For example, Egypt has the Greater Cairo Air Pollution Management and Climate Change Project, which aims to improve air quality through improved solid waste management and the expansion of electric buses and vehicles in the city. Ethiopia has also developed an Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) for Addis Ababa, outlining its commitment to implementing pollution reduction strategies in priority sectors. These efforts to address air pollution are crucial for mitigating the economic and health impacts of this issue in Africa.
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Frequently asked questions
The sources responsible for PM2.5 pollution vary across Africa. Residential fuel use, fossil fuel use for energy production, transportation, industry, and waste burning are all contributors. Fossil fuel use is the biggest contributor in Southern Africa, while residential fuel use is an important contributor in Eastern and Central Africa.
Air pollution is the greatest environmental threat to human health in Africa and is responsible for about 1 million deaths in Africa each year. It is also costing African countries billions in gross domestic product and can be correlated with losses in cognitive development among Africa's children.
African governments are taking steps to reduce air pollution and prevent climate change. For example, Egypt has implemented the Greater Cairo Air Pollution Management and Climate Change Project, which aims to improve air quality in the capital city through improved solid waste management and the expansion of electric buses and vehicles. Ethiopia has also introduced Addis Ababa's first Air Quality Management Plan, which outlines the city's commitment to implementing pollution reduction strategies.
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