Air Pollution's Impact In South Africa

Air pollution is a significant issue in South Africa, causing approximately 25,800 premature deaths annually and affecting the health of its citizens. It is the fourth-highest contributor to deaths linked to particulate matter pollution (PM2.5) in Africa. South Africa's rapid urbanisation, energy consumption, and industrial activity have led to increased air pollution, with emissions from power plants, transport, and industries being key contributors. The country's vast coal reserves and subsequent utilisation also play a role in its air quality issues. As a result, South Africa has implemented measures such as a carbon tax to incentivise the adoption of renewable energy technologies and improve air quality management.

South Africa's energy consumption and coal reserves

South Africa's energy consumption is largely dominated by coal. About 80% of the country's primary energy needs are provided by coal, with approximately 42,000MW, or 85% of the nation's electricity generated via coal-fired power plants. South Africa has a large coal mining industry and uses coal as its main source of energy due to its plentiful supply of cheap coal, which ensures low-cost fuel for electricity generation. The country also has a sophisticated synthetic fuels industry and produces liquid fuels from its gas-to-liquids (GTL) plant in Mossel Bay and its coal-to-liquids (CTL) plant in Secunda.

South Africa's energy sector is seeking to diversify its power generation mix by attracting investment in renewable energy sources. Non-hydropower renewables, such as wind power, are expected to be the fastest-growing source of electricity generation in the country between 2019 and 2028. The government's commitment to renewable energy contracts and the decommissioning of outdated coal-fired power plants reflect a shift towards reducing the environmental impact of the country's energy mix.

Despite these efforts, coal is projected to remain the primary source of electricity generation in South Africa for the next decade. The affordability of electricity supply is a key concern, with the richest 20% of the population accounting for more than half of the total electricity consumption. Additionally, South Africa's electricity sector experiences frequent power outages due to insufficient investment in electricity infrastructure.

South Africa has abundant coal reserves, with proved coal reserves of about 11 billion short tons in 2022. The country is a significant exporter of coal and imports relatively small amounts due to its domestic reserves. The government is also looking to develop liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure to diversify its natural gas supply and increase consumption.

The impact of air pollution on health

Air pollution is a pressing issue in South Africa, with far-reaching consequences for the health of its citizens. It is a major environmental risk factor, causing a range of serious health issues and even premature death. The problem is particularly acute in cities, with nearly 100% of South Africa's population breathing air that exceeds the World Health Organization's (WHO) guideline levels.

The health consequences of air pollution disproportionately affect certain communities. Low-income communities and informal settlements are often located near industrial plants or mines, exposing them to higher levels of air pollution. Additionally, indoor air pollution, caused by cooking fumes from fireplaces or wooden stoves, poses a serious health risk to those who cook and heat their homes with biomass fuels and coal. This is particularly prevalent in low-middle-income countries such as South Africa, contributing to the overall disease burden.

The link between air pollution and climate change further underscores the urgency of addressing this issue. South Africa, as the 12th largest greenhouse gas polluter in the world, has a crucial role to play in mitigating climate change. By reducing air pollution, the country can also protect its climate and ecosystems, while improving the health and well-being of its citizens. Implementing clean air measures can have immediate effects on improving air quality and reducing the associated health risks. For example, taking clean air actions in Johannesburg from 2023-2040 could save $640 million (R12 billion), equivalent to 36% of the government's budget for HIV and HIV/TB health outcomes in 2019.

To address the health impacts of air pollution, collaboration is needed between the government, industry, and the public. While individuals can make efforts to reduce their carbon footprint, systemic change requires action from policymakers and businesses. The South African government has taken steps towards improving air quality, such as introducing a carbon tax on companies that burn carbon-based fuels. Additionally, organisations like Greenpeace Africa and the Clean Air Fund are working to raise awareness, advocate for solutions, and support local initiatives to tackle air pollution and its health consequences.

The role of the government, industry, and public

The South African government has recognised air pollution as a major environmental risk to health. The Air Quality Act of 2004 and Waste Act of 2008, among other legislation, have been passed to address this issue. The government has also introduced a carbon tax, an environmental tax imposed on companies that burn carbon-based fuels. However, there is criticism that the government is not doing enough to enforce regulated air quality standards, with a lack of monitoring stations leading to a lack of data and evidence-based action.

The South African Medical Research Council is generating localised evidence to understand the impact of air pollution on health. The University of Pretoria and Zabcor are deploying low-cost sensors to inform government action. The Clean Air Fund is working with the government, civil society organisations and academic institutions to advocate for solutions.

The industrial sector in South Africa is a major contributor to air pollution, with emissions from power plants, industrial facilities, and transportation. The electricity sector, the metals industry, and the transport sector are the largest emitters of greenhouse gases. A transition to clean technologies and renewable energy sources is necessary to reduce industrial smokestack emissions.

The public plays a crucial role in addressing air pollution. Seven in ten South Africans recognise pollution as a serious problem, particularly trash disposal and plastic bags. Nearly half of South Africans believe that ordinary citizens are responsible for reducing pollution, while also calling for more government action.

The economic benefits of clean air measures

Clean air measures can have significant economic benefits for South Africa, a country facing serious air pollution issues. While South Africa is the largest emitter of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and a leader in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions on the continent, it is also rapidly urbanizing, with cities like Johannesburg taking steps to implement clean air measures. Here are some key economic benefits that can be expected from such initiatives:

Improved Health Outcomes and Reduced Healthcare Costs

Clean air measures can lead to significant improvements in public health, reducing the burden of diseases such as stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory illnesses. This, in turn, reduces healthcare costs for individuals and the government. For example, the Clean Air Act in the United States avoided more than 2,300,000 premature deaths and prevented approximately 17 million lost workdays in 2020 alone, contributing to increased worker productivity and a stronger economy.

Increased Employment Opportunities

Spending by companies to reduce pollution creates jobs in various sectors, including engineering, manufacturing, construction, and environmental protection. The environmental protection industry also stimulates job creation in industries that provide goods and services to this sector. For instance, the Institute for Clean Air Companies (ICAC) estimated that a single rule implementation resulted in approximately 200,000 person-years of jobs in the air pollution control industry.

Enhanced Tourism Revenues

Cleaner air can lead to increased tourism revenues by improving air quality in scenic areas. This not only benefits the tourism industry but also positively impacts the economic welfare of local communities.

Higher Efficiency in Power Generation

Clean air technologies and renewable energy sources can increase the efficiency of power generation. For example, solar power infrastructure can operate more efficiently with less atmospheric pollution.

Reduced Damage to Crops and Timber Yields

By reducing air pollution, particularly particulate matter and ozone pollution, clean air measures can minimize damage to agricultural crops and timber yields, resulting in economic benefits for the agriculture and forestry sectors.

These economic benefits highlight the importance of implementing clean air measures to address South Africa's air pollution challenges. By doing so, the country can improve public health, stimulate economic growth, and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.

The link between air pollution and climate change

Air pollution and climate change are closely linked, with air quality closely connected to the Earth's climate and ecosystems. Many of the drivers of air pollution, such as the burning of fossil fuels, are also sources of greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to global warming. As such, reducing air pollution helps to protect the climate.

In South Africa, air pollution is a significant issue, with the country ranking 12th in the world for greenhouse gas pollution. In 2021, air pollution caused over 34,000 deaths across all ages, including 3,365 children under five. The main causes of this air pollution are vehicle fumes, coal-burning power plants, and industrial activities.

Recognising the impact of reduced air quality, the South African government introduced a carbon tax in 2019. This tax is imposed on companies that burn carbon-based fuels, such as coal, oil, gasoline, and natural gas. The aim is to incentivise these companies to transition to renewable energy sources and reduce temperature increases.

To effectively tackle air pollution and climate change, a transition to renewable energy sources is necessary. This is already happening in households across Africa, with many moving away from traditional biomass fuels like wood and charcoal towards cleaner energy sources like liquefied petroleum gas, wind, and solar power.

The Clean Air and Climate Coalition (CCAC), United Nations Environment Programme, and African Union have also recognised the importance of addressing air pollution and climate change. In November 2022, they released an Integrated Assessment of Air Pollution and Climate Change for Sustainable Development in Africa. This assessment outlines five key areas where African leaders can act quickly to fight climate change, prevent air pollution, and protect human health: transport, residential, energy, agriculture, and waste management.

By implementing the recommended actions, African governments can prevent premature deaths, reduce carbon dioxide and methane emissions, improve food security, and contribute to global efforts to keep warming below 1.5°C. Therefore, addressing air pollution and climate change is crucial for protecting the health and well-being of vulnerable populations in South Africa and across the African continent.

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