Air pollution in African cities is even deadlier than feared. This is the conclusion of a study by the British NGO “Clean Air Fund” on air pollution on the continent. The study, which focused on 4 cases, Accra, Lagos, Johannesburg and Cairo, assures that ecological solutions could save thousands of lives.
It is a “silent killer”. In the major cities of the continent, breathing the air is twice as deadly as in the rest of the world. In question, according to the study of the British NGO Clean Air Fundthe lack of an alternative to the car, the presence of mining and oil industries near cities and the burning of waste in the open air.
” The status quo cannot be the only solution », Warns the NGO. In Cairo, Accra, Lagos and Johannesburg in particular, the authorities would have every interest in seizing the problem. The study recommends investing in public transport, monitoring air quality, and for households, introducing cleaner stoves. Especially since the rural exodus is accelerating: the African population, mostly rural, has only recently experienced an exodus to urban centers. According to experts, more than 65% of the continent’s population is expected to live in urban areas by 2060. By the end of the century, Africa will host 5 of the 10 largest megacities in the world.
Pollution kills more people than AIDS
According to previous research, published in the journal The Lancet Planetary Health, in 2019, this pollution caused the premature death of more than 1 million people in Africa. By way of comparison, 650,000 people lost their lives due to HIV-AIDS-related illnesses worldwide in the same year, according to UN figures. By following the NGO’s recommendations, by 2040 125,000 lives could be saved and CO2 emissions reduced by 20%. It is also an economic opportunity according to the study, which anticipates a reduction in work stoppages where high levels of pollution affect the health of employees. Some $20 billion could be saved in these four cities.
According to another study (from Health Effects Institute), the human cost of air pollution in Africa is among the highest on the planet. In sub-Saharan Africa, the death rate from air pollution is 155 deaths per 100,000 people, nearly double the global average of 85.6 deaths per 100,000 people, the HEI said in a report. . If nothing changes, however, the study warns that ” the financial costs of air pollution will increase sixfold by 2040 “. A subject which will be on the agenda of the meeting of the cop27 in Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt.
(with agencies)