A Greenpeace Africa and Greenpeace MENA report titled ‘Major Air Polluters in Africa Unmasked’ has highlighted the severe air pollution crisis across Africa, with South Africa in the spotlight.
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Greenpeace’s recent analysis explores Africa’s most polluted areas and reveals alarming statistics from the major contributors to air pollution.
South Africa has been identified as one of the worst offenders in terms of air pollution.
The report highlights that six of the world’s ten largest nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) emission hotspots are located within South Africa. The major sources of these emissions are thermal power stations.
Furthermore, South Africa also stands out for its sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions. Two of the world’s ten largest SO₂ hotspots are found in the country, again linked primarily to thermal power plants. Of the ten largest SO₂ point sources in Africa, nine are thermal power stations.
The consequences of such high levels of pollution are severe.
The report reveals that exposure to air pollution is the second leading risk factor for death in Africa, with South Africa bearing a considerable portion of this burden.
Health studies indicate that life expectancy in South Africa could be significantly improved—by as much as 1.6 years—if air quality met the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines.
Greenpeace’s report advocates for urgent measures to combat air pollution.
The organisation’s proposed solutions include but are not limited to investing in clean technologies, particularly within the energy sector, and implementing real-time air quality monitoring systems.
Read the full report here.
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