Africa’s fight against urban air pollution

Cameroon’s Capital Takes Action to Monitor Air Quality and Combat Pollution

Cameroon’s capital, Yaounde, is facing a growing problem of air pollution due to urbanization and economic development. The polluted air in urban areas exposes people to various diseases, including cardiovascular and respiratory ailments, as well as cancer. To address this issue, experts and organizations recently gathered in Yaounde to discuss the importance of monitoring air quality using sensor technology.

Innovative Technology for Air Quality Monitoring

Advancements in technology have made air quality monitoring more accessible and cost-effective. Deo Okure, an air quality scientist at Kenya’s Makerere University, developed a local air monitoring system in 2015 that is both affordable and efficient. One advantage of this system is its ability to operate with different energy sources, making it suitable for various locations in Africa. Additionally, data can be transmitted through GSM or SIM cards, which are widely used across the continent.

Although this technology provides valuable data, it currently lacks the ability to clearly identify the sources of air pollution. However, in Yaounde, another project has installed devices that monitor air quality in real-time. Despite some technological limitations, these devices enable authorities to closely monitor dust concentrations in the atmosphere and make informed decisions to reduce pollution. Similar monitoring systems have been implemented in other African cities, with over 200 devices installed across the continent.

Africa’s Measurement Capacities and Representation

Despite efforts to monitor air quality, Africa’s measurement capacities still lag behind its rapid urbanization. Many studies exclude Africa due to inadequate or unavailable data. For instance, the World Air Quality Report by IQAir, a Swiss technology company specializing in air quality monitoring, does not include data from 34% of Africa’s population due to a lack of publicly available information. Countries like Chad and Sudan are completely excluded from the report.

The report highlights the importance of PM2.5 values, which represent fine dust particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less. The World Health Organization recommends that the average annual concentration of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 micrograms per cubic meter of air. However, the most polluted cities in Africa exceed this limit by a factor of eight to 11. Capital cities such as Kinshasa, Cairo, Abuja, and Ouagadougou, as well as South African cities like Bloemfontein and Benoni, are among the most heavily polluted areas.

Data Sparks Change and Identifies Polluters

A recent report by Greenpeace revealed that Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa are the most polluted countries in Africa, particularly due to industrial and economic activities, including the fossil fuel industry. The report utilized satellite data and fuel sales information to identify emission hotspots, which align with thermal power plants, cement plants, metal smelters, industrial zones, and urban areas. South Africa, in particular, has six of the world’s largest nitrogen dioxide emission hotspots and two of the largest sulphur dioxide emission hotspots.

Despite the well-documented air pollution crisis in Africa, there is still a lack of investment in clean energy. Cynthia Moyo, climate and energy campaign manager at Greenpeace Africa, emphasizes the need for proper environmental monitoring to hold governments and polluters accountable. Access to accurate data empowers communities to demand change and ensures a healthier and longer life for people in Africa.

This article was originally written in German.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
   • Indicator: Air quality monitoring and reduction of air pollution-related diseases.

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
   • Indicator: Monitoring air quality in urban areas and implementing measures to reduce pollution.

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
   • Indicator: Monitoring and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from industrial sectors, including the fossil fuel industry.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are:
– Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
– Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
– Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include:
– Air quality monitoring and reduction of air pollution-related diseases.
– Monitoring air quality in urban areas and implementing measures to reduce pollution.
– Monitoring and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from industrial sectors, including the fossil fuel industry.

These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets by assessing the levels of air pollution, tracking the implementation of measures to reduce pollution, and monitoring greenhouse gas emissions in relevant sectors.

By analyzing the article, we can identify the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), targets, and indicators that are relevant to the issues discussed. The article highlights the issues of air pollution and its impact on health in urban areas, particularly in Africa. It also discusses the need for monitoring air quality and implementing measures to reduce pollution. Additionally, the article mentions the role of the fossil fuel industry in contributing to air pollution and the importance of integrating climate change measures into national policies.

Based on this analysis, we can conclude that the SDGs addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article are SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The specific targets under these SDGs that can be identified based on the article’s content are Target 3.9, Target 11.6, and Target 13.2. The indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards these targets include air quality monitoring, reduction of air pollution-related diseases, monitoring air quality in urban areas, implementing measures to reduce pollution, and monitoring and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from industrial sectors.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: dw.com

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.