Africa could prevent 880,000 deaths a year by tackling air pollution and climate change - Report

An integrated assessment of air pollution and climate change for sustainable development in Africa released today by the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), the United Nations Environment Program Environment (UNEP) and the African Union Commission shows how African leaders can act quickly in 5 key areas (transport, residential, energy, agriculture and waste) to fight climate change, prevent air pollution and protect human health.

Air pollutants and greenhouse gases often share the same sources and can be even more dangerous when combined. By following the actions recommended by the assessment to reduce air pollution and prevent climate change, African governments could prevent 200,000 premature deaths per year by 2030 and 880,000 deaths per year by 2063; reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 55%, methane emissions by 74% and nitrous oxide emissions by 40% by 2063; improve food security by reducing desertification and increasing crop yields of rice, corn, soybeans and wheat; and contribute significantly to global efforts to keep warming below 1.5°C, thereby limiting the negative effects of regional climate change.

“Air pollution is a climate and health emergency, in Africa and around the world. By reducing short-lived climate pollutants, we can slow the worst effects of climate change in the very short term while protecting human lives. We must come together to work with African nations to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants and eliminate air pollution as much as possible in this decade,” said Inger Andersen, UNEP Executive Director.

Air pollution is one of the greatest environmental threats to human health and is responsible for around 7 million deaths each year worldwide. Air pollutants and greenhouse gases often share common sources and drivers, including fossil fuel-driven economic growth. Some pollutants, including methane and black carbon, contribute directly to both impacts simultaneously. And because Africa is particularly vulnerable to climate change, preventing emissions of short-lived climate pollutants, such as methane and black carbon, will help both save lives and protect the environment.< /p>

“Air pollution and climate change are a deadly duo and must be tackled together,” said Soipan Tuya, Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Forests in the Government of Kenya. “We welcome the release of this assessment and its findings, which demonstrate how Kenya and African countries can achieve air pollution and climate goals without compromising livelihoods and development goals. from the mainland,” she added.

The Integrated Assessment of Air Pollution and Climate Change for Sustainable Development in Africa is the first ever integrated assessment of air pollution and climate change for the continent and provides a solid scientific basis to act in favor of clean air in Africa. The report was developed by a pan-African team of researchers with input from international scientists and experts, coordinated by CCAC partner, the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI).

The recommendations of the evaluation are closely aligned with the main priorities of Agenda 2063 and with the goals and targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Almost all of the recommendations can be found in at least one African Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and are currently identified as contributing to the achievement of national climate change mitigation goals.

“This assessment shows that Africa has a huge opportunity to continue to develop in a sustainable way, improve human well-being and protect nature by investing in solutions to fight climate change together and air pollution,” said H.E. Amb Josefa Sacko, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, African Union Commission. “We look forward to working with countries and donors to develop the AUC Clean Air program for the implementation of assessment measures, as endorsed by the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment,” he said. -she added.

The assessment shows a sustainable way forward, despite the huge increases in economic activity, urbanization and population that will accompany development. In five key areas, the assessment offers 37 cost-effective and proven measures, including: