Integrated assessment of air pollution and climate change for sustainable development in Africa – full report

By tackling the crises of climate change and air pollution simultaneously, Africa can build substantially upon recent progress towards achieving sustainable development objectives. This Climate and Clean Air Coalition assessment, supported by authors from SEI York and SEI Africa, examined the relationships between sustainable development and short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs), greenhouse gases and other polluting emissions.

The assessment highlighted 37 measures in five key areas through which African policymakers could address air pollution and climate change issues on the continent at the same time. These measures include increasing and improving public transport options, improving the efficiency of electricity transmission, eliminating the burning of crop residues and using methane capture technology in the waste sector.

The authors showed that, if fully adopted, the suggested measures could offer substantial benefits, including:

• Preventing 200 000 premature deaths per year by 2030 and 880 000 deaths per year by 2063 due to air pollution (outdoor and indoor).
• Cutting carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by 55%, methane (CH₄) emissions by 74%, and nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions 40% by 2063.
• Improving food security by reducing desertification and increasing crop yields for rice, maize, soy and wheat.
• Significantly contributing to global efforts to keep warming below 1.5°C and limiting the negative effects of regional climate change.

The authors recommended that African multilateral institutions, regional economic communities, national governments and intergovernmental organizations all include the 37 measures in their policy and development plans. They also strongly recommended the development of an Africa Clean Air Program, an African transboundary convention for the prevention and management of air pollution, and a continent-wide program for sustainable waste management.