According to a recent report by environmental NGO Greenpeace, Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt are experiencing the highest levels of air pollution in Africa.
These countries have also recorded a significant number of the continent’s nearly one million annual air pollution-related deaths.
The report highlights that exposure to air pollution is the second leading risk factor for death in Africa.
South Africa, in particular, has been identified as a major air polluter on the continent, with high associated health risks.
The country is home to two of the world’s largest and six of Africa’s biggest nitrogen dioxide emission hotspots.
Of particular concern are the thermal power stations in South Africa, operated by state power provider Eskom, which are among the world’s 10 largest sulphur dioxide emission points.
This contributes significantly to the country’s air pollution levels.
“The pollution from coal plants like those operated by Sasol in our region has not only tarnished our health, leading to failed health assessments and chronic diseases… but it has also clouded our future, leaving us jobless as companies opt to hire from outside, citing our unfitness for work, ” Fana Sibanyoni, an activist from the coal-rich Mpumalanga province.
The region’s multiple coal mines and coal-fired power stations have been linked to extreme air pollution levels.