2024 World Air Quality Report: Alarming Pollution Levels in Africa
The 2024 World Air Quality Report reveals that Ghana, Nigeria, Chad, and Rwanda rank among the most polluted countries globally, with Chad having the highest PM2.5 concentration of 91.8 µg/m³. The report indicates that air pollution poses significant health risks, contributing to millions of deaths annually, particularly in Africa. Ghana’s air quality has worsened significantly, urging the government to implement stricter pollution control policies.
The 2024 World Air Quality Report has unveiled grim statistics regarding air quality in Africa, with Ghana, Nigeria, Chad, and Rwanda prominently among the most polluted nations worldwide. These findings underscore a critical air quality crisis that threatens the health and well-being of millions of people across the continent.
Chad has the highest PM2.5 concentration globally at 91.8 µg/m³, which is nearly 18 times above the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limit. Nigeria ranks 11th with 40.1 µg/m³, while Rwanda stands 9th at 40.8 µg/m³, and Ghana follows closely as the 14th most polluted country with a level of 35.8 µg/m³, indicating a serious public health concern.
PM2.5 particles are particularly hazardous as they can penetrate deeply into the lungs and bloodstream, resulting in severe respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Despite being invisible to the naked eye, these tiny pollutants pose significant health risks. According to data from the University of Chicago, air pollution is contributing to a reduction in life expectancy in heavily polluted regions by an alarming 2.7 years.
In Ghana, it is estimated that approximately 28,000 individuals lose their lives each year due to air pollution. The global statistics are equally staggering, with air pollution accounting for around 8.1 million deaths annually. This silent epidemic claims the lives of a child every minute, indicating an urgent need for intervention.
Ghana’s air quality has deteriorated significantly, now exhibiting pollution levels seven times higher than WHO recommendations. Accra, the capital city, is the 16th most polluted capital globally, while Kumasi has surpassed it as the most polluted city in the nation. The pollution levels reported indicate a drastic increase in rankings and concentrations over recent years.
The 2024 report reveals that five of the top ten most polluted countries globally are located in Africa, highlighting a broader issue within the continent concerning air quality and monitoring. Limited data collection capabilities were a notable concern, as only 24 of the 54 African nations could report air quality data due to insufficient monitoring infrastructure.
Public health experts caution that air pollution in Ghana constitutes a national health emergency, as increasing numbers of citizens are at risk from toxic air exposure. If this troubling trend persists, it is projected that fatalities may continue to rise, demanding immediate government action.
Globally, the situation presents a stark contrast, with only a small fraction of cities meeting WHO air quality standards. Various factors drive the air pollution crisis in Africa, including rapid urbanization, industrial emissions, and unregulated waste burning. The Clean Air Fund reports substantial economic costs associated with untreated pollution levels, emphasizing the need for decisive action.
As pollution levels soar, the spotlight rests on the Ghanaian government to implement and enforce stricter environmental policies. Experts advocate for enhanced vehicle emission regulations, investments in renewable energy, expanded air quality monitoring, and effective anti-burning initiatives. The urgent need for comprehensive measures cannot be overstated, as failure to act might lead to an exacerbated health crisis in the years to come.
In conclusion, the recent findings from the 2024 World Air Quality Report highlight the severe air pollution crisis facing Ghana and other African nations, with alarming levels of PM2.5 exposure significantly impacting public health. The report calls for immediate and robust policy measures to address the growing air quality issues that threaten the lives of millions. Without decisive action, the detrimental effects of pollution will continue to escalate, necessitating urgent intervention to safeguard the health and well-being of the population.
Original Source: www.myjoyonline.com
