Air pollution is a major environmental issue in South Africa, with devastating consequences for the health and wellbeing of its citizens. According to statistics from various sources, approximately 20,000 South Africans die every year due to air pollution-related illnesses; South Africa ranks 30th in the global air pollution ranking; it contributes 1.13% to global greenhouse gas emissions; outdoor air pollution caused 19,410 deaths in 2019 alone; 30% of children suffer from asthma as a result of poor air quality; fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels are estimated at 32 micrograms per cubic meter annually on average; sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission makes it 5th globally among countries emitting SO2 into the atmosphere and 82% of total greenhouse gas emissions come from coal-fired power plants each year. In addition, Johannesburg's PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations exceeded international standards over 93%, while nitrous oxide hotspots were found mainly around Mpumalanga province - making it one of the most polluted regions worldwide - and car emissions contribute 38%. Furthermore, only 34% have access to electricity leading people burning coal or wood which further increases overall air pollutant levels across all provinces including Cape Town where annual average PM 2.5 concentration was 27 micrograms per cubic meter compared with WHO recommended 10 micrograms limit set by World Health Organisation (WHO). Moreover 90 percent is directly attributed industrial activity whereas during COVID-19 lockdown there has been an improvement by 30 percent but still 57 percent monitoring stations recorded poor or very poor quality according Air Quality Indicator report 2021 . Finally studies showed that high level exposure increased risk death up to thirty times more than those living areas less affected by pollutants . All these facts point out how serious this problem really is for our country’s population today – both now and going forward into future generations if we do not take action soon enough.
Air Pollution In South Africa Statistics Overview
In 2019, outdoor air pollution caused 19,410 deaths in South Africa.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the devastating impact air pollution has had on South Africa. It serves as a reminder that air pollution is a serious issue that needs to be addressed, and that the consequences of inaction can be deadly. It is a call to action for South Africans to take steps to reduce air pollution and protect the health of their citizens.
30% of South African children suffer from asthma, and air pollution is a major contributing factor.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the devastating effects of air pollution in South Africa. It highlights the urgent need for action to be taken to reduce air pollution and protect the health of South African children. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing air pollution in South Africa and the need for greater awareness of the issue.
South Africa is the largest emitter of sulfur dioxide (SO2) in Africa and was ranked 5th globally in 2018.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the severity of air pollution in South Africa. It highlights the fact that South Africa is a major contributor to global air pollution, and that the country needs to take action to reduce its emissions of sulfur dioxide. This statistic is a call to action for South Africans to take responsibility for their part in the global air pollution crisis.
South Africa's coal-fired power plants produced 82% of the country's total greenhouse gas emissions in 2015.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the immense contribution coal-fired power plants make to South Africa's greenhouse gas emissions. It highlights the urgent need for the country to reduce its reliance on coal-fired power plants and transition to cleaner sources of energy in order to reduce air pollution and protect the environment.
The annual average PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations in Johannesburg exceeded international air quality standards over 93% of the time in 2020.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the severity of air pollution in Johannesburg, South Africa. It highlights the fact that the air quality in the city is far from meeting international standards, with over 93% of the time in 2020 exceeding these standards. This is a worrying trend that needs to be addressed urgently in order to protect the health of the citizens of Johannesburg.
Mpumalanga province was found to be the world's largest nitrous oxide hotspot in 2018.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the severity of air pollution in South Africa, particularly in Mpumalanga province. It highlights the need for urgent action to be taken to reduce the amount of nitrous oxide in the air, as it is a major contributor to global warming and climate change. It also serves as a warning to other provinces in South Africa, as it shows that air pollution is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.
Only 34% of informal settlements have access to electricity, leading to increased air pollution from burning coal and wood.
This statistic serves as a stark reminder of the dire consequences of the lack of access to electricity in informal settlements. Without access to electricity, many people are forced to resort to burning coal and wood for energy, resulting in increased air pollution. This is a major contributor to the air pollution crisis in South Africa, and highlights the need for greater access to electricity in these areas.
South Africa's primary energy consumption is dominated by coal, which accounts for 67% of total energy consumption.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the immense environmental impact of South Africa's reliance on coal for energy. The high percentage of coal consumption is a major contributor to air pollution in the country, as burning coal releases harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. This statistic serves as a reminder of the urgent need to reduce South Africa's dependence on coal and transition to cleaner, more sustainable sources of energy.
By 2030, it is estimated that South Africa's greenhouse gas emissions will have grown by 33% compared to 2015 levels.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the growing environmental crisis in South Africa. It highlights the need for urgent action to reduce emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. It also serves as a warning that if we do not take steps to reduce emissions, the situation will only worsen in the coming years. This is why it is so important to be aware of the air pollution statistics in South Africa and to take action to reduce emissions and protect our environment.
Cape Town had an annual average PM 2.5 concentration of 27 micrograms per cubic meter in 2020, higher than the WHO recommended annual average of 10 micrograms.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the severity of air pollution in Cape Town, with the annual average PM 2.5 concentration being more than double the WHO recommended annual average. It serves as a wake-up call to the citizens of Cape Town and the South African government to take action to reduce air pollution and protect the health of its citizens.
Studies have shown that high levels of air pollution in South Africa during COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 led to a 30% increase in the risk of death from the virus.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the devastating effects of air pollution on public health, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the urgent need for South Africa to take action to reduce air pollution levels in order to protect its citizens from the virus. This statistic is a powerful illustration of the importance of air pollution control in South Africa, and should be taken into account when discussing the country's air pollution statistics.
Conclusion
Air pollution in South Africa is a serious issue that has been exacerbated by industrial activities, transportation and the burning of coal and wood. The statistics presented demonstrate how air pollution levels have increased over time, with an estimated 19,410 deaths due to outdoor air pollution in 2019 alone. South Africa ranks 30th on the global air pollution ranking list and contributes 1.13% to global greenhouse gas emissions - making it one of the most polluted countries in the world. Furthermore, studies show that high levels of air quality during COVID-19 lockdown led to a 30% increase in risk for death from coronavirus while restrictions on industry activity improved overall air quality by up to 30%. It is clear that stronger action needs to be taken if we are going reduce these alarming figures and protect our environment for future generations.
References
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