African countries could save billions by cutting air pollution and greenhouse gases at the same time
Originally published by The Conversation – Articles (AFRICA) — Read the original article →
Lowering air pollution in Africa has many economic benefits, according to new research by environmental scientists Chris Malley, Kevin Hicks and Caroline Sawe. They reflect on two reports that set out the practical ways that African countries can cut air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions at the same time, while saving billions through lower healthcare costs, fewer days lost to illness and greater productivity.
The 2025 State of Global Air report analysed the air quality and health impacts for countries around the world in 2023. It shows that nearly 1 million people died prematurely across sub-Saharan Africa in 2023 because of the polluted air they breathed. This makes air pollution the second largest risk to public health across Africa, behind only malnutrition.
Generally, air pollution’s health impacts are felt mostly by the elderly and children. The same report says that only 12% of all air pollution deaths globally occur in sub-Saharan Africa, but over half of all child related air pollution deaths occur on the continent.
