Air Quality Programme

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About Clean Air Programme

Clean Air Programme

Air pollution is often described as the ‘silent killer’, because it does great damage but gets little attention from funders, policy makers and political leaders. Globally, air pollution is responsible for 1 in 9 deaths, ranking as the 4th highest risk factor to health. It is the world’s leading environmental cause of illness and premature death.

According to UNEP (2022), Africa is undergoing both environmental and epidemiological transition. Household air pollution (HAP) remains the predominant form of air pollution, but it is declining overall. Air pollution in Africa is comprised of Household Air Pollution (HAP) and Ambient Air pollution (AAP). The relative contribution of each type varies from country to country. HAP is declining across the continent as families move away from using solid fuels such as wood, straw, and animal dung, towards using cleaner fuels such as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). By contrast, levels of Ambient Air Pollution (AAP) are beginning to increase. 

Clean Air Programme
These increases occur as countries develop economically, industrialize, and become linked to global supply chains. People move into cities for employment opportunities, increasing the numbers of gasoline- and diesel-powered cars, trucks and buses on the roads. Sources of AAP include electricity generation in coal- and oil-fired power plants, industrial emissions, transportation related emissions, and crop burning. Air pollution was responsible for 1.1 million deaths across Africa in 2019. HAP accounted for 697,000 deaths and AAP for 394,000. AAP-related deaths increased from 361,000 in 2015 to 383,000 in 2019 with greatest increases in the most highly developed countries. Two-thirds of AAP-related mortality is due to non-communicable diseases. Economic output lost to air-pollution-related disease was $3.0 billion (in 2019 International dollars) in Ethiopia (1.16% of GDP), $1.6 billion in Ghana (0.95% of GDP), and $349 million in Rwanda (1.19% of GDP). Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy and early childhood can cause brain damage defects in children that reduces their cognitive function (as measured by IQ). Cognitive function – often measured by IQ – is a key predictor of earning potential, health and longevity, and in this way underpins human capital and national progress. PM2.5 pollution was responsible for 1.96 billion lost IQ points in African children.
Clean Air Programme
Our focus on Air Quality Governance focuses on improving how air pollution is managed through policy, regulations, and public awareness. It involves developing strategies, building capacity for implementation, and fostering collaboration between different stakeholders.

The objective of the programme is to undertake the following:

  • Inform national and county policies and legislations to scale access to and adaptation of clean household energy
  • Demonstrate the positive impacts of clean air on health and climate
  • Strengthen health systems to empower locally-led prevention of urban air pollution

Key aspects of an air quality governance project:

  • Policy and Regulation: This involves creating and implementing laws and regulations related to air quality, often drawing inspiration from international standards and best practices.
  • Monitoring and Data Management: Establishing air quality monitoring networks, collecting data on pollutants, and making this data accessible to the public are crucial for understanding the extent and sources of air pollution.
  • Capacity Building: Training individuals and institutions on how to implement and enforce air quality regulations, manage data, and conduct public awareness campaigns.
  • Public Awareness: Educating the public about the sources and impacts of air pollution, as well as the importance of individual actions to reduce emissions.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborating with various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector, civil society, and the public, to ensure a holistic approach to air quality management.

ONGOING PROJECT: DEVELOPING NAIROBI CITY AIR QUALITY REGULATION

Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, is among the three largest East African cities and serves as the region’s economic and transport hub. It is home to an estimated 5.3 million inhabitants, projected to increase to ~8 million by 2035.

Air pollution in the city, which in 2019 was 4.2 times higher than WHO recommended average annual concentration levels, is the results of both formal and informal activities. Poor air quality stems from reliance on unclean cooking fuels, improper waste management, and highly-polluting small-scale industries, primarily in informal settlements such as Kibera, Africa’s largest slum. In contrast, Nairobi’s traffic problems stem mainly from the city’s urban elites, as ~88% of the traffic on major highways comes from passenger vehicles, despite only 15% of households owning cars. This situation earned Nairobi the title of the fourth most congested city globally in 2019.

The Nairobi City County Government has recently taken major steps to manage air pollution. This includes the development of an Air Quality Action Plan, spurred by the Governor’s prioritisation of the issue. While some areas still require further development in tackling air pollution, the city has made considerable progress by creating strong partnerships with private and international actors, investing in air quality data collection and management, and enshrining air pollution action into law. These efforts help ensure Nairobi’s long-term commitment to addressing air pollution challenges, although much work remains to be done.

This project is developing air quality regulations for Nairobi City County, allowing them to enforce existing air quality policies and laws. These regulations are based on national standards and existing national regulations for sectors like transportation, waste management, and industry.

To ensure effective application, the project is also include training for those responsible for implementing and enforcing the new regulations.

What is air quality?
Air quality tells us how healthy the air is to breathe. If the air quality is bad then it has more harmful things in it. Good air quality tells us that there is less pollution and it is better for us to breathe.
What is Air Pollution?
The air that we breathe is made up many different gases. Some of which are natural and essential for life. Air pollutants can be released from natural sources such as volcanoes, but humans are responsible for a large proportion of the pollution in our air today.
What Pollutes the Air?
A lot of things that make our lives more comfortable such as cars, electricity and heating create pollutants but make the air dirty. Sometimes we cannot see air pollution but other times it can be seen in the form of smoke or dirt.
Why is it important to keep the air clean?
The release of air pollutants must be kept to a minimum, as some of the pollutants can be harmful, not only to us humans but to wildlife and our environment.
How does it affect me?
If you are sensitive to air pollution you might start to cough or find it difficult or painful to breathe when air pollution is high, especially if you are running around outside or playing sport. Some people might not be affected at all.
What can I do to help?
We could all help to reduce pollution from vehicles by using our cars less. Instead of using a car for short trips to school or to the shops, try to walk or ride a bike.By changing our behaviour and following the advice below, we can all make a positive impact on air quality.