Opportunities for promoting integrated action on air pollution and climate in Africa

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM[|]The complex interactions between climate change and air quality mean that coordinated action can lead to better public health and improved societal outcomes. While the health impacts of climate change are varied, impacts from exposure to air pollution are well known. Air pollution and climate change are a deadly duo for Africa and must be tackled together.[¤]METHOD[|]The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) developed, in 2022, an integrated assessment on air pollution and climate change in Africa to identify and assess priority measures that reduce emissions while maximizing the multiple benefits for health, ecosystems, climate, and food security. This scientifically led process was conducted in partnership UNEP Regional Office for Africa (ROA), the African Union Commission (AUC) and the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) and brought together academics, experts, and practitioners working across Africa to address the growing air pollution and associated climate threats while promoting capacity building and action to reduce air pollution and climate change.[¤]RESULTS[|]The Africa Integrated Assessment of Air Pollution and Climate Change (Africa Integrated Assessment) provides 37 measures which if implemented could provide a tailored package of solutions for clean air for the region which will link meaningfully to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the National Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris agreement, and the Agenda 2063 for Africa. The 37 measures have been categorized according to key economic sectors: household, energy, transport, power generation, industry, agriculture, and waste management and would mitigate climate and air pollution impacts on human health, crop yield and vegetation.[¤]CONCLUSIONS[|]The assessment findings and recommendations will be presented at the conference during the ‘Stories of Policy Success: Real Examples of Inspiring Science-based Air Quality and Climate Action Around the World’ symposium. We have identified some national case studies that align air quality and climate action across sectors in Africa.