Ghana, Nigeria, Chad, and Rwanda Among the Most Polluted Countries: 2024 Report
The 2024 World Air Quality Report highlights alarming pollution levels in Africa, with Ghana, Nigeria, Chad, and Rwanda ranking among the most polluted nations. PM2.5 levels pose severe health risks, leading to increased mortality rates. Ghana’s pollution has markedly risen, necessitating urgent governmental action to combat this crisis effectively.
The 2024 World Air Quality Report reveals serious pollution issues in Africa, with Ghana, Nigeria, Chad, and Rwanda identified as some of the most polluted countries globally. This crisis poses a significant risk to public health, threatening millions of lives across the continent. The alarming levels of PM2.5 concentration indicate a troubling trend of escalating air pollution, exacerbating health risks related to respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.
Chad ranks first worldwide in PM2.5 concentration at 91.8 µg/m³, almost 18 times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 5 µg/m³. Additionally, Nigeria ranks 11th with 40.1 µg/m³, while Rwanda and Ghana follow closely, with levels of 40.8 µg/m³ and 35.8 µg/m³, respectively. PM2.5 particles, due to their minuscule size, pose a severe health risk by infiltrating the lungs and bloodstream.
Research from the University of Chicago reveals that air pollution can shorten lifespans by an average of 2.7 years in these highly polluted areas. The WHO noted that in Ghana alone, 28,000 individuals succumb annually to air pollution, underscoring the urgency of addressing this crisis. Shockingly, one child dies every minute globally due to pollution-related issues.
Ghana’s air quality is now reported to be seven times worse than the WHO’s safe limit. Accra ranks as the 16th most polluted capital globally, with a PM2.5 level of 36.3 µg/m³, and Kumasi has emerged as the most polluted city in Ghana, recording 39.5 µg/m³. Ghana’s pollution has drastically increased; from 30.2 µg/m³ in 2022 to 35.8 µg/m³ in 2024, elevating its rank from 27th to 14th most polluted country.
The report illustrates that five of the ten most polluted nations are located in Africa, yet only 24 out of 54 countries submitted air quality data due to inadequate monitoring infrastructure. This deficiency inhibits the ability to address pollution effectively, as over a third of African cities exceed WHO PM2.5 guidelines by three to five times.
Addressing air quality in Ghana is paramount, as this health crisis leads to an increasing number of deaths and economic losses. The Clean Air Fund warns that without immediate action, the economic cost could reach $137.8 billion by 2040. The urgent need for government action is highlighted by calls for stronger regulations on vehicle emissions, investments in renewable energy, and efficient monitoring of air quality.
In stark contrast, only 17% of global cities comply with WHO air quality standards. Seven countries, including New Zealand and Australia, are recognized as the cleanest, with Nieuwoudtville in South Africa meeting WHO air quality guidelines. The air quality crisis across Africa is driven by factors such as rapid urbanization, increased industrial activity, and inadequate waste management practices, compounded by insufficient governmental oversight.
The 2024 World Air Quality Report underscores a severe air pollution crisis in Africa, prominently featuring Ghana, Nigeria, Chad, and Rwanda among the most polluted countries. With significant health implications and rising economic costs, urgent action is necessary to improve air quality and health outcomes. Effective policies to curb emissions and enhance monitoring are critical to address this growing public health emergency.
Original Source: www.myjoyonline.com
