In the heart of Africa's megacities and the sprawling arid landscapes of the Sahel, air pollution and soil degradation present significant challenges that threaten income, food security, climate stability, and public health. But how can these pressing issues be resolved? Patricia Kameri-Mbote from the United Nations Environment Programme has some insights.

The Silent Killer: Air Pollution

Africa is currently battling a silent killer: air pollution. It is one of the leading environmental threats worldwide, responsible for approximately one in nine deaths globally. For Africa, this translates into more than 400,000 premature deaths each year, largely due to factors like dust storms linked to land degradation, desertification, and deforestation. With two-thirds of the continent classified as desert or drylands, the situation is dire, impacting both urban and rural populations and creating cross-border ramifications.

Interconnected Factors Aggravating Pollution

Many of the factors aggravating air pollution in Africa are interconnected. Deforestation, agricultural emissions, and dust from degraded lands contribute significantly to worsening air quality. This intricate web of pollution complicates efforts to tackle the issue since airborne particulates know no borders, affecting countries far from their source.

The Vicious Cycle of Degradation and Pollution

Moreover, the degradation of land exacerbates the problem by releasing dust and pollutants that compromise air quality, creating a vicious cycle where pollution further accelerates land degradation and desertification. To escape this detrimental loop, Africa needs a unified strategy that merges sustainable land management with effective air quality governance.

Call for Coordinated Action

Recent discussions at the 10th Special Session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) highlighted the urgent necessity for coordinated action. Countries must recognize that they cannot tackle these challenges in isolation. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has taken a proactive step by releasing a 2023 Guide on Ambient Air Quality Legislation. This guide is designed to assist nations in strengthening or creating their air quality legislation and governance frameworks. It emphasizes the importance of effective governance systems, cross-sector collaboration, monitoring systems, and enforceable air quality standards.

Integration of Air Quality Regulations

UNEP's initiatives, particularly through the Montevideo Environmental Law Programme, align with the environmental objectives established at UNCCD COP16, aimed at combating desertification and promoting sustainable land management. African nations are now presented with a unique opportunity to bolster their environmental governance by integrating air quality regulations that address emissions from unsustainable agricultural practices and deforestation into their national legislation.

Importance of Robust Air Quality Legislation

Implementing robust air quality legislation is crucial. It involves enforcing strict emission controls, promoting sustainable land use practices, and investing in comprehensive monitoring systems. Building institutional capacity to ensure these laws are effectively implemented is equally vital. Given that pollutants often cross political boundaries, creating cross-border agreements and fostering regional collaboration are also essential to combat transboundary pollution.

Cote d'Ivoire: A Trailblazer

Cote d'Ivoire has emerged as a trailblazer among African nations by collaborating with UNEP to align its domestic air quality legislation with global best practices, paving the way for effective policy implementation.

A Call to Action

By incorporating robust air quality governance frameworks into national and regional strategies, Africa can pave the way for pollution reduction and mitigation of its impacts on land and livelihoods. This integrative approach is crucial for breaking the cycle in which degraded land leads to poor air quality and further environmental deterioration. Following the recent UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh, policymakers must prioritize air quality governance in their environmental agendas. The time for action is now! This integrated approach requires the commitment of resources and international collaboration, which will prove beneficial in enhancing public health, stimulating economic growth, and fostering a resilient future for all across Africa. Can we all breathe easier together?