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Integrated assessment of air pollution and climate change for sustainable development in Africa

This new assessment launched at COP27 from the African Union Commission, the Climate and Clean Air Coalition and the UN Environment Programme and developed by African scientists in a process led by SEI shows how African leaders can act quickly across five key areas – transport, residential, energy, agriculture and waste – to fight climate change, prevent air pollution, and protect human health.

Citation

African Union Commission, Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2022). Integrated Assessment of Air Pollution and Climate Change for Sustainable Development in Africa. Climate & Clean Air Coalition, Paris. http://www.ccacoalition.org/en/resources/summary-decision-makers-integrated-assessment-air-pollution-and-climate-change-sustainable

Magdalena, a cook using biogas on a farm near Arusha, Tanzania.

Magdalena, a cook using biogas on a farm near Arusha, Tanzania. Photo: Russell Watkins / Department for International Development / Flickr

Air pollution and climate change are a deadly duo for Africa, and must be tackled together. Air pollutants and greenhouse gases often share the same sources and can be even more dangerous when combined.

Africa is particularly vulnerable to climate change, and currently, an estimated 1 million people per year die prematurely from air pollution on the continent. But there is a way to improve the situation: preventing emissions from short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs), like methane and black carbon, is crucial for the world to stay below 1.5°C. Reducing SLCPs will help both save lives and protect the environment.

Africa has a huge opportunity to continue developing sustainably, improve human well-being, and protect nature by investing in solutions to fight climate change and air pollution together.

Download the communications brochure here. The report is available in English, French and Arabic.

SEI authors

Philip Osano
Philip Osano

Centre Director

SEI Africa

Anderson Kehbila

Programme Leader

SEI Africa

Kevin Hicks

Senior Research Fellow

SEI York

Chris Malley

Senior Research Fellow

SEI York

Johan C.I. Kuylenstierna

Reader / Research Leader

SEI York

Charles Heaps

Senior Scientist

SEI US

Andriannah Mbandi

SEI Affiliated Researcher

SEI York

Eleni Michalopoulou

Research Associate

SEI York

Connie O’Neill

Research Associate

SEI York

Silvia Ulloa

Scientist

SEI US

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