Ghana, Nigeria, Chad, and Rwanda Among the Most Polluted Countries in 2024

The 2024 World Air Quality Report identifies Ghana, Nigeria, Chad, and Rwanda as some of the most polluted countries globally. Chad leads with a PM2.5 concentration of 91.8 µg/m³, significantly above WHO recommendations. This pollution crisis endangers lives, with Ghana recording 28,000 annual deaths due to air pollution. Urgent action and improved regulations are necessary to combat this public health emergency.

The 2024 World Air Quality Report has highlighted significant levels of pollution in Africa, naming Ghana, Nigeria, Chad, and Rwanda among the world’s most polluted countries. The findings underscore a growing air quality crisis, threatening the health and safety of millions.

Chad leads globally with a staggering PM2.5 concentration of 91.8 µg/m³, which far exceeds the World Health Organization’s guideline of 5 µg/m³. Nigeria is ranked 11th with 40.1 µg/m³, Rwanda is 9th at 40.8 µg/m³, and Ghana ranks 14th with 35.8 µg/m³. PM2.5 particles pose a serious health risk as they can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, causing severe respiratory and cardiovascular issues.

The University of Chicago reports that air pollution is reducing life expectancy in highly affected regions by an average of 2.7 years. In Ghana alone, it is estimated that pollution claims 28,000 lives annually, predominantly affecting vulnerable populations. This equates to nearly 22,192 daily deaths worldwide due to contaminated air.

Ghana’s air pollution has escalated significantly, now measuring seven times higher than the recommended WHO limits. Accra is ranked 16th for polluted capitals, while Kumasi has now surpassed it as the most polluted city in Ghana, recording 39.5 µg/m³. Notably, Ghana’s pollution levels have risen through recent years, highlighting an alarming trend that requires urgent attention.

The report indicates that Africa grapples with considerable pollution challenges. Remarkably, five of the top ten polluted countries are located on the continent, while only 24 out of 54 countries can report air quality data due to inadequate monitoring infrastructure. This suggests a significant gap in air quality awareness and emergency preparedness across many urban centers.

The public health emergency represented by air pollution in Ghana demands immediate action. WHO estimates imply a staggering number of casualties linked to poor air quality, suggesting that at least 2,333 individuals might die monthly if current trends continue. The economic consequences are equally severe, with estimates projecting a potential loss of approximately $137.8 billion by 2040 without preventative measures.

Globally, only 17% of cities meet the WHO air quality standards, with countries such as Australia and Iceland being notable exceptions. Unfortunately, Africa remains plagued by poor air quality; however, Nieuwoudtville in South Africa is cited as the only city that met WHO standards in 2024.

The report identifies rapid urbanization, population growth, industry emissions, and unregulated waste burning as primary drivers of Africa’s air pollution. There has also been a marked increase in the share of air quality data provided by NGOs, showcasing the urgent need for governmental investment in monitoring and regulation.

To combat the worsening pollution in Ghana, experts advocate for stricter environmental policies, including enhanced vehicle emission regulations, increased investment in renewable energy sources, and better air quality monitoring frameworks. With Ghana’s recent emergence among the top polluted nations, there is an immediate need for decisive action to avert a public health disaster in the near future.

The 2024 World Air Quality Report reveals alarming pollution levels across Africa, particularly in Ghana, Chad, Nigeria, and Rwanda. With air quality drastically deteriorating and tremendous health risks associated with PM2.5 pollutants, it is imperative that immediate and effective measures are implemented. Enhanced regulations, investment in renewable energy, and stronger monitoring systems are essential to address this escalating crisis and safeguard public health moving forward.

Original Source: www.myjoyonline.com