Introduction and background
June is the month dedicated to our environment. Environment month has been observed under the significant national theme, “Save Tomorrow, Today.” The theme emphasises that all South Africans have a responsibility towards conserving the environment and making meaningful life changes to ensure that the effects of climate change are addressed.
State of atmospheric air in Gauteng
Gauteng has the highest population density, highest concentration of industries, largest vehicle population, which in combination result in very high levels of pollution during the winter months. Air pollution levels in Gauteng are highest in areas where coal is used as a primary domestic energy source, heavy industrialised areas as well as areas along the main traffic routes. Available literature indicates that the incidence of respiratory illnesses is either caused or exacerbated by poor air quality. It should be emphasised that this is the major air quality issue in Gauteng, and it needs to be urgently addressed.
Domestic fuel burning
Pressures from human settlement are primarily associated with the use of coal as a domestic energy source in low-income townships and informal settlements. This has long been an issue of concern in Gauteng. Domestic fuel burning has been identified throughout various studies as one of the most significant sources of atmospheric emissions impacting on human health and well-being. This is due to the level of release of these emissions within the breathing zone of people. For example, “National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) dirty fuels study found that 69% of all fuel combustion-related respiratory hospital admissions (RHA) were due to domestic fuel burning (26% due to coal burning and 43% due to wood burning)”.
Impact on the environment
Air pollution has a generally negative impact on the environment: There is evidence that both indoor and ambient air pollution increases the risk of respiratory diseases. “World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that indoor air pollution as a result of the use of coal and wood for heating and cooking is responsible for 2.7 % of the global disease burden (WHO, 2004)”. It is submitted that this is the most serious air quality issue in the province in terms of health related impacts.
- Air pollution may result in disturbances to ecosystems, climatic conditions, biogeochemical cycles and human health
- Poor air quality results in deterioration in visibility and aesthetic landscape quality of the region, particularly in winter due to atmospheric inversions
- Poor air quality causes nuisance to people living in proximity to the sources, particularly odours, eye, nose and throat irritations
- Emissions of greenhouse gases results in global warming
- Depletion of stratospheric ozone results in an increase in ultraviolet(UV) radiation, which in turn increases the risk of skin cancer
What are we doing as a province?
It is for the above reasons that air pollution is, therefore, ranked amongst the major environmental challenge in the world. As part of an attempt to alleviate this situation, our department has partnered with the national department on the Clean Fires Campaign, known as Basa Nje ngo Magogo. It is our belief that through this programme, our communities can be able access and use clean, reliable, affordable, efficient as well as safe cooking and heating practices to meet their basic needs. Where stoves are used, we encourage communities to fit chimneys to reduce exposure to harmful smoke form open fires.
Other key areas of intervention include the development and finalisation of a comprehensive Air quality Management Plan (AQMP) for the province. This plan has since been completed launched by at the Air Quality Summit in 2010 and now is now being implemented.
Further, one of the challenges we have to address is the pollution emanating from the legacy of mining in the province. While Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) has received wide media coverage and substantial financial resources committed on the issue, air pollution from mine dumps has not been prioritised. As a department, we have initiated a study in order to develop a strategy for the reclamation of mine dumps. The outcome of the study will indicate to us what government, working with other key stakeholders can do to alleviate problems emanating from these areas.
Given that air quality management is the responsibility of all three spheres of government, coordination with stakeholder has been achieved in the following manner:
- An Inter-governmental Forum chaired by Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) is convened on a quarterly basis, in order to address environmental challenges in the province in an integrated manner.
- Air Quality Officers Forums were established and meetings are convened on a quarterly basis with local authorities. The purpose of the forum is to build capacity and provide feedback on the status of air quality in the province.
- An Air Quality Information Coordinators Forum was established with local authorities to share knowledge and address challenges regarding data management.
- MEC Open Day - an annual event that allows interaction between the environmental officials and stakeholders is one of these events where discussions with stakeholders were held.
- The department donated seven ambient air quality monitoring stations to various municipalities in the province. Owe, due to lack of expertise and budge, some of se stations could not be maintained and therefore could generate data to show the state of air in the areas they are located. The department has since repaired most of these stations which are now generating data for analysis.
Conclusion
In many countries in the world, steps are being taken to stop the degradation to our environment including air pollution. Scientific groups study the damaging effects on plant, animal and human life. Legislative bodies write laws to control emissions. Educators in schools and universities teach students, beginning at very young ages, about the effects of air pollution. But it doesn’ t help. In the world there are still lots of people who don’t care about our environment. We should encourage them to protect it. The world is our home so we should take care of it. It isn’t hard to do. If everyone do it, our environment will become more clear.
It is therefore significant that, government, business and individuals need to take collective responsibility for local, regional and international air quality issues.
Programme director allow me to thank:
- Deputy Minister, Executive Mayor, Municipal Manager, and all other stakeholders for the dedicated support provided during the implementation of this project, without you we wouldn’t have achieved this much.
- The officials of the municipality, national and provincial department for the excellent work, they went beyond expectation to make this project a success. You make us proud.
I thank you.
Source: Gauteng Agriculture and Rural Development
