 |
| Nigerian Boy walks through fumes of pollution from dumpsite |
Air pollution is a major challenge not only on the African continent but the world at large. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution is responsible for approximately 7 million deaths annually, 600,000 of which are recorded in Africa. New data from the recently released WHO report on air quality in May 2018, shows that 9 out of 10 people breathe in air containing high levels of pollutants.
The economic cost of premature deaths from air pollution in Africa, both indoor and outdoor, is approximately $450 billion. As of 2013, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) estimated the economic cost of ambient air pollution at $215 billion calculated as healthcare costs, sick leave days, reduced economic output, loss of young man-power among other parameters.
 |
| Young tout operating an informal public transport vehicle |
Urban areas continue to record the highest number of air quality related losses where traffic congestion, poor waste management and youth unemployment are daily struggles. The transport sector is the dominant source of air pollution in the form of greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful pollutants. This state of affairs is attributed to the importation of fuel inefficient used vehicles, inadequate vehicle-import regulation policies and low purchasing power. The population, unable to afford newer, cleaner and fuel-efficient vehicles are thus left vulnerable to the adverse effects of transport-related air pollution. Additionally, a majority of African national and local governments struggle to provide adequate transport infrastructure and services giving rise to an informal public transportation system that fails to meet the socio-economic needs of end users. Many African youth are employed within the informal public transport industry.
In 2016, the Public Eye revealed how foreign trading companies were exploiting weak fuel regulatory standards in West African countries to export fuels of up to 1000 times the Sulphur levels permitted in Europe. Air-borne Sulphur compounds when inhaled irritate the respiratory system and can lead to long term health complications such as swollen lungs, breathing complications and even death. This is alarming in developing nations that are still struggling to clean up their vehicle fleet and fuels. For youth employed within the public transport industry, either as drivers or conductors, the level of exposure to air pollution from dirty fuels coupled with polluting vehicles is extensive. Pressure to meet high mobility demands needed to drive African economies means that the youth spend long hours, about 10-12 hours a day, earning a living from the transport sector. Without urgent intervention, African youth are left increasingly vulnerable to declining urban air quality.
 |
| Finalists for Africa Prize 2019 brightest entrepreneurial engineers |
The youth play a vital role in shaping the development agenda on the continent. By harnessing the power of information technology and tools such as social media platforms, the youth can be at the forefront of lobbying campaigns urging governments and other stakeholders to increase efforts towards cleaner mobility.
There already exist various clean mobility initiatives on the continent that African youth can be a part of. A number of African countries are providing good examples on implementing cleaner mobility. Today, all African countries except Algeria have eliminated leaded petrol compared to the situation in 2002, when only one country had taken this step. 11 countries have adopted 50 ppm Sulphur-content fuels or lower while 2 cities (Nairobi and Accra) are already developing soot free bus strategies for their cities. In addition, over 20 countries in Africa are engaged in reviewing their vehicle import policies in a bid to attract cleaner and more fuel-efficient vehicles. Through 'Share the Road' initiatives, Lagos (Nigeria) and Nairobi (Kenya) are developing citywide non-motorized transport policies while Uganda has taken it a notch higher to develop a nationwide policy. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) together with key partners are currently engaged in formulating harmonized fuel grades and vehicle emission standards to reduce the negative impact of transport on air quality . The voice of African youth is conspicuously missing in these lobbying efforts.
The use of renewable energy sources is a key priority area for the African continent which still suffers an electricity and energy deficit relative to its population. The rate of electrification in Africa’s was only 23 percent. However, in the urban areas the numbers are more attractive at 71 percent (Gill & Karakullah, 2018). With the global shift towards electric mobility as opposed to fuel-based mobility, an opportunity presents itself for the youth. Kenneth Guantai, founder of the Anto Truck, is one such example of youth taking lead in innovations towards clean mobility. He is currently working on prototypes for self-charging electric vehicles and is among 15 finalists for the Africa Prize for brightest entrepreneurial engineers (Royal Academy, 2018). African youth can be part of the fight against air pollution by championing cleaner mobility through lobbying, innovation and lifestyle choices such as walking and cycling.