Africa has largely been ignored when it comes to global air quality programs. Yet low-income countries like many of those in Africa are particularly affected by air pollution. AFRICA.

The Clean Air Journal publishes open access articles on air quality and atmospheric science relevant to Africa. In this study researchers interrogate the use of Air quality indicators and their source data from the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) to understand their potential use in South Africa. Indicators can be used to communicate complex air quality data to stakeholders. JOURNAL.

The GCRO Observatory is a research unit building data and analysis to inform city development in the Gauteng City-Region. Their Map of the Month is Air Pollution and Health in Gauteng. During winter, pollution becomes more visible in Gauteng as more people burn wood and coal for heating and cooking. HEALTH EFFECTS.

That’s nearly 55 people every single day. TRAGIC.

A recent IGC study indicates that 7.4% of all deaths in South Africa in 2012 were due to chronic exposure to fine PM, costing the country up to 6% of its GDP. High rates of TB and HIV/AIDS infection mean there is a critical need for South Africa-specific studies on the association between air pollution and mortality. EPIDEMIOLOGY. 

IBM is expanding its machine learning technology to predicting air quality from China to South Africa. However, there is uncertainty whether the IBM forecasts will be free or even priced to be affordable. FORECASTS.

This report summarizes the development and rollout of our current air quality legislation in response to the failure of the apartheid government to safeguard air quality. REPORT.

Want air quality data out of South Africa? SAAQIS is the place to look. The map below shows the dozens of air quality monitoring stations across the country. I can’t wait for these to be part of the OpenAQ platform. DATA NETWORK.

Dry weather, stressed forests, and lightning fueled several dangerous wildfires.