African countries need more air quality data – and sharing it unlocks its benefits
REBECCA GARLAND, Principal Researcher in Climate and Air Quality Modelling Research Group, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research PAUL PLANTINGA, Research Specialist: Digital Strategies and Engagement, Human Sciences Research Council THE harm that air pollution is doing on the African continent seems to be growing. Estimates of premature mortality attributed to air pollution have increased from about 570,000 in 1990 to over 700,000 in 2013. In the same period, premature deaths from unsafe water, unsafe sanitation and childhood malnutrition have decreased across Africa. Many challenges also remain for the continent to reach the Sustainable Development Goals related to air quality.…