Angola's Pollution Crisis: Understanding The Root Causes

Angola is facing a number of environmental challenges, including pollution from mining and oil production, which is having a negative impact on the health of its citizens. Angola is one of eight African countries with the highest mortality rate associated with air pollution, with 50 out of 100,000 people dying from poor quality outside air. The primary causes of outdoor air pollution in Angola include vehicle emissions, construction activities, factories, and the burning of fossil fuels and wildfires. Additionally, indoor air pollution, caused by harmful gases from cooking fuels, dampness, mould, and chemicals from cleaning materials, is as dangerous as outdoor pollution. As a result, Angolans are calling for more government action to address pollution and protect the environment.

Poor air quality in Luanda

Luanda, Angola's capital and largest city, is facing issues with poor air quality. The city, which sits on the northern Atlantic coast, is the country's primary port and a major industrial, cultural, and urban centre. With a population of roughly 2.5 million, which rises to over 8 million in the wider metropolitan area, Luanda is a densely populated city.

In July 2024, the PM2.5 concentration in Luanda was 4.4 times the World Health Organisation's (WHO) annual air quality guideline value. This level of air pollution can have adverse health effects on residents, particularly sensitive groups such as those with respiratory conditions like asthma, who may need to reduce outdoor exercise and wear masks.

The poor air quality in Luanda is attributed to various factors. As an industrial hub, the city is home to factories and refineries that emit pollutants such as fossil fuels, toxic ammonia, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Vehicle emissions from the high circulation of cars also contribute significantly to air pollution, particularly with the release of nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide. Additionally, the burning of waste and the use of generators produce harmful gases that affect air quality.

Angola is one of the eight African countries with the highest mortality rate associated with air pollution. Out of every 100,000 people, 50 die from poor-quality outside air, according to the WHO. The lack of legislation regulating air pollution in Angola further exacerbates the issue.

Lack of environmental legislation

Angola's environmental problems are exacerbated by a lack of environmental legislation. The country has no laws regulating air pollution, which has led to a situation where 50 out of 100,000 people die from poor air quality, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The main sources of air pollution in Angola are gases produced by cars, generators, and waste burning, as well as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide from fires.

The country also faces other environmental issues, such as land abuse, deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution. These problems have been aggravated by a 30-year war, and while the government has recognized the need to take action, there is still a lack of comprehensive legislation to address these issues.

Angola is rich in natural resources, including oil, diamonds, and arable land, but the extraction of these resources has had negative environmental impacts. For example, the cutting of tropical rainforests for international timber sales and domestic fuel use has contributed to land destruction and deforestation. From 1983 to 1993, Angola's forests and woodland declined by 3.1%.

The lack of access to safe drinking water is also a pressing issue, with only 46% of the urban population and 22% of rural dwellers having access. This is due in part to water pollution caused by soil erosion and the improper disposal of waste.

While some efforts have been made to address these issues, such as the creation of a multidisciplinary working group to develop a National Plan to Ban Plastics, there is still a need for more comprehensive and enforceable environmental legislation in Angola to protect its citizens and natural resources.

Harmful health effects

Angola is one of the eight African countries with the highest mortality rate associated with air pollution. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 50 out of 100,000 people die from poor-quality outdoor air in the country. The air pollution in Angola is caused by a complex mixture of solid and liquid particles of organic and inorganic substances, including sulphates, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, carbon black, and mineral powder, among others. The primary sources of outdoor air pollution are vehicles, construction activities, factories, burning stubble and fossil fuels, and wildfires.

The harmful health effects of air pollution in Angola are far-reaching and can have serious consequences for the population. One of the most concerning impacts is the effect on respiratory health. The fine particulate matter in the air, such as PM2.5, can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause a range of respiratory problems, including asthma attacks, difficulty breathing for people with COPD, and increased hospital visits. Prolonged exposure to high levels of air pollution has also been linked to lung cancer.

In addition to respiratory issues, air pollution can also have cardiovascular impacts. The high levels of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide in the air, particularly from fires, can cause lung and heart problems. These pollutants can affect the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, leading to an increased risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues.

The elderly, children, and people with pre-existing health conditions are especially vulnerable to the harmful health effects of air pollution. For these sensitive groups, even short-term exposure to polluted air can trigger adverse health effects. It is recommended that they reduce outdoor exercise, wear masks, and use air purifiers to mitigate the impact of air pollution on their health.

Indoor air pollution in Angola is also a significant concern and can be as dangerous as outdoor pollution. Harmful gases from cooking fuels, such as wood, crop wastes, charcoal, coal, and dung, can enter homes and buildings through doors, windows, and ventilation systems, affecting the health of those inside. Proper ventilation and the use of air purifiers are recommended to improve indoor air quality.

Natural resource extraction

Angola is a country rich in natural resources, including petroleum, diamonds, iron ore, phosphates, copper, feldspar, gold, bauxite, and uranium. The country has an estimated 9 billion barrels of proven crude oil reserves and 11 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves. The petroleum industry is the key driver of Angola's economy, accounting for almost 75% of the country's revenues.

However, the extraction and refining of these natural resources have contributed to pollution in the country. Angola is one of the eight African countries with the highest mortality rate associated with air pollution, with 50 out of 100,000 people dying from poor quality outside air, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The air pollution in Angola is caused by a complex mixture of solid and liquid particles of organic and inorganic substances, including sulphates, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, carbon black, and mineral powder, among others.

The refining of crude oil and the distribution of its derivatives in Angola remain well below domestic demand. As a result, the country is heavily dependent on imported refined petroleum, spending over $2 billion annually on petroleum imports. To address this imbalance, the Angolan government is prioritizing refinery development, with upgrades to the country's only operating facility in Luanda and three new projects in the pipeline. However, the country's oil and gas sector remains one of the most difficult to navigate due to industry barriers and macroeconomic threats.

The environmental challenges posed by natural resource extraction in Angola extend beyond air pollution. Deforestation, soil erosion, poor water quality, and pollution from mining activities are also significant issues. Angola's abundant natural resources, particularly its oil and gas reserves, present both opportunities for economic growth and challenges for environmental protection.

While the extraction of natural resources has contributed to pollution in Angola, the country is also facing the challenge of balancing economic development with environmental sustainability. The government has taken some steps towards addressing pollution and environmental degradation, such as the creation of a multidisciplinary working group to develop a National Plan to Ban Plastics. However, there is a perception among Angolans that more needs to be done, with a majority calling for tighter government regulation of the industry to reduce its negative impacts on the environment.

Deforestation

Angola is facing a significant challenge of deforestation, primarily driven by illegal logging activities and unsustainable agricultural practices. This issue has had detrimental effects on the environment, the economy, and local communities.

Illegal Logging

Illegal logging by foreign companies is a major contributor to deforestation in Angola. These companies, granted licences by unauthorised local officials, fail to replant the trees they cut down, leading to a rapid loss of forest cover. Between 2010 and 2013, Angola's planted forest areas declined by 31%, with 40% of the country's plantations now considered "totally degraded". This situation is exacerbated by the enforcement challenges faced due to confusion over legal precedence between the licences and existing environmental protection laws.

Unsustainable Agricultural Practices

Following illegal logging activities, "slash and burn" subsistence farmers move into the cleared areas. They practice unsustainable agriculture, planting crops that deplete the soil, staying for a couple of years, and then moving on. While this provides some level of food security for these farmers, it contributes to the degradation of the land and the loss of local economic livelihoods.

Impact of Deforestation

The deforestation in Angola has had far-reaching consequences. It has led to the destruction of critical forest resources, negatively impacted the climate, and caused long-term socio-economic damage to communities. Additionally, it has contributed to the country's air pollution problem, as the removal of trees reduces the natural absorption of pollutants, further exacerbating the poor air quality in Angola's major cities.

Efforts to Combat Deforestation

There have been efforts to address the issue of deforestation in Angola. The national government has granted concessions to companies like Estrela da Floresta, tasking them with developing sustainable timber industries. These companies aim to promote sustainable forestry practices, job creation, and economic growth while ensuring responsible management of forest resources. International initiatives, such as the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative (AFR100), also aim to restore degraded land and end deforestation across the continent.

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