Angola's Pollution Problem: Causes And Impacts

Angola's pollution problem is a pressing issue, with the country facing challenges in both air and water quality. In terms of air pollution, Angola's 2023 air quality average was 1.6 times higher than the World Health Organization's annual guideline value. This has led to Angola being ranked among the most polluted countries in the world. Water pollution is also a significant concern in Angola, with a high rate of waterborne diseases due to poor sanitation systems and a lack of wastewater treatment plants. A notable incident of water pollution occurred in July 2021 when an Angolan diamond mine leaked polluted water into the Kasai River Basin, affecting both Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This resulted in loss of life, illness, and long-lasting negative impacts on river-dependent communities.

Angola's lack of air pollution legislation

Angola is one of 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 quality in Angola is considered moderately unsafe by the WHO, with an annual mean concentration of PM2.5 at 32 µg/m3, far exceeding the recommended maximum of 10 µg/m3.

The lack of air pollution legislation in Angola is a pressing issue, as the country's air quality continues to deteriorate. Oil and gas exploration, mining, vehicle emissions, and agricultural waste burning all contribute to the country's poor air quality. These activities release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, including solid and liquid particles of organic and inorganic substances, such as sulphates, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, carbon black, and mineral powder.

The absence of regulations to control and reduce these emissions has led to a situation where Angola's citizens are at risk of developing serious health problems. Short-term exposure to air pollution can cause itchy eyes, nose and throat, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches, nausea, and upper respiratory infections. Prolonged exposure to polluted air can lead to more severe health issues, including lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory illness, and the development of allergies.

The situation is particularly dire in Luanda, Angola's capital and largest city. With a population of approximately 2.5 million people, the city experiences high levels of air pollution due to its industrial activities and dense vehicle traffic. While Luanda experienced a period of "Good" air quality at the end of 2021, with a US AQI reading of 29, the city's air quality is typically "Moderate" for a large portion of the year.

Vehicle emissions, construction, factories, and wildfires

Vehicle emissions, construction activities, factories, and wildfires are significant contributors to Angola's outdoor air pollution. Vehicle emissions, in particular, are a major source of harmful aerosols and gases, which, along with construction and industrial emissions, agricultural waste burning, and other factors, adversely affect the country's air quality.

Vehicle emissions are a key concern in Angola, with the country's growing number of cars, trucks, and motorcycles releasing pollutants into the atmosphere. Inadequate public transportation systems and a preference for private vehicles further compound the problem. Additionally, construction activities, including projects in infrastructure development and urban expansion, generate significant dust and particulate matter, especially during the clearing and excavation phases.

Factories and industrial facilities in Angola also contribute to air pollution. Emissions from industrial processes, including the burning of fossil fuels, release various pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and particulate matter, into the atmosphere. These emissions can have both short-term and long-term health impacts on the local population.

Wildfires pose a significant threat to Angola, with a high likelihood of encountering weather conditions that could support significant wildfires, resulting in life and property loss. Climate change projections indicate an expected increase in the frequency and severity of wildfires in the region, further exacerbating the pollution challenge.

To address these issues, Angola has implemented measures such as encouraging the use of public transportation and carpooling and the adoption of cleaner technologies. Additionally, regulations and planning considerations are being put in place to mitigate the impact of construction and industrial activities on air quality.

Harmful gases from cooking fuels

Angola is one of the eight African countries with the highest mortality rate associated with air pollution. The World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that 50 out of 100,000 people die from poor quality outside air. The air in Angola's capital, Luanda, is heavily polluted by gases produced by cars, generators, and burning waste.

Cooking with gas stoves is a common practice that can negatively impact both indoor and outdoor air quality. Gas stoves emit harmful pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and other toxic chemicals. These pollutants are known to have various adverse effects on human health, including increased risk of respiratory illnesses, asthma, and other lung problems.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a significant concern, as it has been linked to childhood asthma. Research shows that children living in households using gas stoves for cooking are 42% more likely to develop asthma. Higher levels of nitrogen dioxide are also associated with more severe asthma symptoms in both children and adults.

Gas stoves contribute to indoor air pollution by releasing tiny airborne particles known as PM2.5, which are lung irritants. Additionally, gas stoves leak methane gas even when turned off, further adding to air pollution and contributing to climate change.

To mitigate the harmful effects of gas stoves, it is essential to improve ventilation in the kitchen. This can be achieved by using range hoods, exhaust fans, or simply opening windows while cooking. Switching to electric appliances for cooking is also recommended to reduce exposure to harmful pollutants.

While gas stoves are convenient, it is important to be aware of their impact on air quality and take the necessary steps to protect our health and the environment. By improving ventilation and transitioning to electric alternatives, we can reduce our exposure to harmful gases and create a healthier living environment for ourselves and our families.

Poor water quality

Angola is facing a water crisis, with only 42% of its 17 million citizens having access to clean water. This lack of access to clean water, coupled with poor drainage systems, has led to a high risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid, especially during the rainy season.

The country has a high rate of waterborne diseases due to the scarcity and poor quality of water available for human consumption. The main source of water pollution in Angola is the discharge of domestic sewage into water bodies due to a lack of proper sanitation systems and wastewater treatment plants. High levels of faecal coliforms have been detected in water sources during the rainy season, making the water unsuitable for drinking.

The Government of Angola has recognised the importance of institutional development in the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector and has made efforts to improve access to clean water. However, progress has been slow due to top-down governance, weak institutional capacity, and insufficient financial resources.

The lack of clean water disproportionately affects women and girls, who are often responsible for water collection and water-related chores. This contributes to Angola's high adolescent girl school drop-out rate.

To address the water crisis, Angola needs to invest in new water production, improve water storage systems, and promote better water management practices. By increasing access to clean water and improving sanitation, Angola can reduce waterborne diseases and improve the health and well-being of its citizens.

Deforestation

One of the primary drivers of deforestation in Angola is illegal logging by foreign companies. These companies are failing to replant trees after cutting them down, leading to large-scale deforestation. In addition, unlicensed local farmers are also contributing to the problem with their 'slash and burn' farming practices. While this provides some food security for the local population, it is unsustainable and further depletes the country's forest resources.

The Angolan government has made efforts to address the issue by granting legal concessions to companies capable of sustainably managing forest resources. One such company is Estrela da Floresta, which aims to develop a sustainable timber industry in the country. They are employing sustainable practices, such as rapid replanting of forests and protecting soil health, to mitigate the impact of deforestation. However, these efforts are often hindered by the presence of illegal logging operations, which have already degraded many hectares of land.

The depletion of forests in Angola has severe consequences for the environment and local communities. It leads to a loss of biodiversity, with Angola home to numerous endemic species found nowhere else in the world. Additionally, deforestation contributes to soil erosion, water pollution, and siltation of rivers and dams. It also impacts the livelihoods of local communities, particularly those who depend on subsistence farming and fishing.

To address the issue of deforestation in Angola, a collaborative approach is necessary. This includes enforcing existing laws against illegal logging, supporting sustainable forest management practices, and providing alternative livelihoods for communities dependent on unsustainable farming practices. By working together, the government, private companies, and local communities can help restore and protect Angola's valuable forest resources.

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