{"id":13738,"date":"2024-03-28T10:50:35","date_gmt":"2024-03-28T07:50:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/mena\/%d9%85%d8%b3%d8%a8%d8%a8%d8%a7%d8%aa-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%aa%d9%84%d9%88%d8%ab-%d9%81%d9%8a-%d8%b4%d9%85%d8%a7%d9%84-%d8%a3%d9%81%d8%b1%d9%8a%d9%82%d9%8a%d8%a7\/"},"modified":"2024-03-28T11:03:31","modified_gmt":"2024-03-28T08:03:31","slug":"north-africas-polluters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/mena\/en\/north-africas-polluters\/","title":{"rendered":"Greenpeace MENA Reveals North Africa’s Polluters- Time for Urgent Action!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Breathe out\u2026 Don’t breathe in: the air we breathe in North Africa conceals a silent killer that can no longer be ignored. Air pollution is not just a problem; it’s an alarming crisis with consequences too deadly to overlook.<\/h3>\n\n

Beirut \u2013 March 28, 2024 – significant number of premature deaths occur annually due to exposure to air pollution in North African countries, as revealed in a report jointly prepared by Greenpeace MENA and Greenpeace Africa. The report, titled \u201cMajor Air Polluters in Africa Unmasked,” reveals shocking data about the continent’s biggest air polluters and how Africans are facing a public health crisis that requires immediate action from the governments.<\/p>\n\n

The report reveals a significant number of premature deaths occur annually in Africa due to exposure to air pollution. Egypt has been identified as one of the North African countries bearing a substantial burden of health diseases shockingly.<\/p>\n\n

The weight of polluted air burdens those least prepared to handle it revealing significant injustice as the crisis does not affect everyone equally.<\/p>\n\n

Among the ten biggest sources of sulphur dioxide air pollution in Africa, two are power plants located in Egypt and Morocco. Recent estimates suggest the energy sector is the major contributor to nitrogen dioxide, volatile organic compounds, and sulphur dioxide emissions in North Africa. Residential combustion, particularly solid fuel burning, stands out as a substantial source of black carbon emissions.  <\/p>\n\n

Inaction takes a toll on human lives; The report presents recommendations to address the crisis, emphasizing the need for strong legal air quality standards, improved air quality monitoring, reduced waste burning, and investment in clean energy technologies, especially in the energy sector. <\/p>\n\n

“We urgently call upon North African governments to adopt the report\u2019s recommendations particularly the installation of air quality monitors and ensuring access to real-time data. This proactive approach empowers affected communities to address their governments for action, to take charge of their well-being, make informed decisions, and collectively work towards cleaner and healthier environments” stresses Sarra Ben Abdallah, Greenpeace MENA Campaigner. <\/p>\n\n

Besides the shocking data, the report highlights hopeful case studies that address air pollution by advocating peaceful resistance and promoting viable solutions. <\/p>\n\n

Ayoub Krir, Researcher and Environmental Activist, President of the Oxygen Association for Environment and Health in Kenitra Morocco, confirms that \u201cair pollution in Kenitra poses a real challenge to the environment and public health. What is happening in Kenitra reflects the reality in many cities and regions in Africa, hindering the achievement of global climate goals and impeding African economies with losses in billions of dollars, as well as a cost in human lives.\u201d<\/p>\n\n

Key Findings from the Report:<\/p>\n\n