Air Durability In Partner Countries.

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Many of the most rapidly growing urban areas in developing countries in Africa experience significant health and climate impacts from air pollution, but have limited data, resources and capacity to address it. EPA's (environmental protection agency) Megacities Partnership assists targeted countries as they develop air quality management plans, using an approach that can be applied across cities in Africa and other areas around the world.

The first-ever Megacity Partnership, which happened in Accra, Ghana, showed how decision support tools, such as the Environmental Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program-Community Edition (BenMAP-CE) tool, could be used in a wide variety of situations to assess the health burden of air pollution and potential benefits of air quality improvement programs. Under the Partnership, Ghana EPA staff were trained to analyze the benefits of air pollution control, including healthier populations and economic productivity, and to compare costs to set priorities. In addition, under the Partnership EPA is assisting Ghana EPA to manage their air quality monitoring data.

EPA built upon Ghana EPA's experience using air quality monitoring and analysis to strengthen their understanding of pollution sources and prioritize reductions. These priorities were then included in an air quality management plan that identifies areas for action, including revised national ambient air quality standards and vehicle emissions testing.

A second megacity partnership was struck in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with EPA, which aims towards developing integrated air quality action plans for the country. This work is being undertaken in collaboration with the Addis Ababa Environmental Protection and Green Development Commission; Ethiopian Ministries of Health and Environment, Forest and Climate Change; the Addis Ababa Mayor's office; and the Ethiopian Meteorological Agency. EPA will also collaborate with UN Environment on a technical training program to build capacity on air quality assessment and communications/awareness-raising. The “Air quality management plan (AQMP)” was finalized in June 2021.

Since the introduction of the AQMP, Ethiopia has made significant progress in improving air quality. The country has established air quality monitoring stations in various cities and towns across the country, which have enabled the AQMD to collect data on air pollution levels.

The AQMD has also developed regulations and standards to limit air pollution from various sources, such as factories and vehicles. The EPA has been working with various stakeholders, including industry and civil society, to ensure compliance with these regulations.

Despite these efforts, however, air pollution remains a significant problem in Ethiopia, particularly in urban areas. The country's rapid urbanization and industrialization have led to an increase in the number of vehicles on the roads and the amount of industrial activity, both of which contribute to air pollution.

To address these challenges, the AQMD has been working on developing new strategies to reduce air pollution in Ethiopia. These strategies include the promotion of cleaner transport options, such as electric and hybrid vehicles, and the implementation of green initiatives, such as the use of renewable energy sources in industry.

Additionally, the AQMD has been working with local communities to raise awareness about the dangers of air pollution and to encourage people to take action to reduce their exposure to polluted air.

In conclusion, while the AQMP has helped Ethiopia make significant progress in addressing air pollution, there is still much work to be done to ensure that the country's air quality meets acceptable standards. The government, industry, and civil society must continue to work together to identify and implement effective solutions to this pressing issue.

GLOBAL METHANE INITIATIVE IN AFRICA

The Global Methane Initiative (GMI). is a voluntary, multilateral partnership that aims to reduce global methane emissions and to advance the recovery and use of methane as a valuable clean energy source. EPA plays an active leadership role in the GMI.

Four countries in Africa⁃ Cote D'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Nigeria are working through the GMI to better manage and work to reduce methane from municipal solid waste.

In conclusion, Africa has made significant efforts to prevent emissions through various initiatives such as renewable energy, reforestation, sustainable agriculture, energy efficiency, partnerships and carbon pricing. These efforts demonstrate the continent's commitment to combating climate change and promoting sustainable development.

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