Clean Air Catalyst – Sources of Air Pollution: Addis Ababa

The city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, is experiencing an accelerated rate of growth both economically and in population, as are many other African cities. Currently the city is estimated to have a population of slightly more than 5 million and a population density of 5,165 individuals/km2. According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the city’s population has been growing at a steady annual rate of more than 4% in the last decade and this trend is projected to continue beyond 2030. This growth is accompanied by an increased demand for various services and amenities, such as housing, transport, water, waste management and energy, among others, which the city cannot provide without exacerbating its environmental challenges. This trend has been commonplace for most developing countries across the globe.

One environmental challenge that the city faces is deteriorating air quality, which the city authorities have identified as an issue of concern that requires agent action and have developed an air quality management plan. Reducing air pollution is challenging because it has varied sources and its very real impacts on human health and economy are difficult to quantify. Various opportunities exist for the city of Addis Ababa to learn from and also choose among many air pollution control policy choices that can alter the city’s development trajectory. However, the choice of these policy choices requires a deeper understanding of the current and projected air pollution challenges, including awareness of sources, impacts, and current policy and regulatory actions to control emissions.