By Abbas Nazil
Vehicle emissions are the leading contributor to air pollution in cities across the globe.
NatureNews Africa made this discovery through a recent online poll it conducted across its major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn.
The poll results showed that half of the respondents (50 percent) believe vehicular emissions are the primary cause of deteriorating air quality in urban areas.
The survey, which engaged a wide audience across diverse digital platforms, revealed a growing public awareness of the impact of transportation on the environment.
The overwhelming response in favor of vehicle emissions as the major pollutant underscores concerns about the rising number of cars, buses, and motorcycles on city roads, many of which run on fossil fuels and emit harmful pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter.
These pollutants not only degrade air quality but also pose serious health risks to urban dwellers, particularly children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
Coming in second, with 25 percent of the votes, was open waste burning. This practice, still prevalent in many cities across Africa and other developing regions, contributes significantly to the release of toxic substances, including dioxins and furans.
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The findings suggest that despite efforts to promote better waste management practices, a sizable portion of the population still resorts to burning refuse in open spaces, adding to the atmospheric burden.
Another 25 percent of respondents attributed urban air pollution to a lack of green spaces. Trees and other vegetation are known to absorb pollutants and improve air quality by filtering out dust and harmful gases.
The poll results reflect public sentiment that insufficient investment in urban greening and the unchecked replacement of natural landscapes with concrete structures are worsening air conditions in cities.
Surprisingly, industrial emissions, often considered a major source of urban pollution, received no votes in this poll.
This outcome may suggest a public perception that industrial activity is either less visible or less directly impactful in the day-to-day lives of city residents compared to traffic congestion and waste burning.
It could also reflect the spatial reality in some cities where industries are located on the outskirts, somewhat detached from residential zones.
NatureNews Africa’s poll highlights shifting public understanding of environmental issues and underscores the urgency for policy-makers to address the transportation sector as a top priority in the fight against urban air pollution.
The results call for greater investment in public transit, promotion of electric vehicles, stricter emissions regulations, and public education on sustainable waste practices.
Furthermore, urban planning strategies that integrate more green spaces could significantly enhance air quality and public health in growing cities.
