Mpumalanga is the world’s largest air pollution hotspot, a groundbreaking analysis of satellite data revealed.
The data analysis which points to coal and transport as the two principal sources of air pollution was conducted from 1 June to 31 August this year.
The global number one hotspot for Nitrogen Dioxide emissions is home to twelve coal-fired power plants with a total capacity of over 32 gigawatts owned and operated by Eskom.
The satellite data further reveals that the cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria are also highly affected by extreme NO2 pollution levels which blow across from Mpumalanga and into both cities due to close proximity and regular east winds.
According to Greenpeace who conducted the study, air pollution is a global health crisis, with up to 95% of the world's population breathing unsafe air. South Africa is a significant global hotspot with its high concentration of coal power stations and its weak air pollution standards.
In 2015 Eskom was granted a five-year postponement from complying with MES. In 2018 Eskom has again applied for postponements for nitrogen oxides for 16 of its 19 power plants.
Cities such as Santiago de Chile, London, Paris, Dubai, and Tehran also feature high in the ranking due to transport-related emissions.
