Air pollution in cities is a serious environmental and public health hazard. Emissions from cars, industrial operations, electricity generation, and other human activities mostly generate it. The concentration of pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, and volatile organic compounds can reach high levels in metropolitan areas, resulting in a range of health concerns and environmental consequences.
Air pollution may harm human health by causing respiratory ailments, cardiovascular difficulties, and exacerbating pre-existing disorders like asthma. Furthermore, air pollution can harm the environment, causing damage to flora, ecosystems, and structures. It also contributes to climate change through the emission of greenhouse gases.
As a result, cities are implementing a variety of steps to combat air pollution, such as establishing low-emission zones, boosting public transit and cycling, supporting the use of renewable energy sources, and enforcing automobile emission limits. In addition, urban planners are creating cities with green spaces and pedestrian-friendly places to minimize pollution and enhance air quality.
More significantly, cities establish mobile air pollution monitoring stations to manage and address the sources of air pollution, since the stations are a key instrument for analyzing air quality in diverse areas. The stations are also crucial equipment that may be deployed at various locations to collect real-time data on air pollutants, giving information on the quantities of dangerous compounds in the atmosphere.
The stations offer several benefits. They are adaptable since they may be relocated, enabling thorough air quality monitoring in a variety of settings. This adaptability is especially helpful for evaluating air pollution in locations like urban centers, building sites, and industrial zones where emissions fluctuate.
They are also essential for gathering data in real-time. To detect pollutants including particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), these stations are outfitted with sensors and equipment. Real-time transmission of the gathered data allows for quick analysis and action if any problems with air quality are discovered.
Besides, they pinpoint areas of high pollution. By relocating air pollution monitoring stations, the relevant agencies or authorities can pinpoint emission sources and hotspots for pollution. This data is useful for putting specific pollution reduction and public health protection strategies into action.
Some industrialized and technologically advanced countries use these stations to monitor occurrences. They can be used during events or activities that may cause air pollution, such as festivals, building projects, or traffic congestion. This enables the assessment of transitory increases in pollution levels and the application of mitigating measures as needed.
Recognizing the necessity of monitoring and managing air quality concerns, several industrialized countries have installed mobile air pollution monitoring stations. These stations are vital for raising public awareness. Station data can help to raise public awareness about air quality concerns and educate people about the possible health risks of pollution. This may lead to more community involvement in initiatives to improve air quality.
Cities in underdeveloped countries are unable to install them, unlike those in wealthy nations. Because the availability and deployment of these stations might vary greatly depending on financing, technical skill, and government goals. In addition, insufficient resources may make it difficult to create and maintain a complete network of monitoring stations in some developing nations. Furthermore, conflicting objectives for infrastructure development and public services may influence the allocation of resources to environmental monitoring efforts.
Despite these challenges, there is a rising realization of the necessity of combating air pollution in Ethiopia, especially in Addis Ababa. Initiatives are underway to enhance air quality monitoring and management. International organizations, non-governmental organizations, and public-private partnerships frequently promote the establishment of air quality monitoring programs in the city.
Ethiopian Meteorology Institute Deputy Director General Kinfe Hailemariam said that 10 mobile air pollution monitoring stations will be installed in Addis Ababa in the next six months. These stations will help the institute to increase its data collection and analysis capabilities.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital city, confronts air pollution concerns, mostly as a result of fast urbanization, industrial activity, and an increasing number of automobiles. To solve this issue, the city might benefit from deploying mobile air pollution monitoring stations.
Mobile air pollution monitoring stations are outfitted with sensors and devices that detect particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, and volatile organic compounds. These devices may be strategically placed across the city to measure air quality in real-time and identify pollution hotspots, he noted.
Additionally, he said that policymakers and local officials might benefit from the data gathered from these mobile monitoring stations in understanding how air contaminants are distributed around Addis Ababa. For the purpose of creating focused plans to reduce air pollution and safeguard public health, this information is essential.
By using mobile monitoring stations, Addis Ababa can gain insights into the sources of pollution, assess the effectiveness of existing pollution control measures, and make informed decisions about urban planning, transportation policies, and industrial regulations.
Furthermore, the data acquired from these monitoring stations may be utilized to enhance public awareness of air quality concerns and encourage community participation in pollution reduction activities. Integrating mobile air pollution monitoring stations into Addis Ababa’s environmental management strategy can help to create a healthier and more sustainable urban environment for its citizens.
Indeed, as knowledge of the health and environmental implications of air pollution continues to expand, there is increasing motivation for cities in developing nations to invest in mobile air pollution monitoring stations as part of larger initiatives to promote public health and environmental sustainability.
As a result, initiatives in Ethiopia to combat air pollution and improve air quality have gained traction in recent years. The government, in collaboration with international organizations and non-governmental groups, has been trying to build and expand air quality monitoring projects, such as the deployment of mobile air pollution monitoring stations.
According to Kinfe, the Institute has focused on developing technologies that improve the quality and timeliness of weather forecast data. The institution has concentrated on technology that will improve its data collecting and processing capabilities. Hence, the stations are essential for producing high-quality work.
Hence, the institute has designed and implemented projects in collaboration with various stakeholders including international organizations. He said that it is carrying out concrete activities by improving the level of data collection tools, increasing their number, and increasing their effectiveness. In particular, he mentioned that ten air pollution monitoring stations will help not only to combat air pollution but also to raise the level of the city in international forums, he stated.
Accordingly, the institution, in partnership with a range of stakeholders, including foreign organizations, has carried out projects. It is executing tangible tasks by raising the caliber, quantity, and efficacy of data collection instruments. Specifically, he said, “ the ten air pollution monitoring stations will help raise the city’s profile in international forums in addition to helping combat air pollution.”
In general, Ethiopia needs more and more mobile air pollution monitoring stations since they are an invaluable tool for identifying and resolving issues with the quality of the local air and for assisting with initiatives to lessen the negative effects of air pollution on the environment and public health. Therefore, everyone, including stakeholders, should support the installation of mobile air pollution monitoring stations as it is essential to help Addis Ababa mitigate the impacts of climate change.
BY EPHREM ANDARGACHEW
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 30 JANUARY 2024
