Question

Air pollution, Climate Change and Regulation [25] 1. Explain how climate change is related to air pollution? (5) 2. Why is air pollution metrology important and how is it used? (5) 3. Several laws and standards related to air pollution were provided in the presentation that address air pollution in various areas in the world. Discuss the relevance and context of air pollution and air quality standards in Namibia; also the effectiveness in addressing air pollution problems in Namibia (15)

Answer 1

1. Air pollution and climate change are closely related .the main cause is co2 emissions. the extraction and burning of fossil fuels is also a major cause.Air pollution contribute to climatic change by affecting the amount of incoming sinlight that is reflected or absorbed by the atmosphere with some pollutants warming and other cooling the earth.pollutants like methane black carbon ground level ozone and sulfate aerosols.they have significant impacts on climates.Black carbon and methane in particular are among the top contributors to the global warming after co2. social harm of climate change and air pollution.climate change causes drought flooding etc.atmosphere pollution causes six million deaths a year. causes lung cancer heart attacks etc

Air pollution increases earths temperature produces allergenic air pollutants

2. Air pollution metrology is important because

• Identify the source of pollutants
• Predict air pollution events such as inversions and high pollutant concentration days
• simulate and predict air quality using computer methods  

Air pollution metrology is the study of how the atmosperic processes affecr the fate of air pollutants it helps in air quality planning activities. planners use this knowledge to help locate air pollution monitoring stations and to develpo implementation plans to bring ambient air quality into compliance with standards .

3. The air quality in Namibia is considered moderately unsafe . the countries annual mean concentration of PM2.5 is 25 mu g/m3 exceeding the recomended maximum of 10mu g /m3.

• To reduce the air pollution need to take steps like
• Reduce emissions from industries
• Reduce emissions from transport
• Reduce emissions from open burning outdoor

steps taken for control measures are

renewable energy sources are widely used and goverment promote renewable sources for domestic and industrial uses .Used mostly for off grid electrification and domestic water heating .Goverment developed to remove financial economic political and public awareness barriers to solar energy

The ministry of mines and energy has solar revolving fund that makes loan available to consumer to access renewable energy technologies . The interest rate is affordable and lower compared to commercial banks

Steps has taken over the fuel lead content

Steps has taken on used car importation

Action has taken to expand improve and promote public transport and mass transit

Actions to promote non motorized transport

Actions to prevent open burning of municipal waste and agriculture waste

promotion of cleaner cooking fuels and cook stoves