Policy briefs

PLANET4HEALTH project has the explicit role to support health authorities and policymakers in understanding and mitigating the impacts of environmental degradation on human, animal, and ecosystem health using a comprehensive Planetary Health approach.

With these policy briefs, we would like to see actions taken in key priorities, including driving evidence-based environmental and climate policies, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration for health risk assessment, and empowering citizens with actionable adaptation and mitigation strategies against natural hazards.

SAMRC policy brief - cover

Air Pollution and Mortality in South Africa’s Priority Areas: Evidence for Urgent Action

PLANET4HEALTH Policy brief by SAMRC

Ambient air pollution remains a major public health threat in South Africa, particularly in designated air quality Priority Areas: the Highveld, Vaal Triangle Airshed, and Waterberg–Bojanala. This policy brief provides robust epidemiological evidence linking short-term exposure to key pollutants, especially nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) to increased mortality.

Analysis of over 1 million deaths (2011–2018) shows that air pollution significantly elevates risks of pneumonia, lower respiratory infections, and non-communicable diseases. Vulnerability is not uniform: children and older adults are disproportionately affected depending on location.

Access the Policy brief