Joburg residents overwhelmingly concerned about city's air quality, new survey finds

A recent survey by the City of Johannesburg and Breathe Cities, carried out by the Seriti Institute, shows that residents are extremely concerned about the city's air quality.

The survey, conducted with more than 3,000 participants, was designed to inform a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) policy that reflects Johannesburg's unique environmental and socio-economic challenges.

The results showed that:

• 92% of respondents are concerned about air pollution.
• 78% believe it negatively impacts their health.
• Only 5% are aware of existing air quality policies.

It also revealed that residents from all backgrounds see things like burning fossil fuels, vehicle emissions, and waste burning as the main culprits of pollution.

The 30 to 35 age group expressed the most concern, and many feel that winter evenings are the worst for air quality.

In the south, residents pointed to waste burning as a big issue, while those in the north were more troubled by pollution from industries and traffic.

Most respondents also linked air pollution to serious health problems, like respiratory and heart issues.

Beyond the survey, focus groups brought together community members, city officials, and experts to brainstorm solutions.

These discussions highlighted how low-income areas are hit hardest by pollution and raised questions about its harm to biodiversity and local economies.

The City plans to use this information to craft a fair and sustainable air quality policy.

“Air pollution is not merely a global environmental issue; it is a public health emergency. In Johannesburg, we witness its effects most sharply during the winter months, particularly in our most vulnerable communities... I am unequivocally committed to mobilising the full resources of the City to take bold, decisive action that will clean our air, protect our health, and secure a better quality of life for every resident," Mayor Dada Morero said in a statement.