Current research trends have shown that exposure to air pollution is a major health risk and economic burden in Ghana. In 2019 alone, exposure to air pollution contributed to nearly 3,300 newborn deaths (State of Global Air) and in the same year, the economic burden of air pollution was estimated to be $1.6 billion (Fisher et al., 2021). As social scientists, it’s important for us to tackle air pollution in Ghana from the social welfare lens. Social welfare and exposure to air pollution are important issues that impact the well-being of communities. There are several things we can do to address these concerns.

Promote Awareness: Educating the public about the health risks associated with air pollution is crucial. This can be done through campaigns, workshops, and community outreach programs. Raising awareness helps individuals understand the importance of clean air for their overall well-being and motivates them to take action.

Encourage Sustainable Transportation: Encouraging the use of public transportation, cycling, and walking can reduce vehicle emissions, which contribute to air pollution. Governments and local authorities can invest in public transportation infrastructure and implement policies that make sustainable commuting more accessible and convenient.

Support Clean Energy Sources: Transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower can significantly reduce air pollution. Governments and businesses can incentivize the adoption of renewable energy technologies and support clean energy research and development.

Implement Effective Regulation: Governments play a crucial role in regulating emissions from industries and vehicles. Stricter emission standards and regular monitoring can help reduce harmful pollutants. Additionally, enforcing penalties for non-compliance can incentivize industries to adopt cleaner practices.

Support Vulnerable Communities: Social welfare programs can provide support to vulnerable communities disproportionately affected by air pollution. This includes ensuring access to healthcare, implementing air quality monitoring systems, and providing assistance for relocation if necessary.

Encourage Green Spaces: Increasing the number of parks and green spaces in urban areas helps mitigate air pollution. Trees and plants absorb pollutants and improve air quality. Creating more green spaces provides access to cleaner air for communities and enhances overall well-being.

In conclusion, by implementing these strategies, we can work towards improving social welfare and reducing exposure to air pollution. It’s a collective effort that involves governments, communities, businesses, and individuals working together towards a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone.

written by: Our volunteer Frimpomaa, Social Welfare, University of Ghana.

‍