POLLUTION: CLIMATE’S SILENT PARTNER

Recent floods in our country and wildfires in the USA can be a highlight of how climate change and pollution are deeply connected. My current assignment on environmental pollution has made me reflect on how floods here could be carrying contaminants like heavy metals and plastics into vital water sources, threatening both nature and human health. While greenhouse gases like CO2 are the main drivers of climate change, other forms of pollution in air, water and land amplify its impacts. Addressing pollution not only creates a healthier environment but also helps slow climate change. This week, I’ll explore how tackling pollution in Eswatini can support a sustainable future.

Link between pollution, climate change

Pollution comes in many forms, and each type interacts with the climate in different ways. The burning of fossil fuels such as coal for energy and transportation releases harmful pollutants such as CO2, methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, leading to the greenhouse effect that causes global warming. Additionally, particulate matter from industries, vehicles and agricultural fires contributes to poor air quality while intensifying climate change. Water bodies in Eswatini, such as rivers and dams, often suffer from agricultural run-off, sewage discharge and industrial waste. Industrial pollution continues to threaten the Usushwana River due to gaps in chemicals and waste management programmes in the country. Polluted water can release methane which is a potent greenhouse gas when organic waste breaks down in oxygen-deprived environments like stagnant water.

Furthermore, improper waste management, including open dumping and burning, is another concern. In Eswatini, waste often ends up in landfills or informal dumpsites, where it decomposes and emits methane. Burning waste releases black carbon, a short-lived pollutant that not only harms human health but also contributes to warming. What ties these types of pollution together is their dual impact: harming ecosystems and communities while driving climate change.Eswatini’s unique challenges highlight how interconnected pollution and climate change are. According to the UNICEF Country office, approximately 59 per cent of the population lives below the national poverty line, of which much of the population relies on agriculture and natural resources for their livelihoods. This reliance creates vulnerabilities that are worsened by both pollution and climate change. In cities like Mbabane and Manzini, vehicle emissions and industrial activities are major sources of air pollution. Poor air quality not only contributes to respiratory illnesses but also intensifies global warming through the release of heat-trapping gases.

Deforestation for fuelwood and agricultural expansion leads to increased carbon emissions and soil degradation. Combined with pollution from chemical fertilisers and pesticides, these practices reduce the land’s ability to act as a carbon sink, further fuelling climate change. The lack of proper waste disposal systems in rural and peri-urban areas results in open dumping and burning, exacerbating both pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Eswatini’s challenges may seem daunting, but there’s hope. Addressing pollution can be a powerful tool for mitigating climate change and improving the quality of life for the nation’s people.

How tackling pollution can fight climate change

Efforts to reduce pollution don’t just clean up the environment, they also tackle the root causes of climate change. For example, transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as solar and hydropower can significantly cut air pollution. Clean energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions and provides a more sustainable energy supply for homes and businesses.
Investing in recycling, composting, and modern landfill technologies can reduce methane emissions from waste. Community education campaigns can encourage proper disposal practices, turning waste from a pollutant into a resource. Shifting to eco-friendly farming practices, such as crop rotation, organic farming and agroforestry, can reduce water and soil pollution.
Healthier soils also capture more carbon, acting as a natural climate solution. Developing efficient and affordable public transportation can reduce vehicle emissions, improving air quality while cutting down on CO2. This is particularly relevant for urban areas like Mbabane, where traffic congestion contributes significantly to pollution. Forests and wetlands are natural carbon sinks. Protecting and restoring these ecosystems can reduce emissions while also supporting biodiversity. Community-driven reforestation programmes could involve local farmers and residents, creating jobs and fostering a sense of ownership.

A call to action for Eswatini

The fight against climate change is not just about big international agreements or advanced technologies, it starts with local actions. Addressing pollution in Eswatini offers a practical and achievable way to tackle the climate crisis while improving health, conserving resources and fostering economic growth. Each of us has a role to play. Whether it’s advocating for clean energy policies, reducing waste, or adopting sustainable farming practices, our collective efforts can make a difference. For Eswatini, the journey toward a cleaner, greener future begins with recognising the connections between pollution and climate change, and taking action to address both. Together, we can ensure that Eswatini not only survives but thrives in a changing climate. Let’s act now for a brighter, healthier tomorrow.

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