National Plan for the Reduction of Air Pollutants and Short-Lived Climate Pollutants

Description

The National Plan to reduce air pollution and short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) sets out to achieve three things, i) quantify for the first time the major sources of air pollutants and SLCPs, ii) quantify the air pollution benefits from implementing Togo’s climate change commitments, and iii) identify additional actions that could further improve air quality. The process for achieving these aims involved substantial engagement of stakeholders across government and civil society in Togo.

The plan shows, for the first time, major sources of key air pollutants that impact human health, such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). These include residential cooking with biomass, charcoal production, and transport, which are also major sources of greenhouse gases.

The plan also identified sources of Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs)—a group of pollutants, including black carbon, methane, tropospheric ozone and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)—that contribute to dangerous air pollution and also warm the atmosphere. The major sources also included residential cooking, as well as agriculture.

As part of its analysis, the plan shows that the full implementation of Togo’s Nationally Determined Contribution would provide substantial local air pollution benefits. By delivering its climate commitment Togo would reduce black carbon emissions by 34% in 2030 compared to a baseline scenario, and PM2.5 emissions by 37%.

Measures

The full implementation of all 14 mitigation actions included in the plan and listed below would, by 2030, reduce PM2.5 and black carbon emissions by approximately 45%, compared to a baseline scenario and improve the health of many citizens.

These are:

1. To increase the uptake of gas fireplaces, especially in urban areas.
2. To increase the uptake of improved wood, charcoal, and LPG stoves.
3. To promote efficient lighting
4. To reduce by 20% the consumption of fuel in the road transportation sector.
5. To adopt emission standards for vehicles and motorbikes (Euro I, II, III, and IV).
6. To promote renewable energies.
7. To improve charring techniques. 
8. To recycle agricultural waste.
9. To reduce the burning of agricultural waste.
10. To reduce bush fires.
11. To efficiently manage municipal waste.
12. To promote private, community, and state-level revegetation.
13. To ensure the sustainable development of forests
14. To protect forests.