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04 June 2019 | Story Valentino Ndaba | Photo Charl Devenish
Prof Cathryn Tonne
Air pollution not only costs lives, it costs money too. Pictured is Prof Cathryn Tonne presenting a guest lecture on air pollution at the Bloemfontein Campus.

Health effects associated with ambient air pollution (AAP) have been well documented. Subsequently, the relationship between pollution and financial outcomes have also become a focus for case studies globally. An Environmental Research journal article revealed that “low and middle-income countries are disproportionately affected by the global burden of adverse health effects caused by AAP”. 

A high price to pay

In 2012, high concentrations of air pollution caused 7.4% of all deaths, costing South Africa up to 6% of its Gross Domestic Product. According to the recent International Growth Centre study conducted by senior University of Cape Town researchers, this is a direct consequence of the country’s heavy dependence of fossil fuels, a source of health-damaging air pollution and greenhouse pollutants.

Stunted human and economic growth

These South African statistics are attested to by Prof Cathryn Tonne who recently presented a guest lecture on air pollution which was hosted by the University of the Free State (UFS) Business School.

“Air pollution can affect economic development through several pathways, and health is an important one. Air pollution is linked to shorter life expectancy, chronic disease, asthma exacerbation and many other health outcomes that result in absenteeism from work and school. These have large direct costs to the health system.” 

Prof Tonne says that air pollution exposure in children is linked to reduced cognitive development, with important impacts on human capital. As a result, children are not reaching their full potential in terms of neurodevelopment, which has an effect on their income prospects and the economy as a whole. 

Resolving a looming disaster

Technology may be employed to radically clean the air. Cities need to lead in the reduction of air pollution by promoting renewable energy, using active transport such as walking or cycling, and investing in infrastructure to make this safe and attractive. 

With researchers playing a major role in strengthening the case for aggressive air pollution control, the government needs to implement policies in order to control sources of air pollution. This global health and economic issue also requires individuals and communities to play their part to improve air quality.

News Archive

Record amount of degrees and diplomas awarded during Spring graduation ceremony
2005-09-12

The University of the Free State (UFS) will award a record amount of 885 degrees and diplomas on Thursday 15 September 2005 to students from the Vista and Main campuses during this year’s spring graduation ceremony. 

Altogether 572 degrees and 313 diplomas will be awarded.  This is the most degrees and diplomas that have been awarded during the spring graduation ceremony. 

One honorary doctorate and 30 doctorates will also be awarded.  The honorary doctorate Doctor Theologiae (honoris causa) will be awarded to Prof Wilhelm Neuser for his contribution to the promotion of international Calvin research and for his insight and personal dedication to involving South Africans in it.

In the Faculty of Health Sciences 74 degrees, 26 diplomas and 2 doctorates will be awarded, in the Faculty of Humanities (excluding the School of Education) 90 degrees, 9 diplomas en 6 doctorates will be awarded.  In the Faculty of Law 31 degrees will be awarded, in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences 127 degrees, 2 diplomas and 15 doctorates will be awarded, in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences 173 degrees, 2 diplomas and 2 doctorates will be awarded and in the Faculty of Theology 13 degrees, 4 diplomas and 1 doctorate will be awarded. 

In the School of Education 64 degrees, 273 diplomas and 1 doctorate will be awarded.

The diploma ceremony will start at 08:30 and the graduation ceremony will start at 14:30.  Both ceremonies will take place in the Callie Human Centre on the Main Campus.


Media release
Issued by:  Lacea Loader
   Media Representative
   Tel:  (051) 401-2584
   Cell:  083 645 2454
   E-mail:  loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
9 September 2005
 

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