Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
Previous Archive
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

Programme: Intervarsity: Kovsies vs Pukke, 3 & 4 August
2007-08-03

Vrydag, 3 Augustus / Friday, 3 August

Netbal / Netball

Fanie du toit-sportterrein / Sports fields

16:00

Soetdoring vs Minjonet

 

Emily Hobhouse vs Eikenhof

17:00

Vergeet-my-nie vs Wanda

 

Bellatrix vs Sonnedou

18:00

Wag-‘n-Bietjie vs Heide

 

Roosmaryn vs Vergeet-my-nie(pukke)

SOKKER / SOCCER

Fanie du toit-sportterrein / Sports fields

16:00

Dames / Ladies

18:00

Mans 2de span / Mens 2nd team

20:00

UV 1/UFS 1 vs ALS PUK Tawana

Muurbal / Squash

Binnenshuis Sportsentrum / Indoor Sports Centre

18:00

 

Vlugbal / Volleyball

Binnenshuis Sportsentrum / Indoor Sports Centre

18:00

Mans / Men

Basketbal / Basketball

Binnenshuis Sportsentrum / Indoor Sports Centre

20:00

Mans / Men

Saterdag, 4 Augustus / Saturday 4 August

Netbal / Netball

Fanie du Toit Sportterrein / Sport Fields

08:30

UV 0/19B/UFS U/19B vs PUK3

09:30

UV 0/21 / UFS U/21 vs PUK2

 

UV 0/19A/UFS U/19A vs PUK 0/19 / U/19

11:30

KOVSIES 1 vs PUK1

Skaak / Chess

Natuurwetenskapgebou / Natural Science Building

09:00

 

Gholf / Golf

Potch

06:30

 

Hokkie / Hockey

Astro 1 & 2

08:30

Wag-‘n-Bietjie 1 vs Wag-‘n-Bietjie

 

Sonnedou vs Bellatrix 1

09:20

Roosmaryn vs Heide 1

 

Soetdoring vs Kasteel 1

10:10

Vergeet-my-Nie vs Republiek 1

 

Emily Hobhouse vs Dinki 1

11:30

UV 2/UFS 2 vs PUK 2 Dames/Ladies

13:00

UV 1/UFS 1 VS PUK 1 Dames/Ladies

Rugby

Olënpark A & B, Potch Dorp

08:30

Veritas vs De Wilgers                               

 

Reitz vs Villagers

09:45

Vishuis vs Overs

 

JBM vs Patria

10:00

Colts vs PUK Uitnodigingspan / Invitational  team

11:00

Karee vs Veritas (PUK)

 

Armentum vs Heimat

11:10

0/19’s / u/19’s

12:30

0/21’s / u/21’s

 

Ritsims vs Puk Jongspan

14:20

Irawas vs Ibbies

16:30

SHIMLAS VS PUK 1

Tennis

Fanie Du Toit-sportterrein / Sports Fields

08:30

Mans & Dames /  Men & Ladies

We use cookies to make interactions with our websites and services easy and meaningful. To better understand how they are used, read more about the UFS cookie policy. By continuing to use this site you are giving us your consent to do this.

Accept