Lagos is Nigeria's commercial hub with an estimated population of over 20 million. This high population density has placed a huge demand on the automobile, transport and energy industry. Currently, there are over five million vehicles in Lagos, which are responsible for about 40% of GHG emissions and pollution in Lagos. Vehicles with poorly tuned engines are prevalent on the roads belching out smoke of noxious emissions, making the air toxic.
Similarly, with Nigeria’s energy shortages, residents, industries and commercial businesses within the Lagos metropolis have become extremely reliant on generators which are not only high emitters of carbon dioxide but also pose serious air quality challenges for Lagos residents. In some locations within the Lagos suburbs, thick clouds of blackened smoke can be seen as many smoky and noisy generators run throughout the day and all night. It's a routine, residents are familiar with - clouds of particulate-tinged smoke spreading, setting the pace for inadvertent generator-induced illnesses.
Finally, at the household level, a number of Lagos residents are still reliant on the use of Kerosene for cooking. While kerosene is indeed cheap, when used for cooking or burning the smoke it emits has notoriety for higher health risk as it has a high concentrate of carbon dioxide which affects the air quality within the home.
The Challenge
Tackling air pollution requires tougher pollution controls that are technologically innovative, financially inclusive, legally enforceable and ecologically sustainable. Increasing public awareness of air pollution and the burden of diseases that it imposes on individuals, families, and society is an essential step toward making the changes that will improve public health.
During an 8 hour hackathon, you will collaborate with other citizens to brainstorm, design, build and recommend innovative alternative and strategies that would provide solutions for mitigate and reduce the air pollution and ensure pollution free and sustainable Lagos!
To develop:
Lagos is a center for different activities; population is growing, and the air getting choked with a myriad of chain reactions. This poor air quality is due to a myriad of pollution sources like generator fumes, vehicle emissions and even domestic instigated pollution.
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