ResearchSpace :: Browsing by Author "Thambiran, Tirusha"

Browsing by Author "Thambiran, Tirusha"

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Adaptation and mitigation: synergies and trade-offs
(CSIR, 2017-10) Thambiran, Tirusha; Naidoo, Sasha
Typically, mitigation and adaptation research has been developed separately, with the mitigation research community focused on taking a global approach to limiting cumulative greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The adaptation research community, however, emphasises locally-focused analysis aimed at minimising the impacts of climate change, especially within the most vulnerable communities. International climate policy has historically developed with a focus on mitigation, though in recent years increased attention has been placed on adaptation. For example, at the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP-21) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, countries also committed toward adaptation responses within their Nationally Determined Contributions.
Air pollution and climate change co-benefit opportunities in the road transportation sector in Durban, South Africa
(Elsevier, 2011) Diab, RD; Thambiran, Tirusha
The contribution of the road transportation sector to emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases is a growing concern in developing countries. Emission control measures implemented within this sector can have varying counteracting influences. In the city of Durban, South Africa, the growing dependence on privately-owned motor vehicles and increasing usage of roads for freight transport have all resulted in significant air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. In this study, an emissions inventory was developed for the road transport sector and was used as a basis to explore intervention opportunities that are likely to reduce simultaneously, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in this sector. It was found that reducing the vehicle kilometres travelled by privately-owned motor vehicles and improving the efficiency of road freight transport offered the greatest potential for achieving co-benefits.
Air quality
(AFRICAN SUN MeDIA, 2017-12) Thambiran, Tirusha; Padayachi, Yerdashin R
This chapter provides an overview of the latest developments in air quality management and air pollution trends in South Africa. The critical issues of managing air quality in the context of climate change and risk and vulnerability, are also discussed.
Air quality and climate change co-benefits for the industrial sector in Durban, South Africa
(Elsevier, 2011-10) Thambiran, Tirusha; Diab, RD
Industries in Durban, South Africa, are a major source of air pollutant emissions and large users of fossil fuel based energy. Durban's energy strategy prioritises energy efficiency at industries as a key action, whilst industries are also the focus of the city's air quality management plan (AQMP). In this paper, measures that have been introduced in industries in Durban to effect air quality improvements and reduce energy consumption are examined in terms of their respective impacts on greenhouse gas (GHG) and air pollutant emissions. It was found that co-benefits for GHG mitigation were achieved when petroleum refineries switched from using heavy fuel oil to refinery gas and methane rich gas. Within other industries, co-benefits for air quality stemmed from reducing fossil fuel energy consumption and the improved efficiency of combustion systems. Air quality and energy policies in the city are being executed independently, without consideration of the trade-offs or synergies of the interventions being implemented. Recommendations are made for authorities and industries to consider the co-benefits for GHG mitigation in their AQMPs and where these are not possible to consider offsetting the increased GHG emissions through improved alignment with energy strategies
Air quality and climate change co-benefits in Durban
(2010-10) Thambiran, Tirusha; Diab, RD
The relationship between air quality and climate change provides a scientific basis for developing integrative policies. Emission control measures implemented can have varying counteracting influences, simultaneously affecting air quality pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. The potential to include climate change considerations in air quality policy in South Africa includes the use of local air quality management plans (AQMPs). A case study investigating the opportunities for air pollution and climate change co-benefits in Durban was undertaken. This study focused on two of the areas for intervention prioritised in Durban’s AQMP, namely the industrial and road transportation sectors, which are also considered to be significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, the industrial sector is considered to have the largest energy demand, whereas passenger transport and the use of carbon intensive fuels dominate the road transportation sector. Emissions inventories were developed for these sectors and used as a basis to explore air pollution interventions that are likely to result in trade-offs or synergies for climate change mitigation. Policy options to promote the implementation of a co-benefits approach to air quality management in Durban are considered.
Air Quality: its impact on climate change
(Academy of Science South Africa, 2012-07) Thambiran, Tirusha
The combustion or burning of fossil fuels such as petroleum and coal emits pollutants such as sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Even though these emissions can originate from the same sources we find that SO2, CO, PM are traditionally classified as air pollutants, whereas CO2 is classified as a greenhouse gas. Air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions are often studied, monitored and managed separately. There are various reasons for this. The first is that the lifetimes of these pollutants in the atmosphere differ greatly. For example, SO2 can remain in the atmosphere for a few days whereas CO2 can remain in the atmosphere for a hundred years. Secondly, air pollutants have more immediate and local impacts on human health and ecosystems, whereas the effects of the greenhouse gases are more long-term, as they are able to absorb sunlight and thus contribute toward long-term changes in surface temperatures and have impacts on the global climate. As a result of these differences, the policies to deal with air quality and climate change issues have also been developed at different scales. Policy to deal with air pollution is generally developed at a national level, with opportunities for regional and local policies, where the ultimate goal is the protection of human health and ecosystems through air quality management. Climate change policy has, however, developed at an international level, where the main aims are to mitigate or slow down climate change through a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and to adapt to the consequent damage that could occur as a result of climatic changes.
Anthropogenic Heat Flux in South African Cities: Initial estimates from the LUCY model
(2016-10) Padayachi, Yerdashin R; Thambiran, Tirusha
The anthropogenic heat fluxes (AHF) from buildings, transport and people are an essential component of the urban climate within cities. Presently limited information on the AHF in South African cities exists. This study quantifies the AHF in South African cities using the LUCY (Large scale Urban Consumption of energy) model. This initial work provides an important baseline to support developing an improved characterisation of urban heat islands under a changing climate in South African cities.
The case for integrated air quality and climate change policies
(Elsevier, 2011-08) Thambiran, Tirusha; Diab, RD
The relationship between air quality and climate change provides a scientific basis for developing integrative policies. Local governments in developing countries are expected to reap significant benefits from incorporating climate change concerns into air quality policies. In Africa, South Africa is also one of the few countries on the continent to have developed robust air quality legislation. South African municipalities or local governments are required to develop and implement air quality management plans (AQMPS), which present opportunities to integrate climate change considerations. The extent to which cities are currently incorporating climate change concerns into existing air pollution strategies, and the opportunities for improved integration of these two issues, and actions to support the implementation thereof, are presented in this paper using the city of Durban as a case study. The results from this case study suggest that in the short-to medium-term, local AQMPs can be used to support climate change mitigation. These outcomes could be relevant to other countries that use a similar approach to air quality management and require local AQMPs to be developed.
Characterising air quality risk in the City of Johannesburg
(NACA, 2014-10) Ngwenya, NS; Thambiran, Tirusha
The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) is characterized by numerous industries ranging from heavy industries to the service provision industry. The aim of this study was to analyse the air quality risk in the CoJ within the context of the implementation of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (AQA). Air quality data that were obtained from the South African Air Quality Information System (SAAQIS) were averaged such that the diurnal, seasonal and annual trends could be identified. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were used to map the air quality data availability and air quality compliance in the areas that are within a 3km radius of each monitoring station. Specifically, air quality in the city was characterised using the colour schemes of the ambient air quality class zones provided by the National Framework for Air Quality Management (2007). These air quality maps in conjunction with socio-economic data for the CoJ were used to describe the air quality risk of these communities and evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of the AQA in the city.
Climate change and environmental health in southern Africa: it's not all about malaria
(Malnor Publications, 2011-07) Wright, C; Thambiran, Tirusha; Matooane, M; Engelbrecht, F; Bopape, Mary-Jane M; Olwach, J
In South Africa, the most commonly talked-about climate change-related human health risk is a changing pattern in the distribution and severity of malaria. However, there are three other important issues that also deserve some attention if we are to protect the health of our population in a changing climate. These issues are temperature (an its resulting heat exhaustion, reduced productivity and stroke), near surface ozone (and its resulting respiratory problems and asthma), and solar ultraviolet radiation (and its resulting cataracts, immune suppression and skin cancer).
Energy and air quality
(CSIR, 2017-10) Thambiran, Tirusha; Padayachi, Yerdashin R
Energy changes, shifting to renewable, could lessen the environmental health problems associated with burning of fossil fuels and biomass fuels. Climate change is likely to have impacts on renewable energy production and distribution in southern Africa where drought conditions result in reduced hydro-electric generating capacity.
Episodic analysis of particulate matter concentrations in the City of Johannesburg
(2012-10) Phala, N; Garland, Rebecca M; Thambiran, Tirusha; Naidoo, M; Padayachi, Y
Air pollution and the related health problems facing South Africa today are a unique blend of those faced by both developing and developed countries. Poor air quality is a concern in many parts of the country, potentially contributing to negative human health impacts. South African air quality legislation makes government responsible for managing and controlling ambient air pollution concentrations. In order to assist in this process, eight compounds, namely particulate matter , sulphur dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, benzene, lead, and nitrogen dioxide have been identified as priority pollutants for air quality management, and ambient air quality standards have been gazetted for these pollutants.
Estimation of exhaust emission from ocean-going vessels for the Port of Cape Town
(National Association for Clean Air, 2015-10) Moodley, FB; Thambiran, Tirusha
International shipping is recognised as an important sector of the global economy with over 80% of trading goods being transported by ships. Emissions from Ocean-Going Vessels (OGVs) which are generally powered by diesel fuel are thus increasingly contributing to the growing emissions from the transport sector. As 70% of emissions from ships occur within 400 km of coastlines this could lead to air quality related problems within and around coastal towns and harbours. South Africa is home to some of the busiest ports on the African continent, thus highlighting the importance of characterising emissions from OGVs. This paper presents the results of ship emissions inventories that were compiled for the Port of Cape Town for a base year of 2012 using three well known emission inventory methodologies. Results for key greenhouse gas emissions, carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), and air pollutants such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and oxides of sulphur (SOx) are presented. The approaches, data needs/availability and assumptions of these methods in relation to the case study outcomes are used to make recommendations for a suitable approach that could be used in future research to characterise emissions from OGVs for the other major ports of the country.
Geared for change? CO2 emissions from South Africa’s road transport sector
(2012-10) Padayachi, YR; Thambiran, Tirusha
Road transport is considered to be a growing source of atmospheric emissions in African countries. In South Africa, competition in the business sector, reduction in rail usage, deregulation of freight transportation and a growing middle income class have promoted increased road transport usage. Not surprisingly motor vehicles are the largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within the transport sector in the country. A study of road transport GHG emissions in South Africa was carried out. The first phase of this study involved the collection of motor vehicle and fuel sales data for the period of 2001 to 2010 which were used to determine trends in greenhouse gas emissions. The greenhouse gas inventory for this sector was compared against previous national inventories for 1990, 1994 and 2000. It was found that on average, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have rapidly grown since 1990 by 43 % with notable peaks observed in 2007-2008. These increases are noted despite recent policy mechanisms that have increased pressure on road transport users through increasing road tolling and fuel prices. The spatial allocation of GHG emissions was not evident in previous national inventories. The second phase of this study therefore focused on the estimation of emissions at a provincial level for the period 2001 to 2010. Gauteng emissions were noted as being the highest, whereas the provinces of the Free State and Mpumalanga showed CO2 increases greater than 30%, which were related to increased consumption of diesel. CO2 emissions were reduced by 30% in the Northern Cape and Limpopo provinces due to reductions in both diesel and petrol. This indicates a spatial disproportion in emissions across the country attributable to varying economic, infrastructural and social factors.
Greenhouse gas emissions profiles of neighbourhoods in Durban, South Africa – an initial investigation
(SAGE Publications Ltd, 2017-08) Jagarnath, M; Thambiran, Tirusha
Because current emissions accounting approaches focus on an entire city, cities are often considered to be large emitters of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with no attention to the variation within them. This makes it more difficult to identify climate change mitigation strategies that can simultaneously reduce emissions and address place-specific development challenges. In response to this gap, a bottom-up emissions inventory study was undertaken to identify high emission zones and development goals for the Durban metropolitan area (eThekwini Municipality). The study is the first attempt at creating a spatially disaggregated emissions inventory for key sectors in Durban. The results indicate that particular groups and economic activities are responsible for more emissions, and socio-spatial development and emission inequalities are found both within the city and within the high emission zone. This is valuable information for the municipality in tailoring mitigation efforts to reduce emissions and address development gaps for low-carbon spatial planning whilst contributing to objectives for social justice.
Implementation of water energy food-health nexus in a climate constrained world: A review for South Africa
(2024-03) Mutanga, Shingirirai S; Mantlana, Khanyisa B; Mudavanhu, Shepherd; Muthige, MS; Skhosana, Felix V; Lumsden, Trevor G; Naidoo, Sasha; Thambiran, Tirusha; John, Juanette
In recent years, the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) nexus has gained significant attention in global research. Spatial inequality in water-energy-food security (WEF) and its impact on public health and how this is affected by climate change remains a grand adaptation challenge. South Africa is extremely vulnerable and exposed to the impacts of climate change due to its socio-economic and environmental context. While alternative nexus types have garnered interest, this paper pioneers an extension of the conventional WEF framework to encompass health, giving rise to the Water-Energy-Food-Health (WEF-H) nexus. Despite a plethora of WEF nexus studies focused on South Africa, a substantial knowledge gap persists due to the lack of a comprehensive overview of the enablers and barriers to realizing the WEF-H nexus. South Africa boasts diverse policies related to water, energy, food, and health; however, their alignment remains an ongoing challenge. This study seeks to bridge this critical gap by conducting an exhaustive review of existing literature. Its primary aim is to delve into the intricate mechanisms that either facilitate or impede the actualization of the WEF-H nexus in South Africa. By synthesizing insights from a wide array of literature sources, this research strives to illuminate the challenges and opportunities stemming from the integration of health considerations into the established WEF nexus framework. This exploration holds immense significance, not only for unraveling the multifaceted interactions between these pivotal sectors but also for guiding policy development and decision-making processes in South Africa towards a more holistic and sustainable approach to resource management.
Initial estimates of anthropogenic heat emissions for the City of Durban
(2018-03) Padayachi, Yerdashin R; Thambiran, Tirusha; Jagarnath, M
Cities in South Africa are key hotspots for regional emissions and climate change impacts including the urban heat island effect. Anthropogenic Heat (AH) emission is an important driver of warming in urban areas. The implementation of mitigation measures within urban sectors such as transport, industry, community and local government can hav eco-benefits for ameliorating the urban heat island effect and improving air quality. Characterizing atmospheric emissions is a first step for the generation of empirical evidence to identify policy measures that are most likely to simultaneously meet development needs that allow for societal wellbeing and economic growth whilst living within environmental thresholds. This study provides an initial estimate of AH emissions for Durban for 2011. A top down emission model was developed to quantify the AH emissions using municipality energy consumption statistics.
Integration of climate change considerations into local air quality management plans in South Africa
(National Association for Clean Air (NACA) conference, 2007-10) Thambiran, Tirusha; Diab, R; Zunckel, M
The combustion of fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) and biomass for use as energy in homes, industries and motor vehicles, leads to a wide spectrum of air emissions that include nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and particulate matter (PM). These emissions result in a variety of atmospheric issues that threaten the status of human health and ecosystems through problems such as acidification, eutrophication, anthropogenic induced climate change and smog. Traditionally when it comes to dealing with these problems, policies and scientific research have developed in isolation from each other
International climate change policy: background and significance of upcoming COP17 meeting for South Africa
(Malnor (Pty) Ltd, 2011-09) Thambiran, Tirusha; Wright, C; Archer, Emma RM; Garland, Rebecca M
COP17 is primarily a meeting about climate change and what can be done internationally to mitigate climate change. The overarching mitigation goal is to develop a legally binding agreement to control and limit the amount of GHGs that countries would be allowed to emit. Such a goal compromises the key issues as it is the GHGs that are causing man's contribution to climate change.
Investigating the air quality co-benefits of transitioning to net zero in the South African energy sector
(2024-10) Naidoo, Mogesh; Perumal, Sarisha; John, Juanette; Thambiran, Tirusha; Mccall, B; Cunliffe, G
From previous research and subsequent policy globally, it is clear there are significant co-benefits to a country transitioning towards a Net Zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions profile. A significant co-benefit is improved air quality. Reducing GHG emissions often (though not always) lead to a decrease in air pollutants as well. The energy sector encompasses electricity generation, industrial processes and transportation and is a key contributor to GHG emissions, especially in South Africa. This paper presents research done for the Presidential Climate Commission that estimated the air quality co-benefits of two potential pathways for transitioning the South African energy sector to Net Zero GHG emissions. First, realistic pathways were derived, and an energy systems model developed to quantify the GHG and air pollutant emissions impacts. This was achieved through the Energy Systems Research Group national energy model, built on their SATIMGE framework. The energy model provided the necessary scaling factors which were subsequently applied to a gridded air pollutant emissions inventory that fed into an air quality model run by the CSIR Climate and Air Quality Modelling group. Air quality model output provided the anticipated changes in ambient concentrations over the model domain between the two scenarios and a reference case. These changes in concentrations were further translated into health impacts, namely a reduction in premature mortality due to air quality. This research quantifies potential air quality benefits while demonstrating an approach and the methodology for developing robust emission scenarios that are applicable to relevant policies and sectors.

Browsing by Author "Thambiran, Tirusha"

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