ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the existential problems of the city—air and noise pollution. With industrial growth and an increase in car ownership, poor air quality is becoming one of the major problems in many cities of the developing world, and Addis Ababa is no different. Most parts of the city have thick air. The factories, concentration of transport activities on the limited infrastructure, the dust from the construction sites, and the burning of wood for cooking all contribute to the poor quality of the city’s air. It is the elephant in the room because Addis Ababa’s residents love outdoor activities. Yet, most of the residents are not only walking, selling, buying, and relaxing in the city, but at the same time they are inhaling dangerous pollutants and are exposed to noise pollution. There are emerging reports with damning results on the health and quality of life consequences of poor air quality in the city. This chapter points to the severity of the issue and will indicate some common-sense solutions.
