Egypt launches early-warning drive against ‘Black Cloud’ air pollution

Smoke rises from burning garbage in downtown Cairo October 20, 2011. Environmentalists blame the burning of agricultural waste, mostly rice straw, for the pall of smoke that turns Cairo's already poor quality air into an even more toxic mix. Farmers produce about 30 million tonnes of what they see as waste each year. What they burn is responsible for 42 percent of autumnal air pollution, the environmentalists say. Picture taken October 20, 2011. To match Feature EGYPT-RICE/ REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh (EGYPT - Tags: AGRICULTURE ENVIRONMENT) Egypt has begun preparations for its annual campaign to combat severe air pollution, known as the “Black Cloud,” during autumn 2026, Local Development and Environment Minister Manal Awad said. Awad said authorities would rely on early weather forecasts and emissions monitoring to intervene before pollution levels worsen. Early-warning data indicate stagnant or light-wind conditions could account for about 37 percent of the autumn period, up from 33 percent last year, increasing the risk of pollutant accumulation. The plan includes intensified inspections of agricultural waste burning, industrial facilities, brick kilns and landfills, as well as daily vehicle-emissions checks.The ministry will also promote alternatives to burning rice straw and operate a 24-hour environmental emergency room to receive reports and deploy response teams. Back to top button