IMPACT OF CLIMATE VARIABILITY AND AIR QUALITY ON HUMAN HEALTH: A CASE OF TAMALE METROPOLIS IN THE NORTHERN REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between poor air quality and climate variability on human health aimed at generating evidence-based strategies for mitigating adverse health outcomes and improving environmental resilience. The study adopted a convergent parallel mixed-method design with integrated quantitative analysis to study meteorological and air quality data spanning a period of 33 years (1990–2023). It drew qualitative insights from community stakeholders and healthcare practitioners using time-series analysis revealing significant climatic trends. These included an increase in temperature from February to November and a significant decline in rainfall during May (p = 0.01). The annual rainfall ranged from 878.96 mm to 1608.12 mm. Air quality assessments indicated high concentrations of PM₁₀ (mean = 263.56 µg/m³) and PM₂.₅ during the dry Harmattan season. Conversely, SO₄ levels were the lowest (mean = 0.52 µg/m³). Correlation and principal component analysis confirmed a strong relationship between climatic parameters and pollutant levels, as well as a notable influence on respiratory health outcomes. The health data revealed a high prevalence of respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and cardiovascular disorders, with significant seasonal variation. Perceptions among residents and healthcare professionals corroborated statistical trends, linking poor air quality particularly during dry periods with increased health complications. The study concluded that climate variability exacerbates air pollution levels, which in turn significantly compromises public health in the Metropolis. Proposed adaptive strategies included afforestation initiatives, promotion of LPG usage over biomass fuels, and awareness campaigns on indoor air pollution. Furthermore, strengthening local air quality monitoring systems, mainstreaming environmental health into urban planning, and implementing targeted interventions such as clean energy adoption and community-based environmental stewardship would minimise the overall effect on human health.