With the political desire to see Cameroon become an emerging economy by 2035, the fight against air pollution is a key development strategy. All creatures, including Cameroonians, depend on healthy and clean air for their survival. Yet, recurrent air pollution in Cameroon is caused by human activities, which more than anything else threatens the lives of present and future Cameroonians. Conventional activities that pollute the air destroy the very foundations and well-being of humans and other animals and should therefore be eradicated.

The World Health Organization's standards state that Cameroon's air quality is unsafe. According to the most recent data, the nation's annual mean PM2.5 concentration is 73 g/m3, which is higher than the advised limit of 10 g/m3.  Available data shows that air pollution levels are consistently high in Bafoussam, Bamenda, and Yaoudé.

One of the main sources of air pollution in these major towns in Cameroon is transportation. With limited public transportation options, many people rely on personal vehicles, which emit harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. In addition, many of the vehicles in Cameroon are old and poorly maintained, exacerbating the problem.

Another significant source of air pollution in Cameroon is industrial activities. The country has a growing industrial sector, including mining, oil and gas extraction, and manufacturing. These activities release a variety of pollutants into the air, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds.

In addition to these sources, open burning of waste and biomass for cooking and heating purposes is a common practice in Cameroon. This releases harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and nitrogen oxides into the air, which can have serious health consequences for those exposed.

The impacts of air pollution in Cameroon are significant. Exposure to air pollution can cause a range of health problems, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable. In addition, air pollution can have negative impacts on the environment, including acid rain, ozone depletion, and climate change.

Therefore, the fight against air pollution can be accomplished through international agreements, national legislation, and environmental policies that set the goals and strategies to be employed in the nation.

At the international level, we urge the Cameroonian government to enforce the application of a number of international laws, including the Stockholm Declaration on the Human Environment, the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, and others.

At the domestic level, the Ministry of Environment should ensure the application of the Penal Code and the 1996 Framework Law on the Environment for the fight against air pollution in Cameroon.

In conclusion, air pollution is a significant problem in Cameroon, and urgent action is needed to address the issue. By taking a comprehensive approach to reducing emissions, Cameroon can work towards a cleaner and healthier future for its citizens.