The increasing impacts of climate change, fuelled by excessive greenhouse gases, pose significant risks to the health and wellbeing of people, often the most vulnerable and marginalised. Understanding the origins and extent of air pollution, through air pollution analysis, informs the development of responses to greenhouse gases and its impacts on environmental and human health and wellbeing.
Air pollution analysts can work as part of a team and liaise with environmental engineers, scientists and lab technicians. They sometimes visit testing sites, collecting emission data but mostly work in office and laboratory environments.
A solid understanding of national and international air pollution guidelines, regulations and policy is vital for air pollution analysts. They will further benefit from:
Conduct research and perform field and laboratory analysis
Conduct risk assessments and audits of existing and proposed projects
Develop and coordinate the implementation of environmental management systems
Assess organisational compliance and provide technical advice
B.Sc., B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc. in Geography specialising in Atmospheric Science at all universities
B.Sc., B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc. in Chemistry at all universities
Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Environmental Health at CPUT, CUT, MUT and TUT
National, provincial and local government.
NGOs, community-based and development organisations and private consultancies.
Research institutions.
Mining and manufacturing companies.
