Air quality in Africa from the telecoupled perspective: Exploring interdisciplinary and transboundary scientific collaboration between Africa and the Global North
Dekker, M., Kazimierczuk, A. H., Garland, R. M., Stein-Zweers, D., Levelt, P.. (2025). Air quality in Africa from the telecoupled perspective: Exploring interdisciplinary and transboundary scientific collaboration between Africa and the Global North. Global Sustainability, doi:https://doi.org/10.1017/sus.2025.10019
| Title | Air quality in Africa from the telecoupled perspective: Exploring interdisciplinary and transboundary scientific collaboration between Africa and the Global North |
|---|---|
| Genre | Article |
| Author(s) | M. Dekker, A. H. Kazimierczuk, R. M. Garland, D. Stein-Zweers, Pieternel Levelt |
| Abstract | Air quality (AQ) is a transboundary phenomenon resulting from globalized interactions between coupled human and natural systems. Drawing on the telecoupling framework, this article argues that pollution flows, socioeconomic systems, and policy responses interconnect Africa with the Global North and identifies important data gaps for better understanding these interconnections. Through a meta-synthesis of 90 academic and gray literature sources, we analyze the use of satellite data for air quality monitoring, with a particular focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and African scientific participation. Our findings highlight a strong reliance on natural science approaches, limited integration of social science perspectives, and ongoing marginalization of African voices in shaping research agendas. We argue for a transformative research agenda rooted in interdisciplinary integration, inter-regional collaboration, and data justice. By adopting a telecoupled lens and prioritizing inclusive development, this study provides new pathways to understand, measure, and address air pollution as a global issue with deeply local consequences. |
| Publication Title | Global Sustainability |
| Publication Date | Aug 11, 2025 |
| Publisher's Version of Record | https://doi.org/10.1017/sus.2025.10019 |
| OpenSky Citable URL | https://n2t.net/ark:/85065/d779494f |
| OpenSky Listing | View on OpenSky |
| ACOM Affiliations | ACOMAO |