NASA scientists studied air pollution in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital. They placed 10 sensors around the city from 2022 to 2025. The sensors measured tiny particles in the air. These particles come from car smoke, fires, and burning fuel. Scientists found high levels of black carbon. Black carbon is soot from burning things.
The pollution in Addis Ababa was much worse than in American cities. Black carbon levels were four to nine times higher. The sensors showed that pollution changes during the day and seasons. Traffic makes the air dirtier at busy times. Ethiopia banned cars with old engines in 2024. The country wants cleaner air for its 6 million people.