Meghan Hodges
Air pollution is a critical threat to human health and environmental stability, and it is among the biggest health problems of modern industrial society. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99% of the global population lives in areas that do not meet the recommended air quality guideline levels. The most polluted countries in the world are primarily in South Asia and include Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India. Other countries that make the top ten list of the most polluted include the United Arab Emirates, Tajikistan, Burkina Faso, Iraq, and China.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of people exposed to levels that exceed WHO recommendations | 80% of people living in urban areas |
| Particulate matter (PM) | PM 10 and PM 2.5 |
| Global air pollution death rate | Second leading global risk factor for death |
| Countries with the most polluted cities | India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Indonesia, Thailand |
| Cities with high levels of air pollution | Peshawar, Xingtai, Riyadh, Delhi, Gwalior, Zabol, Ontario, Los Angeles |
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What You'll Learn
Most polluted cities in Asia
Asia is home to some of the world's most polluted cities. According to a report by IQAir, 83 of the 100 cities with the worst air pollution in 2023 were in Asia, with the majority of these cities (83) located in India. The report specifically examined fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, which is the smallest yet most dangerous type of air pollutant. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that annual levels of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 micrograms per cubic meter, but Indian cities like Begusarai, Guwahati, Assam, Delhi, and Mullanpur, Punjab, far exceeded this guideline, with Begusarai's PM2.5 concentration reaching 118.9, over 23 times the recommended amount.
Central and South Asia were the worst-performing regions globally, with the four most polluted countries being Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, and Tajikistan. South Asia is of particular concern, with 29 of the 30 most polluted cities located in India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh. Major population centers like Lahore, New Delhi, and Dhaka ranked 5th, 6th, and 24th, respectively, in the IQAir report.
China, which once dominated global rankings for air pollution, has seen improvements over the past decade due to clean air policies. However, Chinese cities like Beijing and Hotan still experienced an increase in annual average PM2.5 concentration, with Hotan ranking 14th in the IQAir rankings. Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand have also struggled with pollution, with cities in these countries exceeding WHO guidelines by more than 10 times. Chiang Mai, a popular tourist destination in Thailand, has been listed as the country's most polluted city.
The climate crisis plays a pivotal role in the poor air quality across Asia, and it is putting the health of billions of people at risk. Without significant changes in energy infrastructure and agricultural practices, it is unlikely that pollution levels in these regions will improve.
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Worst air pollution in Chad
Air pollution is one of the biggest health problems of modern industrial society, causing more than 10% of all deaths worldwide (nearly 4.5 million premature deaths in 2019). It can affect almost every organ and system in the human body, as well as the natural environment.
According to the 5th Annual World Air Quality Report, Chad has the worst air quality of any country in the world. With an average PM2.5 concentration of 89.7 µg/m3, Chad's air pollution levels are more than 17 times higher than the annual guideline set by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO's recommended limit is 10 micrograms per cubic meter, but national guidelines can vary and are often much higher.
The IQAir survey, which measures air quality based on the concentration of lung-damaging airborne particles (PM2.5), found that Lahore in Pakistan had the worst air quality of any city in 2022. However, Chad replaced Bangladesh as the country with the most polluted air overall. It is important to note that the single real-time, publicly available source of air quality data for Chad is from a monitor in the city of N'Djamena.
Chad is a country in central Africa, a region that struggles to meet global environmental standards. The lack of comprehensive air quality data in Africa means that the continent is underrepresented in reports on air pollution. Only 19 out of 54 African countries had sufficient data to be included in the World Air Quality Report.
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India's air pollution crisis
India is one of the world's most polluted countries, with hazardous levels of air pollution causing a major public health crisis. All of India's nearly 1.4 billion people are exposed to unhealthy levels of ambient PM2.5, the most harmful type of air pollutant. This fine particulate matter, with a diameter of less than 2.5 microns, is emitted from various sources, including thermal power plants, vehicles, industrial emissions, crop residue burning, and the burning of wood and dirty fuels for cooking and heating.
The effects of India's air pollution crisis are devastating, with an estimated 1.67 million deaths attributable to air pollution in 2019, accounting for 17.8% of total deaths in the country. According to the State of Global Air 2024, air pollution causes more than 2 million deaths annually in India and leads to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The economic impact is also significant, with losses of up to $36.8 billion in 2019, equivalent to 1.36% of India's gross domestic product (GDP).
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, India's Parliament approved the establishment of the Commission of Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas in August 2021. The Indian government has also launched ambitious programs such as the National Clean Air Program (NCAP), targeting a reduction in particulate matter pollution by 30% by 2024 and later revising the goal to 40% by 2026. These efforts aim to address the multiple sources of air pollution and improve air quality through cross-jurisdictional coordination and collaboration with various sectors.
To support India's clean air goals, organizations like the Clean Air Fund are working with the government, businesses, and research organizations. They are facilitating improved air quality data generation, providing technical assistance to sub-national governments, and promoting dialogue between stakeholders. The Confederation of Indian Industry has also developed a Corporate Air Emissions Reporting Guide to help businesses manage and report their emissions. Additionally, remote sensing technology is being used to measure vehicle emissions in real time, highlighting the need for a transition to zero-emission vehicles.
While India grapples with its air pollution crisis, the situation has severe consequences for its people and economy. Efforts to address the problem are underway, but sustained commitment and comprehensive programs are necessary to bring about effective change.
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China's improving air quality
Air pollution is a significant health problem in the modern industrial world, causing nearly 4.5 million premature deaths in 2019, according to The Lancet. It affects nearly every organ and system in the human body and also impacts nature. China has been facing an unprecedented environmental health crisis, but its government has shown strong autonomy in policymaking and implementing anti-pollution measures.
China's battle against air pollution has shown promising results, especially during the Covid era from 2020 to 2022. The average annual concentration of PM2.5, the most harmful type of particulate matter, in 339 major Chinese cities decreased to 29 μg/m³ in 2022. This is a significant improvement from the 2013 level of 72 μg/m³. The number of days with good air quality also increased, with Beijing and other cities experiencing blue skies, a symbol of clean air. China now boasts the fastest air quality improvement rate globally.
This progress is attributed to the country's anti-pollution campaigns and emission control policies. China's 2013 campaign focused on reducing PM2.5 levels, and the average concentration dropped by 50% from 2013 to 2019. Additionally, China has implemented short-term measures to ensure clean air during significant international events, including suspending industrial activities to reduce sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions.
However, there are concerns about diminishing returns in pollution control. The annual reduction in PM2.5 levels has slowed since 2018, and China's increasing dependence on fossil fuels is a significant challenge. Before the pandemic, China reduced coal's share in its energy mix from 67.4% in 2013 to 57.7% in 2019. Still, unfavorable weather conditions and the rebound of air pollution after large events highlight the need for a combination of short-term measures and long-term policies to sustain air quality improvements.
Overall, China's air quality is improving, but continued efforts and policy adaptations are necessary to address remaining challenges and ensure further progress in the battle against air pollution.
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Nordic countries' clean air
Air pollution is a significant health problem in modern industrial society, causing more than 10% of all deaths worldwide (nearly 4.5 million premature deaths in 2019). According to the World Air Quality Report, only seven countries in the world met safe air pollution levels in 2023, three of which are in Europe: Estonia, Finland, and Iceland. Nordic capitals rank as the cleanest in the updated European city air quality viewer, and several Nordic countries are among those falling in the green category, denoting levels up to double the safe standard.
Norway, for example, has taken significant steps towards improving its air quality and reducing emissions. The country served on the steering committee of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition between 2014 and 2020 and has since continued to demonstrate its commitment to addressing climate change and air pollution. In 2017, Norway passed the Climate Act, aiming to transition to a low-emission society by 2050 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030. The country has also implemented various initiatives, such as banning the use of mineral oil for heating in residential, public, and commercial buildings and offering subsidies to residents who exchange their old wood stoves for more efficient models.
Additionally, Norway has contributed to global efforts by supporting CCAC projects in developing countries and participating in the Arctic Council's efforts to reduce black carbon emissions. The country has also addressed the impact of short-lived climate pollutants from residential wood combustion through a Nordic project financed by the Nordic Council of Ministers.
Other Nordic countries, such as Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, are also known for their focus on sustainability and clean energy. These countries have invested in renewable energy sources and implemented policies to reduce their environmental impact, contributing to the overall clean air efforts in the region.
While the Nordic countries have made significant progress in maintaining clean air, it is important to note that air pollution remains a global issue. Continuous efforts and international cooperation are necessary to address this problem effectively and ensure a sustainable future for all.
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Frequently asked questions
According to IQAir, Bangladesh, Chad and Pakistan are the world's most polluted countries. Other countries that are among the most polluted include India, Tajikistan, Burkina Faso, Iraq, and China.
A country's pollution levels are influenced by various factors, including population size, number of vehicles on the roads, and the presence of industries and factories. For example, China has over 1 billion more people than Bangladesh but has less than half the pollution.
Air pollution is the greatest environmental threat to human health and is responsible for more than 10% of all deaths worldwide, according to The Lancet. It can affect nearly every organ and system in the body and is a particular risk factor for respiratory and developmental health. Air pollution also negatively impacts nature, contributing to environmental instability.
