Brian Barton
Air pollution is a pressing global issue that poses serious health and environmental risks. It is caused by the emission of harmful pollutants, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels, and affects the air quality in cities worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) as one of the most harmful types of air pollution, with the ability to infiltrate the bloodstream through the lungs and contribute to millions of premature deaths annually. This raises the question: which cities are the most polluted, and what factors contribute to their poor air quality?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Information | 2010-2024 |
| Number of Cities Analyzed | 500 |
| Number of Countries Analyzed | 63 |
| Pollutant | PM2.5 |
| Source of Data | World Health Organization |
| Worst Polluted Cities | Lahore, Linfen, Beijing, Yanbu, Nagpur, Xingtai, Karachi, Shijiazhuang, Jinan, Ulaanbaatar, Baoding, New Delhi, Sacramento, Seattle |
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What You'll Learn
Air pollution in New Delhi, India
New Delhi, India's capital and second-largest city, is facing a severe air quality crisis that poses a significant threat to the health of its approximately 33 million citizens. It is recognised as the most polluted capital city globally, with fine particulate matter (PM1) being the dominant pollutant.
The air pollution in New Delhi has been attributed to various factors, including vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and agricultural practices. The city has a high vehicular population, with over 3.4 million vehicles, and vehicular pollution contributes significantly to the overall air pollution, accounting for about 67% of the total pollutants. In addition, New Delhi has a high concentration of small-scale industries, which contribute about 12% of air pollutants. These industries, along with coal-based thermal power plants, play a role in degrading the city's air quality.
Furthermore, the practice of crop residue burning in agricultural areas surrounding New Delhi contributes to the air pollution, particularly during the winter months when colder temperatures trap the smoke in the air. The smoke, combined with auto emissions and industrial outputs, creates a toxic mix that blankets the city. The situation has sparked outrage and concern among residents, who have taken to social media to voice their complaints about the hazardous air quality, describing the city as "apocalyptic" and a "gas chamber."
The severe air pollution in New Delhi has serious health implications. It is estimated to cause approximately 10,000 premature deaths per year, with deaths occurring at a younger age compared to other regions. The high levels of particulate matter in the air can enter deep into the lungs, leading to various health problems. The authorities in New Delhi have implemented measures to combat the air pollution, such as shutting schools, halting construction, and banning non-essential trucks from entering the city during periods of severe pollution. However, critics argue that a long-term solution is needed to drastically reduce pollution, rather than merely mitigating its effects.
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China's coal-burning problem
China has a significant coal-burning problem, which is a growing climate challenge. Despite pledges to cut emissions and tackle climate change, China continues to build and rely on coal-fired power plants. In 2020, China brought 38.4 gigawatts of new coal-fired power into operation, more than three times the amount introduced elsewhere in the world. This trend continued into 2021, with Chinese provinces granting construction approval for 47 gigawatts of coal power projects, a threefold increase from 2019.
Coal is central to China's thriving economy. In 2019, 58% of the country's total energy consumption came from coal, which helps explain why China accounts for 28% of global CO2 emissions. China's emissions of greenhouse gases rose last year at the fastest pace in a decade, and the country is responsible for 15% more emissions annually compared to 2015 levels.
The Chinese government has promised a peak in CO2 emissions by 2030, but the current trajectory of coal consumption jeopardizes these decarbonization plans and global efforts to address climate change. China's coal consumption increased by 80% in the decade leading up to 2020, and this trend is set to continue. Provincial leaders are incentivized to approve new coal plants to secure reliable energy supplies and boost economic growth within their administrations.
However, there is some optimism. While China is adding more coal capacity, its plants are running less often. The capacity factor of China's coal plants has dropped over the last 15 years, from 70% to 50%. This suggests that China could build more plants while burning less coal overall, by operating them less frequently. Additionally, China is also phasing out smaller, less efficient coal-fired power plants and replacing them with larger, more efficient ones.
Natural gas may also offer a pathway for China to transition away from coal. Natural gas releases roughly half as much carbon dioxide as coal when burned, providing a potential bridge to renewable energy sources.
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Oil refineries and desert dust in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia
While it is difficult to definitively state which cities are the most polluted due to varying data availability and monitoring capabilities across regions, several cities are often mentioned in discussions of air pollution. Lahore, Pakistan, for instance, has been noted for its high levels of PM2.5 pollution, with other cities in India and China also frequently appearing on lists of the most polluted cities.
One city that faces environmental challenges, particularly from oil refineries and desert dust, is Yanbu in Saudi Arabia. Located on the shore of the Red Sea in the Medina Province, Yanbu is home to several refineries, including the Saudi Aramco Yanbu Refinery, which processes crude oil from the Manifa offshore field. With a capacity of 400,000 barrels per day, the refinery produces gasoline, jet fuel, diesel, and other petroleum products.
The presence of oil refineries in Yanbu contributes to air pollution in the region. While the Yanbu refinery is known for producing ultra-low-sulfur refined products, the refining process itself can release pollutants into the air, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter. These pollutants can have negative impacts on human health and the environment, contributing to respiratory issues and climate change.
Additionally, the desert environment surrounding Yanbu can be a source of dust and sandstorms, which further contribute to air pollution. Desert dust can contain a range of particles, including minerals, soil, and microorganisms, which can be blown over long distances by wind. When inhaled, these particles can have adverse effects on respiratory and cardiovascular health.
To address these environmental challenges, the Yanbu refinery has implemented initiatives to enhance its operational excellence and reduce its environmental impact. For instance, in 2016, the refinery repaired and rehabilitated its sulfur unit using its internal resources, demonstrating a commitment to optimizing operations while minimizing costs and enhancing internal capabilities. Additionally, the Yanbu refinery has received recognition for its achievements, including the Green World award in 2018, presented by the Green Organization, acknowledging its efforts toward environmental sustainability.
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Pakistan's manufacturing industry in Karachi
The industrial sector in Pakistan is diverse, encompassing industries such as textile, leather, fertiliser, chemicals, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and more. However, the country's industrial pollution is particularly prominent in Karachi due to the concentration of specific industries. Metal-related industries, including Pakistan Steel Mills and its allied industries at Bin Qasim, play a significant role in the local economy but also contribute to the city's air pollution.
Karachi's geographical location and climate also contribute to the air pollution problem. The hot and dry weather, coupled with anthropogenic activities, population growth, and vehicle emissions, exacerbates the issue. According to the ADB report, vehicles operating in Karachi release 275,000 tons of carbon monoxide into the atmosphere annually, contributing to the city's poor air quality.
The severe increase in air pollution has become a pressing health and environmental concern for Karachi's residents. Researchers and scientists have been working on air quality models to evaluate the health impacts and address the challenges posed by industrial pollution. While industrialization has improved the socioeconomic status of the city, finding a balance between economic development and environmental sustainability is crucial to mitigate the negative consequences of pollution on the health, quality of life, and environment of Karachi's population.
To summarize, Pakistan's manufacturing industry in Karachi faces significant challenges due to industrial pollution, particularly from metal-related industries. The dense population, rapid economic growth, and unplanned industrial activities have led to a deterioration in air quality, impacting the health and environment of the local population. Addressing these issues through scientific research and the implementation of emission control tools is essential to improving the quality of life in Karachi.
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Mongolia's toxic air conditions in Ulaanbaatar
Mongolia's capital city, Ulaanbaatar, is one of the most polluted cities in the world. It is also the coldest capital city globally, with temperatures dropping to as low as minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit at night. The city's population has tripled since 1989, and the lack of infrastructure to support this growing population has led to a reliance on burning raw coal for warmth, resulting in extreme air pollution during the winter months.
The primary source of air pollution in Ulaanbaatar comes from coal-burning stoves in the "ger" districts, which are informal settlements made up of traditional Mongolian yurts, mostly housing migrants from the countryside. The geographical location of the city at the bottom of a valley also contributes to the problem, creating a thermal inversion effect where a layer of cool air gets trapped below a layer of warm air, keeping pollutants near the ground.
The toxic air has severe health implications for the city's population, especially children and other vulnerable groups. Pneumonia is the second leading cause of death for children under five, and children in Ulaanbaatar have significantly lower lung function than those in rural areas. Air pollution has also been linked to decreased infant conception rates and adverse effects on pregnant women and fetal health.
To address the air pollution crisis, the Mongolian government has made efforts to reduce coal consumption and improve air quality. In 2019, the government implemented a ban on raw coal use, providing processed coal products called briquettes that burn cleaner and longer. However, the effectiveness of these measures is still debated, and the city continues to struggle with toxic air conditions, particularly during the winter months.
The situation in Ulaanbaatar highlights the complex interplay between economic development and environmental health. Reducing poverty rates and integrating marginalized communities into the city's central energy infrastructure are crucial steps towards achieving healthier air quality and protecting the well-being of Ulaanbaatar's residents, especially the most vulnerable among them.
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Frequently asked questions
According to the 2024 World Air Quality Report by IQAir, the most polluted cities in the world include New Delhi, Greater Noida, Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Gurgaon, Bhiwadi, Patna, Sonipat, and Muzaffarnagar, all located in India.
The major causes of air pollution in Indian cities include vehicle emissions, industrial activity, construction dust, crop burning, and poor waste management.
High air pollution can cause respiratory conditions, cardiovascular diseases, breathing problems, heart disease, lung cancer, and is especially dangerous for children, older adults, and people with lung diseases.
People can protect themselves by checking air quality forecasts and avoiding exercising or working outdoors when unhealthy air is expected. Individuals can also use portable air quality monitors to take informed action and reduce their exposure.
Efforts like the Paris Agreement and India's pledge to be carbon neutral by 2060 aim to combat air pollution. Specific measures include reducing coal consumption, lowering emissions from transportation, and relocating polluting industries.
