Air Pollution: Which Country Is The Worst Offender?

Air pollution is a pressing issue that poses a significant threat to both human health and the environment. It is among the biggest health problems of modern industrial society, causing over 4.5 million premature deaths in 2019. While almost all countries contribute to global pollution, some nations stand out as the most significant polluters. The top five most polluting countries are China, the United States, India, the European Union, and Russia. These countries emit substantial amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, primarily through the extensive use of coal, fossil fuels, and industrial activities. China, for instance, has released more than 14 billion tons of CO2, while the United States has contributed approximately 21.5% of the global total since 1959. These countries face the challenge of balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, and their actions to reduce emissions and offset their carbon footprint will be crucial in mitigating the climate crisis.

China's extensive use of coal

China is the leading country in emissions, primarily driven by its extensive use of coal. China's use of coal dates back to ancient times, with historians suspecting that coal was used for surface mining around 3490 BC. In the 3rd century BC, the Chinese started burning coal for heat. Coal consumption in traditional China was substantial, and the main demand came from the industry, particularly ironworking. In the 11th century, a timber shortage in north China led to a rapid expansion in coal mining and consumption, with coal becoming the main fuel source in households in the capital, Kaifeng.

China is the largest producer and consumer of coal globally and is the most extensive user of coal-derived electricity. In 2020, coal-fired power stations generated 57% of electricity in China, and over half of the world's coal-fired power is generated in the country. China's extensive use of coal is due to its availability and low cost, as well as its role in industrial processes such as steelmaking. However, burning coal produces large amounts of CO2 and other pollutants, contributing to China's high emissions.

China's coal-fired power plants have come under scrutiny in recent years, with the realization that too many plants had been built and some existing plants were operating below capacity. In 2017, the NEA canceled 103 coal power plants, eliminating 120 GW of future coal-fired capacity. Despite this, new coal power plants were approved in the first half of 2021, and direct subsidies continue to favor coal power over cheaper renewable alternatives.

China's heavy reliance on coal for energy and industrial processes has made it the top emitter of CO2, with more than 14 billion tons of CO2 released into the atmosphere. This has significant implications for the country's environmental footprint and contributes to global climate change. China's efforts to transition away from coal and towards renewable energy sources are crucial in reducing its carbon emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

US emissions and the Inflation Act

While China is the world's biggest carbon polluter, the United States is also a significant contributor to global pollution, largely due to its industrial revolution period and heavy reliance on fossil fuels.

In recognition of the need to reduce carbon emissions, the US government has introduced the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which is the largest investment in reducing carbon pollution in the country's history. The Act is part of a broader legislative package that addresses inflation and promotes sustainable practices.

The IRA includes provisions for clean energy investments, such as funding for electric vehicle subsidies, green hydrogen, and carbon capture initiatives. It also offers tax credits for renewable projects, including a $7,500 tax credit for individuals earning more than $150,000 per year or married couples earning less than $300,000 per year to purchase certain types of electric vehicles.

The Act aims to reduce economy-wide CO2 emissions, including those from electricity generation and use, by 35-43% below 2005 levels by 2030. Additionally, it is expected to reduce electricity costs for households. By integrating climate-focused measures into economic policies, the Inflation Act strives to drive environmental sustainability and economic resilience.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported that the IRA will lead to significant emissions reductions across end-use sectors, with the greatest reductions expected in buildings, followed by industry and transportation. The EPA also notes that emission reductions are sensitive to IRA implementation, deployment constraints, and technology costs.

India's burning of fossil fuels

India is the world's second most populous country and the third-largest economy, and it is undertaking significant efforts to provide modern energy products and services to millions of households living in energy poverty. As a member of the G20, India pledged in 2009 to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that encourage wasteful consumption while providing targeted support for the poorest. India has made considerable progress in this regard, with its pricing reforms for gasoline and diesel cutting the country's energy subsidies bill by USD 15 billion in 2014. Despite these efforts, India still struggles to curb its consumption of fossil fuels.

In 2022, fossil fuels accounted for 88% of primary energy consumption in India, including 77% of total electricity generation. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels is driven by the country's rapid economic growth and the increasing demand for energy services such as air conditioning, heating, cooking, lighting, power, and transport. India's solar generation capacity has grown by 25% annually, and wind energy by 5%, while coal consumption has risen by just 1% yearly. However, renewable energy sources have served as complements to fossil fuels, ensuring energy remains affordable and reliable amid rising consumption.

India's argument for continuing to burn fossil fuels centres on its need for development, which requires energy. India's per capita carbon emissions are significantly lower than those of the global North, and it seeks a higher and fairer share of the global carbon budget. Additionally, the cost, reliability, and domestic availability of coal are often cited as reasons for its continued use. However, renewable energy sources like solar, hydro, and wind have become increasingly cost-competitive, and technological advancements have addressed concerns about their variability.

To address its air pollution crisis, India has implemented subsidies for LPG starter kits and cylinder refills to improve household air quality in rural areas. Fossil fuel subsidy reform, along with fuel taxation, could prevent a significant proportion of premature deaths caused by air pollution and reduce public health expenditures. India's efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources are crucial, and the country is taking steps towards a greener development path.

Iraq's industrial growth

Iraq's economy is dominated by the oil sector, which provided 89% of foreign exchange earnings in 2024. The oil sector has historically been the primary source of foreign exchange earnings, contributing about 99.7%. The country's agrarian economy underwent rapid development following the 14 July Revolution in 1958, which overthrew the Hashemite monarchy. Iraq's industrialization and infrastructure development initiatives in the 1970s, led by Saddam Hussein, included irrigation projects, railway and highway construction, and rural electrification. By 1980, Iraq had become the third-largest economy in the Middle East.

Since 1974, when the Iraqi government took control of the country's largest private oil production operations, Mosul Oil and Basra Oil, most of Iraq's manufacturing activity has been closely tied to the oil industry. Petroleum refining and the manufacture of chemicals and fertilizers are the major industries in this category. The construction industry is an exception, as it is not based on hydrocarbons; it has benefited from the need to rebuild after Iraq's multiple wars.

In the 1990s, the Iraqi industry benefited from government funding for extensive infrastructure and housing projects, as well as elaborate palace complexes. Agriculture, while only contributing 3.3% to the gross national product, employs a fifth of the country's labor force. Historically, 50-60% of Iraq's arable land was under cultivation.

Looking at more recent developments, both oil and non-oil sectors are on track to reach pre-pandemic production levels. The non-oil economy grew by over 6% in the first nine months of 2021 due to the performance of the services sector as COVID-19 restrictions were eased. In 2022, overall growth was forecast at 8.9%, surpassing pre-pandemic oil production levels.

While Iraq's economic growth is notable, it is important to acknowledge that the biggest polluters globally are China, the USA, and the EU. These countries' high emissions are attributed to their industrial revolution periods and heavy reliance on fossil fuels, particularly coal. More than 50 billion metric tons of CO2 are released into the Earth's atmosphere annually, contributing to climate change.

Pakistan's government inaction

Pakistan is one of the most air-polluted countries in the world, with Lahore being the country's most polluted city. The air pollution in Lahore is estimated to reduce average life expectancy by over seven years. In fact, air pollution shortens Pakistani lives by over 4 years on average, and by seven years in some areas.

The main causes of air pollution in Pakistan include the burning of crop residue, waste management issues, and the burning of agricultural waste. Despite being a signatory to the Global Methane Pledge, a commitment to reduce global methane emissions, Pakistan has faced criticism for its inaction on air pollution. While the country has developed a National Clean Air Plan to address this issue, implementation and enforcement have been lacking.

One example of the government's inaction is the focus on short-term measures such as cloud-seeding technology, which involves dropping salts from a plane to induce rainfall and temporarily reduce air pollution levels. While this technology is questionable in its effectiveness, it has been used as a quick fix rather than implementing more permanent solutions. Environmental activists and residents have expressed concern over the lack of large-scale interventions to address the root causes of air pollution.

Another example of government inaction is the lack of political will to prioritize air quality concerns. With elections expected, other issues such as electoral fairness, militant attacks, inflation, and poverty take precedence over addressing air pollution. This inaction has led to a public perception of government neglect and a lack of urgency in tackling the air pollution crisis.

Furthermore, there has been criticism of the government's disregard for the environment in urban development decisions. Local environmental groups have reported that Lahore has lost 75% of its green cover in recent decades due to the bulldozing of parks to make way for construction projects. This loss of green spaces has further exacerbated the air pollution problem in the city.

In conclusion, Pakistan's government has been criticized for its inaction on air pollution, with a lack of comprehensive policies, political will, and long-term solutions. The country continues to struggle with severe air pollution, which has devastating impacts on the health and well-being of its citizens. More decisive action and commitment are needed to address this pressing issue.

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