Air Pollution: Which Country Suffers The Most?

Air pollution is a pressing global issue, causing over 10% of worldwide deaths, according to The Lancet. In 2023, only seven countries met the World Health Organization's (WHO) air quality standards, with the remaining countries exceeding the safe annual level. Bangladesh was the most polluted country in 2023, with levels more than 15 times higher than WHO standards. Other countries with high air pollution levels include Pakistan, India, Tajikistan, Burkina Faso, and Vietnam. China's air pollution data is uncertain, with a lack of reliable information. Air pollution is primarily caused by the burning of fossil fuels, vehicle emissions, biomass burning, and industrial activities. The health effects of air pollution are significant, contributing to respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and premature mortality.

In 2022, Chad was the world's most polluted country

Air pollution is a pressing issue that poses a significant threat to the health and well-being of people worldwide. In 2022, Chad earned the unenviable distinction of being the world's most polluted country, with a PM2.5 concentration level of 89.7, a notable increase from 75.9 in 2021. This measurement far exceeds the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended limit of 10 micrograms per cubic meter.

Chad's capital, N'Djamena, is often engulfed in dust storms, contributing to the country's air quality crisis. The city's residents frequently contend with blankets of dust that settle over the city, exacerbating the already dire situation. Moreover, Chad's growing dependence on biomass as a primary energy source for cooking and heating has led to a surge in indoor pollution, adversely affecting the health of its population, particularly vulnerable groups such as children and women.

The primary sources of air pollution in Chad include desert dust, vehicle emissions, and biomass burning. These factors, coupled with the country's unique geographical and climatic conditions, have led to a perfect storm of air pollution challenges. The impact of these pollutants extends beyond the boundaries of Chad, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address this pressing issue.

Air pollution knows no borders, and its impacts are far-reaching. It is imperative to recognize that air pollution is a global issue that demands a collective response. While Chad may have topped the list in 2022, other countries, such as Iraq, Pakistan, and India, also face significant air quality challenges. To effectively tackle this problem, a multifaceted approach that addresses the root causes of pollution and prioritizes sustainable practices is necessary.

The situation in Chad underscores the critical importance of addressing air pollution on a global scale. It is a stark reminder that immediate and decisive action is required to safeguard the health and well-being of people not just in Chad but worldwide. By raising awareness, implementing policies that promote sustainable practices, and collaborating across borders, we can work towards mitigating the impacts of air pollution and creating a healthier future for all.

Saudi Arabia has the most toxic air in the world

Saudi Arabia, a country that occupies the majority of the Arabian Peninsula, has been facing severe air pollution issues. In 2012, the country recorded an annual median PM2.5 concentration of 108 μg/m3, far exceeding the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended limit of 10 μg/m3. This level of pollution has severe health implications for the population, with studies indicating a significant association with various adverse health effects, including asthma, bronchitis, and even lung cancer.

The main contributors to Saudi Arabia's poor air quality are emissions from vehicles, industry, and oil extraction. The country's high standard of living and lack of a concrete public transport sector result in a heavy reliance on private transportation, leading to high carbon emissions. Additionally, the process of extracting oil releases large volumes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, further exacerbating the problem.

The impact of oil extraction goes beyond air pollution. As the largest oil exporter in OPEC, Saudi Arabia has contributed to significant environmental impacts, including hydraulic fracturing, oil spills, and increased coastal toxicity. The country was implicated in the 1991 Gulf War Oil Spill, which directly affected its shoreline and resulted in long-lasting and irreversible ecological damage.

The Saudi Arabian government has recognized the need for change and is exploring renewable energy sources. The country is ranked sixth in the world for solar energy potential, and Saudi Aramco has plans to develop a solar energy sector. Additionally, the government has established the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), dedicated to efficient and environmentally friendly energy use.

While Saudi Arabia has the most toxic air in the world in terms of specific measurements, it is important to note that other countries, such as Chad, Bangladesh, and Bahrain, also face severe air pollution issues. These countries have reported high PM2.5 concentrations, indicating poor air quality, and are taking steps to address the problem.

China's air pollution is responsible for the most deaths per capita

While Chad is currently the world's most polluted country, China has historically struggled with air quality and the negative health impacts of air pollution. China's air pollution is primarily driven by energy consumption and industrialisation, with coal-generated pollution being the most significant contributor to ambient PM2.5 pollution. In 2013, coal-burning pollution caused 366,000 premature deaths in China, according to a joint study by the Health Effects Institute and Tsinghua University.

China's air pollution problem has resulted in serious social, economic, and political challenges. The country has implemented measures to improve air quality, but balancing economic growth with environmental and social welfare remains difficult. China's air pollution-related deaths are projected to increase in the coming decades, despite improvements in particle pollution control and healthcare. This is due, in part, to the country's ageing population, which is more vulnerable to the health impacts of air pollution.

According to a 2017 study, China's average annual population-weighted PM2.5 exposure was 52.7 μg/m3, with an estimated 1.24 million deaths attributable to air pollution that year. Of these deaths, 851,660 were from ambient PM2.5 pollution, 271,089 from household air pollution from solid fuels, and 178,187 from ambient ozone pollution. The death rate attributable to air pollution was higher in males than in females.

China's air pollution problem has also resulted in significant economic costs, with Greenpeace and the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air reporting that air pollution cost China up to 6.6% of its GDP in 2018. China's rapid expansion of coal-powered electricity generation capacity will likely exacerbate the country's air pollution and carbon emissions in the future.

To address the issue, China has implemented comprehensive air pollution action plans, including investing in renewable energy and setting decarbonisation targets. While these efforts are promising, researchers warn that accelerated action is needed to prevent an increase in air pollution-related deaths in the future, especially considering the ageing population and the associated increase in diseases impacted by air pollution.

Pakistan is the second most polluted country in the world

Pakistan's high pollution levels can be attributed to various factors, including agricultural practices, industrial activities, and population density. The country's reliance on fossil fuels, such as coal- and oil-burning power plants, factories, and vehicles, contributes significantly to air pollution. Additionally, household sources like stoves, ovens, and tobacco products, as well as wildfires and volcanic activity, play a role in the country's poor air quality.

The effects of air pollution on health are significant, contributing to breathing issues, worsening asthma, and even congenital disabilities. According to Pure Earth, toxic pollution is a leading risk factor for non-communicable diseases globally, causing 16% of deaths from these diseases. In Pakistan, air pollution is the top health threat, and the country struggles to meet the WHO guideline limit.

While Chad ranked as the most polluted country in 2022, it was excluded from the 2023 rankings due to data issues. Pakistan, along with Bangladesh and India, replaced Chad and Iran as the top three most polluted countries in the world. Bangladesh, which previously had the highest PM2.5 concentration globally, has seen slight improvements, but its air quality remains among the worst.

Addressing air pollution is crucial, especially in highly polluted regions like Pakistan, where it poses significant health risks to the population. The country faces the challenge of reducing pollution levels to meet the WHO guideline and improve the life expectancy and overall health of its residents. Pakistan's government and relevant organizations must work together to implement effective measures to combat the country's severe air pollution problem.

Only seven countries met safe air pollution levels in 2023

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) according to The Lancet. Air pollution can affect almost every organ and system in the human body, and it negatively affects nature as well. It is a particularly big problem in emerging and developing countries, where global environmental standards often cannot be met.

The World Health Organization (WHO) target for air pollution is 0-10 µg/m³. IQ Air, which measures pollution in 109 countries, considers measurements above 35.5 to be unhealthy for sensitive groups, levels between 55.5 and 150.4 to be unhealthy for all, and anything higher is either very unhealthy (150.5-250.4) or hazardous (250.5 or higher). The Air Quality Index (AQI) used by the US Environmental Protection Agency is slightly more lenient than the IQ Air scale (by about 50 µg/m³). Values of 0-100 are generally thought of as satisfactory.

In 2023, only seven countries in the world—less than 4%—had air quality levels at or below the healthy annual average recommended by the WHO, according to a report by Swiss air quality technology company IQAir. The World Air Quality Report, released earlier this year, draws on data from more than 30,000 monitoring stations in 134 countries, territories, and regions. Of these, 124 were found to breach safe levels of PM2.5 (fine particulate matter), according to WHO guidelines. These microscopic particles, measuring less than 2.5 microns in diameter, can be inhaled deep into the lungs and even reach the bloodstream. They have been linked to heart and lung disease, high blood pressure, increased asthma risk, depression and anxiety, and premature death.

The seven countries that met the safe guideline of five micrograms per cubic metre of air (µg/m3) or less were Australia, Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius, and New Zealand. In the yellow category—denoting pollution levels up to three times above the safe standard—European countries included Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Malta, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Poland, Cyprus, Slovenia, and Italy. Croatia showed the most progress in 2023 in lowering PM2.5 levels, with the annual average dropping by more than 40% compared to 2022. It has achieved this by increasing its use of renewables, which now make up more than 31% of the country’s energy mix, well above the EU average of 23%.

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