Brian Barton
The world is facing a climate catastrophe, and scientists warn that time is running out to reduce the use of fossil fuels. The largest contributors to global pollution are China, the United States, India, and the European Union, which together were responsible for 83% of emissions in 2022. China has been the largest emitter of greenhouse gases since 2006, driven by its extensive use of coal, although its emissions are projected to peak by 2025. The United States and the European Union have also been criticized for their heavy reliance on fossil fuels. India, another major polluter, has lower per capita emissions than the other countries, and its emissions are projected to increase as it continues to develop.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of the world's population breathing air containing pollutants exceeding WHO limits | 92% |
| Number of deaths attributable to both indoor and outdoor air pollution worldwide | 6.5 million |
| Number of deaths attributable to outdoor air pollution | 3 million |
| Number of deaths attributable to air quality in China in 2012 | 1,032,833 |
| Number of deaths attributable to air quality in India in 2012 | 621,138 |
| Number of deaths attributable to air quality in Russia in 2012 | 140,851 |
| Percentage of global land area exposed to levels of PM2.5 above the safety limit recommended by WHO | 99.82% |
| Percentage of the world's population breathing air that is considered acceptable | 0.001% |
| Percentage of days in 2019 with daily PM2.5 concentrations exceeding the WHO recommended daily limit | >70% |
| Highest concentrations of PM2.5 in 2019 | Eastern Asia (50 micrograms per cubic meter) |
| Second-highest concentrations of PM2.5 in 2019 | Southern Asia (37 micrograms) |
| Third-highest concentrations of PM2.5 in 2019 | Northern Africa (30 micrograms) |
| Percentage of all deaths worldwide caused by air pollution (2019) | >10% (nearly 4.5 million premature deaths) |
| Additional number of premature deaths caused by indoor air pollution in 2019 | 2 million |
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What You'll Learn
Air pollution causes 10%+ of global deaths
Air pollution is a combination of outdoor and indoor particulate matter and ozone. It is one of the leading risk factors for death and disease worldwide, contributing to one in ten deaths globally. In recent years, air pollution has caused over 6.5 million deaths each year, with 7 million premature deaths attributed to it in 2019. This figure has not changed since 2015, and the number is increasing.
Outdoor air pollution in cities and rural areas causes fine particulate matter, which results in strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, acute and chronic respiratory diseases, and lower respiratory infections. Indoor air pollution, on the other hand, affects around 2.4 billion people who are exposed to dangerous levels of pollutants from open fires or simple stoves for cooking. These are fuelled by kerosene, biomass (wood, animal dung, and crop waste), and coal.
The sources of outdoor air pollution include residential energy for cooking and heating, vehicles, power generation, agriculture/waste incineration, and industry. Common sources of indoor air pollution are household combustion devices, motor vehicles, industrial facilities, and forest fires. Pollutants of major concern include particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide.
The impact of air pollution goes beyond mortality; it also affects the quality of life for those living in polluted areas. It is a significant contributor to the global disease burden, which considers not only early death but also the years lived with poor health. As a result, air pollution is a leading risk factor for poor health across the world.
The burden of air pollution is generally higher in low- and middle-income countries. This is due to a combination of factors: indoor pollution rates tend to be higher in low-income countries due to a reliance on solid fuels for cooking, and outdoor air pollution tends to increase as countries industrialize and transition from low to middle incomes. In 2019, the economic effects of air pollution were particularly severe in East Asia and the Pacific, resulting in losses equivalent to 9.3% of GDP, and in South Asia, with losses of 10.3% of GDP.
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92% of people breathe sub-standard air
According to a 2016 report by the World Health Organization (WHO), 92% of the world's population breathes air containing pollutants exceeding WHO limits. This means that only 8% of people worldwide breathe air that meets the WHO's air quality standards. The report, which used data from nearly 3,000 places around the world, found that air pollution had a significant impact on health, with one out of every nine deaths in 2012 attributed to air pollution-related conditions. This accounted for approximately 6.5 million deaths worldwide, with 3 million of those specifically caused by outdoor air pollution.
Lower and middle-income countries bore the brunt of the health impact, with about 87% of air pollution deaths occurring in these regions. China had the highest number of deaths attributable to air quality in 2012, with 1,032,833 deaths, followed by India with 621,138 deaths, and Russia with 140,851 deaths. The WHO Western Pacific and South East Asia regions had the highest number of deaths, with 1.1 million and 799,000 deaths, respectively. Other regions with significant numbers of air pollution-related deaths include Sub-Saharan Africa (211,000), the Eastern Mediterranean region (194,000), Europe (190,000), and the Americas (93,000).
Outdoor air pollution comes from various sources, including inefficient modes of transport, household fuel and waste burning, coal-fired power plants, and industrial activities. Human activities are not the only contributors, however, as natural sources such as sandstorms also play a role. The highest ambient air pollution levels are typically found in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and South-East Asia, often exceeding WHO limits by more than five times.
Since the 2016 report, air pollution levels have remained dangerously high, with WHO data from 2018 indicating that 9 out of 10 people worldwide (approximately 3 billion individuals) continue to breathe polluted air. While some countries have made strides in improving air quality, the problem persists, especially in low- and middle-income countries. As of 2022, almost the entire global population (99%) breathes air that exceeds WHO air quality limits, with over 6,000 cities in 117 countries monitoring air quality. The findings underscore the urgent need to transition to cleaner energy systems and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
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Top 10 countries with highest exposure
While almost all countries contribute to global pollution to varying degrees, here is a list of the top 10 countries with the highest exposure to air pollution, based on their average measured concentration of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3):
Bangladesh
Bangladesh is ranked as the most polluted country in the world in 2023 and 2024, with a PM2.5 concentration of nearly 80 μg/m3, which is over 25 μg/m3 more than the average concentration in India. The primary sources of pollution in the country include persistent traffic, construction activities, and industrial fumes, especially from coal-powered brick kilns. The high levels of PM2.5 pollutants in Bangladesh contribute to severe smog during the winter months, leading to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and even premature mortality.
Pakistan
Pakistan ranks second for air pollution in 2024, with an AQI average of 115, indicating moderate to poor air quality. The country's PM2.5 level of 55 μg/m3 exceeds the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended threshold, resulting in occasional hazardous peaks, especially in urban centers like Lahore and Karachi.
India
India is ranked third among the most polluting countries in the world. Fourteen out of the world's 15 most contaminated cities are in India, according to the World Health Organization. The burning of fossil fuels, along with high levels of deforestation and animal hunting, contribute to India's high pollution levels.
Egypt
Egypt is ranked sixth, facing moderate air pollution with an AQI average of 92. The combination of traffic congestion and industrial pollution leads to consistently high PM2.5 concentrations, which pose significant health risks. The country's PM2.5 level stands at 35 μg/m3, contributing to a rise in respiratory and heart-related diseases.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE ranks seventh in 2024, with an AQI average of 90, indicating relatively moderate air quality. However, pollution levels surge during the summer months due to high temperatures and dust storms. The UAE's PM2.5 concentration is 32 μg/m3, surpassing the WHO's safety limits.
Poland
Poland is mentioned as one of the countries with the highest number of PM10 pollution days in 2019-2023. It also has high levels of PM2.5 pollutants, particularly in its cities.
Russia
Russian regions are reported to have high exposure to PM2.5 ambient concentration, which is likely to have a significant impact on the country's air quality and the health of its residents.
China
While specific data for China is not readily available, it is mentioned as the world's most populated country with a massive export market, resulting in rapid industrial growth that poses a serious danger to the planet. Beijing, in particular, has experienced constant red alerts for environmental pollution.
Other Countries
Although not in the top 10, the Middle East, including countries such as those in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), faces challenges with pollution due to the natural gas industry, the oil industry, and specific weather conditions in the region.
Global Impact
Air pollution is among the biggest health problems of modern industrial society, responsible for more than 10% of all deaths worldwide, 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 has detrimental effects on both nature and humans.
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Health impact on vulnerable populations
Air pollution is a serious global health problem, with fine particulate matter in the air causing around 6.5 million deaths per year worldwide. According to a 2016 report by the World Health Organization (WHO), 92% of the world's population breathes air that contains pollutants exceeding safe limits. Only 0.001% of people worldwide breathe air considered acceptable.
The health impact of air pollution falls disproportionately on vulnerable populations, including women, children, and older adults, and people in lower- and middle-income countries. In 2012, the WHO reported that one out of every nine deaths was the result of air pollution-related conditions, with about 87% of these deaths occurring in lower- and middle-income countries. China, India, and Russia had the highest numbers of deaths attributable to air pollution in 2012.
Lower-income countries tend to have higher indoor pollution rates due to the reliance on solid fuels for cooking, while outdoor air pollution increases as countries industrialize and shift to middle-income status. Outdoor air pollution is caused by inefficient modes of transport, coal-fired power plants, industrial activities, and natural sources such as sandstorms and desert dust. The Middle East and North Africa have high levels of ambient air pollution due in part to dust from the Sahara Desert. South Asia had the highest levels of PM2.5 in 2017, with Nepal, India, and other countries in the region among the top ten countries with the highest mean exposure to ambient pollution.
The health effects of air pollution are wide-ranging, impacting nearly every organ and system in the body. It is a leading risk factor for death and disease, including heart disease, stroke, lower respiratory infections, lung cancer, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Air pollution not only contributes to early death but also reduces the quality of life for those living with these and other health conditions. Vulnerable populations, particularly those in low-income countries, bear the brunt of these health impacts, experiencing higher rates of disease and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to air pollution.
While air pollution is a global issue, certain regions have seen improvements in air quality in recent years. For example, annual PM2.5 concentrations and high PM2.5 days in Europe and North America have decreased due to stricter regulations. However, most areas in Asia, Northern and Sub-Saharan Africa, Oceania, and Latin America and the Caribbean experienced an increase in PM2.5 concentrations between 2000 and 2019, driven in part by intensified wildfires.
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Energy poverty and indoor air pollution
Energy poverty is defined as the lack of access to sustainable modern energy services and products. It is estimated that 2 billion people are currently living in energy poverty, with limited access to electricity and clean cooking fuels. This lack of access to modern energy sources has severe consequences, including health risks, limited educational and economic opportunities, and environmental degradation.
Indoor air pollution is a significant issue within the context of energy poverty. The burning of solid fuels such as wood, coal, charcoal, and dung fills homes with smoke and toxic emissions, leading to various diseases and premature deaths. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), indoor air pollution causes approximately 3.2 million premature deaths worldwide each year, including 237,000 children under the age of five. The health impacts of indoor air pollution include pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, increased risk of cataracts, and adverse effects on fetal health.
The lack of access to clean cooking technologies and modern energy sources disproportionately impacts women and girls, who are often responsible for cooking and fuel collection. In addition to health risks, energy poverty results in reduced opportunities for education and income generation. Girls and women spend significant time collecting fuel, limiting their ability to attend school or pursue other economic and leisure activities.
Geography plays a crucial role in energy poverty. Rural areas, particularly in developing regions, often lack grid electricity, and expanding access can be financially and logistically challenging. Sub-Saharan Africa is a notable example, with approximately 600 million people, or 57% of the region's population, lacking access to electricity.
However, there is progress towards addressing energy poverty and indoor air pollution. Countries like China and India have made significant strides by replacing coal cookstoves with cleaner alternatives, such as liquefied petroleum gas. Globally, the death toll from indoor air pollution has declined by 35% since 1990, and the proportion of the world's population relying on solid fuels has decreased. Access to clean fuels for cooking has increased, with approximately two-thirds of the global population having access in 2020. These improvements highlight the potential for progress in alleviating energy poverty and reducing indoor air pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
China emitted 27% of the world's greenhouse gases in 2019, according to the Rhodium Group. However, other sources state that China emitted 30.6% of the world's carbon dioxide in 2020. China is the largest climate polluter, and its emissions are projected to peak by 2025.
The US emitted 11% of the world's greenhouse gases in 2019, according to the Rhodium Group. It was also the second-highest emitter of carbon dioxide in 2020, at 13.5%. However, when looking at per capita emissions, the average American is responsible for nearly twice as much climate pollution as the average person in China.
India emitted 6.6% of the world's greenhouse gases in 2019, according to the Rhodium Group. In 2020, India was responsible for 7% of global carbon dioxide emissions. India is the second most polluted country in the world, and its emissions are rising steeply. However, its per capita emissions are significantly below the global average.
The European Union emitted 7.5% of global carbon dioxide in 2020, according to scientists. When lumped together, the 28 countries of the European Union come in second behind the US in historical emissions.
