Kiera Jefferson
Despite former President Donald Trump's claims that the US is the cleanest country in the world, America is far from being the least polluted country on the planet. In 2018, the US ranked 27th on the Environmental Performance Index, which takes into account various categories covering environmental health and ecosystem vitality. The country ranked 10th in air quality and 29th in water and sanitation, with particularly low scores in exposure to particulate matter and sanitation. The pollution levels in the US have severe health implications for its citizens, with millions at risk of cardiovascular disease, respiratory issues, and lung cancer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Overall Ranking | 27th out of 180 countries |
| Air Quality Ranking | 10th |
| Household Air Pollution Ranking | 1st (tied with 11 other countries) |
| Water and Sanitation Ranking | 29th |
| Exposure to Particulate Matter Ranking | 88th |
| Sanitation Ranking | 31st |
| Most Polluted Cities | 14 out of the top 15 cities are in India |
| Major Pollutants | Greenhouse gases, fossil fuels, oil, coal, gas, animal agriculture |
| Health Effects | Cardiovascular disease, respiratory issues, lung cancer, heart attacks, strokes, asthma, bronchitis, low birth weight, premature births |
| Organizations Involved | World Health Organization, Yale University, Columbia University, University of Michigan, American Medical Association, American Lung Association, International Energy Agency, EPA |
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What You'll Learn
America ranks 27th on the Environmental Performance Index
The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) was started in 2002 by the World Economic Forum in association with the Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy (Yale University) and the Center for International Earth Science Information Network Earth Institute (Columbia University). The EPI report provides a comprehensive assessment of the state of sustainability around the world, ranking countries on their progress in mitigating climate change, safeguarding ecosystem vitality, and promoting environmental health. The index takes into account various indicators, including air quality, water and sanitation, exposure to particulate matter, and sanitation.
In 2018, the United States ranked 27th on the Environmental Performance Index out of 180 countries studied. While the US ranked 10th in air quality and 1st in household air pollution, it ranked lower in other categories, such as water and sanitation (29th), exposure to particulate matter (88th), and sanitation (31st). These lower rankings in specific categories contributed to the overall ranking of 27th. This ranking places the US near the back of industrialized nations, behind countries such as France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Canada.
The EPI has faced some criticisms over the years. One criticism is the arbitrary choice of metrics, which can introduce bias and affect the accuracy of the index as an indicator of environmental sustainability. Additionally, the EPI has been criticized for its lack of specific policy suggestions and its weighting biases against data-deficient countries, which can overlook ecological progress in developing nations. Despite these criticisms, the EPI remains a widely used tool for comparing and analyzing environmental performance across countries.
It is worth noting that the EPI rankings are positively correlated with a country's wealth. Wealthier countries have the resources to invest in infrastructure that promotes environmental health, such as clean drinking water and renewable energy. However, wealth also leads to higher material consumption, which can have associated negative environmental impacts, such as increased waste generation and ecosystem degradation. Therefore, wealthy countries must decouple their consumption from environmental degradation and assist developing countries in adopting sustainable practices to preserve global biodiversity.
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The US has the highest air quality out of all countries
While the US has made significant efforts to combat climate change, the majority of these initiatives have been insufficient. Pollution is not limited to big cities, and many rural areas are also beginning to experience the consequences. For example, a recent study found that Americans in about three dozen counties are exposed to dangerous air pollution, primarily from factory farms, which has been linked to increased risks of cardiovascular disease, respiratory issues, and lung cancer.
The American Lung Association's "State of the Air" report from 2025 underscores the extent of the air pollution problem in the US. Nearly half of the US population lives in areas where the air quality received a failing grade, and more than 42 million people reside in counties that failed all three air pollution measures. These alarming statistics highlight the urgent need for improved air quality standards and regulations in the country.
Furthermore, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which plays a crucial role in safeguarding people's health from air pollution, is facing significant challenges due to substantial staffing and funding cuts. This threatens the agency's ability to effectively address the pressing issue of air pollution and protect the health and well-being of Americans across the country.
In summary, while the US strives to maintain high air quality standards, there is ample evidence to suggest that air pollution remains a pervasive issue. The country has yet to achieve the title of having the "cleanest air" and must continue to implement robust measures to mitigate pollution and safeguard the health and environmental well-being of its citizens.
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The US has dangerous levels of air pollution
The US faces dangerous levels of air pollution, with nearly half of its population exposed to unhealthy air. The American Lung Association's 2025 "State of the Air" report found that 156 million people lived in areas that received a failing grade for ozone or particle pollution. This is an increase of 25 million people from the previous year's report. The report also revealed that the number of days with "unhealthy" and "very unhealthy" levels of particle pollution was the highest in the 26 years of reporting the "State of the Air".
The main sources of particle pollution, also known as PM2.5 or soot, include wildfires, wood-burning stoves, coal-fired power plants, diesel engines, and other sources. Communities of color are disproportionately affected by unhealthy air and are more likely to suffer from chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease. Climate change further exacerbates the problem by increasing the risk of wildfires and the resulting smoke, which spreads dangerous particle pollution.
While the US has made significant progress in improving air quality since the 1970s, with visible air pollution becoming less frequent and widespread, the current situation remains concerning. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has played a crucial role in monitoring and regulating air pollution, but it faces challenges due to staffing and funding cuts. The EPA has implemented various measures to reduce pollution, such as proposing rules to cut methane emissions from the oil and gas industry and prohibiting certain uses of hydrofluorocarbons. However, pollution levels in many areas of the US still exceed national air quality standards for common pollutants.
The US ranked 27th on the 2018 Environmental Performance Index, which assesses countries' environmental health and ecosystem vitality. While the US ranked 10th in air quality, it scored lower in exposure to particulate matter, ranking 88th out of 180 countries studied. These rankings contradict claims made by President Donald Trump, who stated that the US had the "cleanest air." The dangerous levels of air pollution in the US underscore the urgency of addressing this issue through effective policies and initiatives.
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Pollution in the US is linked to cardiovascular disease
The United States ranked 27th on the 2018 Environmental Performance Index, which assesses 180 countries based on their environmental health and ecosystem vitality. The US ranked 10th in air quality and 29th in water and sanitation. It is tied for first place in household air pollution and ranks first in drinking water quality alongside nine other countries.
While the US has made improvements in air quality and reductions in PM2.5, air pollution remains a significant concern, particularly regarding cardiovascular health. Scientific evidence indicates a link between air pollution exposure and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from outdoor pollution can penetrate homes, elevating indoor pollution levels. Prolonged exposure to PM2.5 can lead to adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including heart attacks and strokes.
Research suggests that air pollution accelerates the process of atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in the arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart and increasing the likelihood of cardiovascular events. The risk of cardiovascular disease from particle pollution is higher for populations than for individuals, with hospitalizations for serious cardiovascular events such as coronary syndrome, arrhythmia, and heart failure being more prevalent in areas with high pollution levels.
People with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions or risk factors such as smoking, obesity, or older age are more susceptible to the adverse effects of air pollution. Additionally, those exposed to smoke from wildland fires or secondhand tobacco smoke are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and other serious health problems.
Overall, while the US has made progress in improving its air quality, air pollution continues to be a significant contributor to cardiovascular disease, and efforts to reduce population exposure to fine particle pollution are crucial for improving cardiovascular health outcomes.
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The US Environmental Protection Agency is under threat
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an independent agency of the United States government, established in 1970 by President Richard Nixon. The EPA is tasked with environmental protection matters, including maintaining and enforcing national standards. It has taken on important initiatives over the years, such as the Underground Storage Tank (UST) Program, which regulates tanks containing petroleum and hazardous chemicals, and the "One Cleanup Program," which aims to improve coordination across different agency programs involved in cleanup efforts.
Despite its critical role, the EPA has faced challenges and controversies. In 2025, the agency came under fire for suspending over 100 staffers who signed a letter of dissent against the Trump administration's policies. The EPA's actions were seen as retaliation for employees' expression of concern about the administration's regulations on climate and public health. This incident raised questions about the agency's commitment to its core mission of protecting human health and the environment.
Additionally, the EPA has faced budgetary and staffing constraints. In one instance, the agency had only 90 staff members to develop a system to regulate over 2 million underground storage tanks, highlighting the challenge of resource allocation.
Despite these challenges, the EPA continues to receive funding for various initiatives. In 2022, the agency was allotted $42.8 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act to advance environmental justice, reduce pollution, and address climate challenges. The creation of a new Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights within the EPA demonstrates a continued focus on environmental protection and social impact.
While the EPA faces threats and controversies, it remains a crucial entity in the United States' efforts to protect the environment and public health. Its ability to adapt, secure funding, and address emerging issues will be critical in ensuring its effectiveness in the years to come.
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Frequently asked questions
America ranked 27th on the 2018 Environmental Performance Index, which takes into account a range of categories covering environmental health and ecosystem vitality.
The main causes of pollution in America include emissions of greenhouse gases, factory farms, and traffic pollution.
America's pollution levels are lower than countries such as India, which ranks third in the world for pollution due to its high dependence on oil, coal, gas, and fossil fuels.
The health impacts of pollution in America include increased risk of cardiovascular disease, respiratory issues, lung cancer, and premature birth.
Efforts to address pollution in America include initiatives led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and research projects like Counterglow, which aim to raise awareness and protect public health.
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