Finding The Purest Air On Earth

Air pollution is a leading cause of death worldwide, with 4.7 million deaths attributed to outdoor particulate matter air pollution. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99% of the global population breathes unhealthy air. This article explores the few places in the world where the air is considered clean and safe to breathe.

Australia is the least polluted country in the world

Air pollution is a global issue, with 99% of the world's population breathing in unsafe and unhealthy air. It is the fourth leading cause of early death, contributing to 7 million premature deaths annually. The World Health Organization (WHO) has deemed it the greatest environmental health risk.

Despite this, Australia has been named the least polluted country in the world, with 6 cities in the top 25 least polluted cities worldwide. The least polluted towns in Australia include Underwood, Broken Hill, Rufus, Emu River, and Judbury. The annual World Air Quality Report examines PM2.5 concentrations in countries around the world, and Australia has achieved concentrations at or below the WHO guideline value of 5 μg/m3.

However, it is important to note that Australia has experienced La Niña conditions, bringing significant amounts of rain during the summer, leading to increased vegetation and a higher risk of severe brushfires under hot and dry conditions. Prescribed burns during late autumn and winter have also contributed to peak pollution periods. While Australia's air quality is commendable, there is still progress to be made, as many cities continue to exceed the WHO's PM2.5 guidelines, posing health risks to the population.

The clean air in Australia is partly due to its location and regulations. Natural sources of air pollution, such as windblown dust, dirt, sand, and volcanic smoke, vary in impact depending on the local environment. Manmade sources, such as combustion from transportation and industrial activities, are more prevalent in cities and can be influenced by regulations. Australia's success in maintaining low pollution levels demonstrates the effectiveness of its environmental policies and the importance of addressing this global issue.

Nordic countries have some of the cleanest air

Air pollution is a major issue worldwide, with over 99% of the global population breathing in unhealthy air. It is considered the greatest environmental health risk, contributing to approximately 7 million premature deaths annually. The primary sources of air pollution are human activities, such as fuel combustion in transportation and industrial businesses.

However, amidst this global challenge, Nordic countries stand out for their impressive air quality. In a ranking of the top 25 cities with the best air quality in 2023, 12 of them were in Nordic countries or Australia. Nordic nations like Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Iceland consistently appear in these rankings, showcasing their commitment to clean air.

For instance, Uppsala in Sweden has been recognized as the European city with the cleanest air. The European Environment Agency's air quality viewer ranks cities based on fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations, and Uppsala excels in this regard. Additionally, Nordic capitals like Reykjavik, Tallinn, Stockholm, and Helsinki are among the few European cities that meet the World Health Organization's (WHO) stringent health-based guideline level of 5 micrograms per cubic meter of air (5 μg/m3) for PM2.5 pollutants.

The Nordic region's success in maintaining clean air is a testament to their effective environmental policies and sustainable practices. Their efforts align with initiatives like the European Green Deal's zero-pollution action plan, which aims to significantly reduce premature deaths caused by fine particulate matter by 2030. Nordic countries serve as a model for the rest of the world in the crucial battle against air pollution and its detrimental health impacts.

While Nordic countries are leading the way, it's important to note that access to clean air is a universal human right, and it should not be limited to specific regions. Continuous efforts and urgent actions are necessary to address air pollution globally, especially in regions with limited data and resources.

Estonia is the top-ranked country in Europe

Air pollution is a significant global health concern, contributing to millions of premature deaths annually. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is the greatest environmental health risk, causing an estimated 7 million premature deaths each year. Among children under 15, it is the leading cause of death, taking the lives of 600,000 children annually.

Estonia's success in maintaining clean air can be attributed to various factors. Firstly, the country has actively worked to "reduce emissions from industry," particularly by transitioning towards cleaner, renewable energy sources. Estonia has set ambitious goals, such as achieving 100% renewable energy by 2030, demonstrating its dedication to sustainability. Additionally, Estonia's low population density and high percentage of forest cover contribute to its clean air, as these factors naturally reduce pollution levels.

Moreover, Estonian companies are at the forefront of innovation, relentlessly pursuing a cleaner planet. The country leads in climate FinTech, with the highest female founder rate and startups focused on CleanTech and GreenTech. For example, the Estonian startup eAgronom, in collaboration with the European Space Agency, is developing satellite monitoring for sustainable agriculture, further reducing pollution from agricultural practices.

Estonia's achievements in maintaining clean air offer valuable insights for other countries striving to improve their air quality. By actively reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy, transitioning away from fossil fuels, advocating for cleaner industrial practices, and embracing sustainable agriculture, Estonia has become a leader in providing its citizens with healthy and breathable air.

PM2.5 pollution levels are a key metric

Sources of PM2.5 pollution include vehicle exhaust, burning wood, gas and other fuels, and fires. Transport emissions are a major contributor to elevated levels of PM2.5, with the majority of emissions occurring in the world's top vehicle markets. Natural sources of PM2.5 pollution include volcanic activity, wildfires, and dust or sandstorms. The impact of natural sources on air quality can vary depending on the local environment.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognised air pollution as a significant environmental health risk, contributing to millions of premature deaths annually. The WHO's annual PM2.5 guideline value is 5 µg/m3, and the 2024 World Air Quality Report found that 91% of 138 countries and regions exceeded this value. This highlights the widespread issue of unhealthy air quality and the importance of monitoring PM2.5 pollution levels.

To address this issue, organisations like Smart Air analyse air pollution data from major cities worldwide to rank the cities with the best and worst air quality based on PM2.5 levels. In 2023, Zurich, Switzerland, was ranked as the least polluted city, while Australia and the United States were the only countries with at least three cities in the top 25 least polluted list. Additionally, Nordic countries are known for their clean air, with Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Iceland consistently ranking high for air quality.

By monitoring PM2.5 pollution levels and implementing measures to reduce emissions, governments and organisations can work towards improving air quality and mitigating the health risks associated with particle pollution.

South and Central Asia are home to the most polluted cities

According to a 2024 report, South and Central Asia are home to the most polluted cities. The report, which tracked global air quality, compiled data from almost 9,000 cities, focusing on PM2.5 levels. PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter suspended in the air that is less than or equal to 2.5 microns in diameter. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, posing significant health risks.

In the Central and South Asia region, five of the ten most polluted cities are in India, four are in Pakistan, and one is in Kazakhstan. The city of Byrnihat in India's Meghalaya state recorded a PM2.5 concentration of 128.2 in 2024, more than 25 times the World Health Organization's (WHO) standard. Other highly polluted Indian cities include Delhi, Faridabad, Loni, Gurugram, and Noida. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Lahore and Kazakhstan's Karaganda also feature among the most polluted cities in the region.

The high pollution levels in these cities are attributed to various factors, including industrial pollution, crop-related burning, and heavy traffic. India's economic growth, largely fuelled by coal, and its congested megacities, contribute to poor air quality. Pakistan, India's neighbour, faces similar challenges with industrialisation and urban congestion.

The WHO has deemed air pollution a critical threat to human health and the environment, and it is estimated that 99% of the global population breathes unhealthy air. While air pollution is a global issue, South and Central Asia are particularly affected, with Central and South Asia being one of the worst-polluted regions globally.

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