Kiera Jefferson
Air pollution is a global crisis that poses severe risks to human health and the environment. It is caused by the burning of fossil fuels, vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and poor waste management, among other factors. While air pollution is prevalent worldwide, certain areas are more affected than others. According to various reports and studies, the most polluted areas are predominantly found in Asia, with a high concentration in India. In 2024, N'Djamena, the capital of Chad in Central Africa, was ranked as the most polluted city. However, in 2025, New Delhi, India, was named the most polluted city, with 12 other Indian cities among the top 20.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most polluted city in the world | New Delhi, India |
| Most polluted capital | New Delhi, India |
| Second most polluted city in the world | Byrnihat, India |
| Other polluted cities | Karaganda, Kazakhstan; Delhi, India; Lahore, Pakistan |
| Most polluted country | Bangladesh |
| Other polluted countries | Pakistan, India, Bahrain, Nepal |
| Causes of pollution | Fossil fuel use, vehicular emissions, industrial activities, agriculture, poor waste management |
| Health impacts | Respiratory conditions, cardiovascular disease, lung cancer |
| Environmental impacts | Acid rain, eutrophication, climate change |
| Economic impacts | Increased medical costs, reduced productivity |
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What You'll Learn
New Delhi, India
India is home to 63 of the 100 most polluted places globally, and 12 of the world's 15 most polluted cities. The Lancet estimates that air pollution kills over 1 million people in India annually. The IQAir report states that Indian cities' PM2.5 levels exceed WHO guidelines by ten times, and New Delhi's air quality is 13.2 times higher than the recommended limit.
The primary sources of New Delhi's air pollution are vehicular traffic, diesel generators, the burning of fossil fuels for cooking, industry, waste burning, and farmers burning fields after harvest. The city's air quality is also affected by stubble burning, power plants, lit garbage, road dust, factories, and vehicles. On November 18, 2024, New Delhi's air quality index (AQI) reading was 491, classified as "severe plus," indicating hazardous conditions with significant health impacts.
To address the poor air quality, the Indian government has implemented measures such as closing schools, halting construction, and banning non-essential trucks from entering the city. Embassies and international businesses are considering reducing staff tenures and advising staff about the risks of bringing their children to New Delhi. Long-term solutions are needed to reduce pollution and protect public health.
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N'Djamena, Chad
Air pollution is a significant issue facing many cities worldwide, particularly those with high industrial outputs and traffic congestion. While searching for the most polluted area in the world, I came across N'Djamena, Chad, which has faced pollution issues, particularly regarding water quality.
N'Djamena is the capital of Chad and is situated on the Chari River, which provides 90% of the water flowing into Lake Chad. The river is Chad's primary water source, and the population density along the river is high. The Chari River has been contaminated with toxic heavy metals due to industrial wastewater discharge, municipal sewage, and agricultural runoff. A study conducted from 2008 to 2010 found high concentrations of nickel, iron, and cadmium in the river water, which can have detrimental effects on human health.
The presence of toxic metals in the Chari River is a pressing issue, and it has been linked to the intensification of anthropogenic pressure, including industrial and agricultural activities. Massive and uncontrolled chemical-based production has been identified as the principal source of water pollution in Chad, causing environmental degradation and water contamination. Additionally, agriculture contributes significantly to water pollution by nitrates and phosphates.
The government of Chad has recognized the connection between human activity and environmental pollution and has implemented regulations and monitoring methods to protect human health, recreation, and fishery production. However, more urgent measures are needed to safeguard the local population from the health risks associated with high concentrations of heavy metals in their water sources.
While N'Djamena, Chad, faces significant water pollution challenges, it is important to note that air pollution is also a global issue. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution from burning coal, oil, and gas kills approximately 9 million people annually worldwide. Many cities in different countries, including China and India, have been ranked among the most polluted in the world due to high levels of air pollution.
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Byrnihat, India
Byrnihat, a small town nestled on the border of the Indian states of Assam and Meghalaya, has been named the most polluted city in the world in the World Air Quality Report 2024 by Swiss air technology company IQAir. The town's PM2.5 reading of 128 micrograms per cubic meter ranked it at the top, even beating Delhi, which remains the most polluted capital city globally.
Byrnihat's high level of pollution is primarily due to its rapid industrialization and the high number of factories, including distilleries, iron and steel plants, cement plants, and beverage production units. These industries emit large amounts of poisonous gases, significantly reducing air quality. The town's proximity to Guwahati, the largest city in Assam, and its location as a transit point for heavy commercial vehicles passing through, further contribute to the pollution levels.
The impact of Byrnihat's deteriorating air quality on the local population has been severe, with residents reporting respiratory problems, heart disease, and even cancer. Protests against rising pollution levels have led to authorities shutting down several industrial units for violating environmental regulations. However, the town continues to struggle, highlighting the need for more effective measures to address the pollution crisis.
The state government has advised the pollution control board to conduct inspections and take strict action against non-compliant industries. Additionally, the formation of a joint committee between the pollution control boards of Assam and Meghalaya aims to curb pollution in the area. Experts have recommended various measures, including the establishment of a dedicated pollution control authority, phytoremediation through the planting of pollution-absorbing trees, and sustainable urban development.
Byrnihat's plight is not an isolated case, as India's polluted conditions extend beyond this small town. The country's overall air quality has shown slight improvement, but 35% of Indian cities still report air pollution levels exceeding the World Health Organization's safety limits by a significant margin. India's cities exceed WHO guidelines for PM2.5 levels by an average of 10 times, with New Delhi's air quality 13.2 times higher than the limit.
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China's pollution reduction
China has been facing an unprecedented environmental health crisis, with around 1.25 million premature deaths occurring annually due to air pollution. In 2013, the Chinese government launched an anti-pollution campaign that focused on reducing PM2.5 particulate matter, deemed the most harmful type of air pollution. This campaign achieved significant results, halving the average PM2.5 concentration by 2019.
To combat pollution from fossil fuels, China has been transitioning its energy mix away from coal. Between 2013 and 2019, coal's share in China's energy mix decreased from 67.4% to 57.7%. In Beijing, coal heating was banned in favor of natural gas, and the country has been promoting clean energy nationwide. China invests more in solar energy than any other country, and by 2024, it is expected to generate twice as much power from solar as the US.
In addition to tackling energy sources, China has also addressed pollution from industry and traffic. Efforts to clean up manufacturing processes and reduce vehicle emissions have contributed to a 75% drop in sulphate emissions. Furthermore, the percentage of Chinese homes cooking with coal or wood has decreased, falling from 61% in 2005 to 32% in 2017.
Despite these remarkable achievements, China's battle against pollution is far from over. After a decade of decline, overall PM2.5 levels rebounded in 2023, and the country still struggles with ozone (O3) pollution. The increasing dependency on fossil fuels and the absence of a comprehensive multi-pollutant emission reduction strategy remain pressing concerns. Additionally, while China's pollution reduction efforts have saved lives, they have inadvertently contributed to a surge in global warming by removing the masking effect of aerosols on greenhouse gas-driven warming.
China remains committed to its goal of eliminating severe air pollution. The government aims to improve air quality forecasting and early warning systems, enhance the management of harmful airborne particles, and introduce new emission standards. President Xi Jinping has emphasized China's prioritization of environmental protection and its integration into the vision of building a modern socialist country.
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PM2.5 pollution
PM2.5 refers to particulate matter that is 2.5 microns or less in diameter. These particles are so small that they can be inhaled and cause serious health issues, including respiratory illnesses, heart disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections. They are produced by the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, as well as vehicle emissions, industrial emissions, and indoor sources such as cooking, smoking, and burning candles or incense.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills nearly 9 million people worldwide every year. While air pollution is most prevalent in middle- to low-income countries, it affects almost everyone on the planet, with 99% of people living in places with air quality that exceeds WHO guideline limits. Less-developed countries tend to have higher PM2.5 concentrations, and the highest exposures occur in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
India is the country with the highest number of polluted cities, with 12 out of the world's 15 most polluted cities. New Delhi, for example, has air quality that exceeds the WHO guideline limits by 13.2 times. Other countries with high exposures include Pakistan and Bangladesh. However, it is important to note that these countries have seen modest improvements in recent years.
China has also made significant efforts to reduce particle pollution, particularly in major cities. As a result, annual deaths from air pollution peaked in 2013 and are now below 1990 levels. However, 98% of the nation's urban areas still exceed previous WHO guidelines.
While some regions have seen improvements in PM2.5 levels, progress has stalled or worsened in others, particularly in Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. Populous countries in sub-Saharan Africa, for example, have seen substantial increases in PM2.5 exposures in recent years. Overall, addressing PM2.5 pollution remains a critical global challenge to protect human health and the environment.
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Frequently asked questions
N'Djamena, the capital of Chad, was ranked as the most polluted city in 2024.
India. 12 of the world's 15 most polluted cities are in India.
New Delhi, which was ranked as the capital with the worst air quality in the world.
Vehicular emissions, industrial activities, poor waste management, agriculture, and the burning of fossil fuels.
Air pollution increases mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.
