Helena Joyce
Air pollution is a pressing issue that affects nearly every continent on Earth. According to various sources, the continents with the worst pollution levels include Asia, with a particular focus on countries in Central and South Asia, such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, and Tajikistan. Africa, especially North Africa, is also mentioned as a highly polluted region, although a lack of monitoring stations results in limited data. The Middle East, including countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, is another area of concern. South America is noted for its insufficient air quality data, while Europe, specifically Eastern European and non-EU Balkan countries, also struggle with polluted air. These diverse regions highlight the global nature of the issue and the need for international cooperation to address pollution and its impact on human health and the environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Continent with the worst air pollution | Asia |
| Number of cities in Asia among the world's 100 worst polluted cities | 100 |
| Number of cities in India among the world's 100 worst polluted cities | 83 |
| Continent with the worst air pollution (countries) | Africa, South Asia |
| Countries with the worst air pollution | Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Tajikistan, China, Indonesia |
| Countries with the worst air pollution (2022) | China, Kyrgyzstan, Ethiopia, Armenia, Iran, Uzbekistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Nigeria, Uganda, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Rwanda, Sudan, United Arab Emirates |
| Countries with the least air pollution | French Polynesia, Mauritius, Iceland |
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What You'll Learn
Worst-polluted countries in Africa
Air pollution is a significant issue in Africa, with particulate matter pollution (including ambient PM2.5 and household air pollution) being the leading risk factor for deaths across the continent. The continent's death rate linked to air pollution (155 deaths/100,000 people) is almost double the global average.
Some of the worst-polluted countries in Africa include:
Egypt
Egypt had the highest estimated number of deaths due to ambient PM2.5 in Africa, with 90,600 deaths attributed to air pollution in 2019. The country has been taking steps to address this issue, with the Greater Cairo Air Pollution Management and Climate Change Project focusing on waste management and the introduction of electric buses and vehicles.
Niger
Niger has one of the highest PM2.5 exposure levels in Africa, with 80.1 μg/m3 recorded. This has had a significant impact on the health of its population.
Ethiopia
Ethiopia is one of the most polluted countries in Africa, ranking 23rd in the world for air pollution in 2022. Addis Ababa, the capital city, has developed an Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) to address this issue by implementing pollution reduction strategies.
Nigeria
Nigeria is another highly polluted African country, ranking 18th in the world for air pollution in 2022. The country faces challenges in meeting global environmental standards.
Uganda
Uganda is also significantly affected by air pollution, ranking 17th in the world for high pollution levels in 2022.
While these countries face severe pollution challenges, it's important to note that air pollution sources and levels vary within Africa, with residential fuel use being a significant contributor in Eastern and Central Africa, and fossil fuel use predominating in Southern Africa.
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Worst-polluted countries in Asia
Asia is the most polluted continent in the world, with all but one of the 100 cities with the worst air pollution being in Asia. The climate crisis is a pivotal reason for Asia's poor air quality, which is endangering the health of billions of people worldwide.
Central and South Asia are the worst-performing regions globally, with Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, and Tajikistan being the four most polluted countries in Asia in 2023. South Asia is of particular concern, with 29 of the 30 most polluted cities in India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh. The cities of Lahore, New Delhi, and Dhaka are ranked 5th, 6th, and 24th, respectively, in terms of poor air quality. India's annual pollution levels exceed the World Health Organization's air quality guidelines by more than ten times.
In Southeast Asia, Indonesia is the most polluted country, with a 20% increase in pollution levels compared to 2022. Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand all have cities that exceed WHO's PM2.5 guidelines by over ten times.
China, which used to dominate global rankings for the worst air quality, has seen improvements over the past decade due to clean air policies. However, thick smog returned to Beijing in 2023, with a 14% increase in PM2.5 concentration. China's Hotan city is listed as the 14th most polluted city in the world.
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Worst-polluted countries in South America
Many countries with the worst air pollution are found in Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. Air pollution is a significant health problem, causing more than 10% of all deaths worldwide (approximately 4.5 million premature deaths in 2019). According to the World Health Organization, air pollution can lead to higher rates of respiratory infections, heart disease, and lung cancer.
In South America, Chile and Brazil are among the countries with the worst air pollution. Chile has experienced a decline in air quality over the past few decades, with 12 of its major cities ranking in the top 30 most polluted cities in South America, and four in the top 10. The use of firewood for heating during winter, mining, vehicle emissions, and improper waste disposal are significant contributors to Chile's air pollution.
Brazil, the largest country in South America, has five cities that rank among the most polluted locations on the continent. Santa Gertrudes, a city near Sao Paolo, tops the list of the top 30 South American cities with the worst air quality, with a PM10 average of 95 micrograms/m3. The city is a major producer of ceramic products, and the dust emitted during clay extraction, transportation, and production of ceramics accounts for over 90% of its air pollution. Another Brazilian city, Cubatão, earned the nickname "Valley of Death" in the 1980s due to the high number of illnesses caused by pollutants.
Colombia is another South American country struggling with air pollution, with seven of its cities ranking in the top 30 most polluted in the region. While none of its cities made the top 10, Colombia faces air quality issues in both rural and urban areas.
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Worst-polluted countries in the Middle East
Air pollution is a pressing issue that poses severe health and environmental risks worldwide. According to various sources, the Middle East is among the regions with the worst pollution levels. Here is an overview of the worst-polluted countries in the Middle East and the challenges they face.
Iraq ranks as one of the most polluted countries in the Middle East, with dangerous levels of PM2.5 particles, which are harmful to human health. These particles can penetrate the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing respiratory and cardiovascular issues. In 2022, Iraq was ranked second worst globally in terms of exposure to PM2.5, according to IQAir data.
Saudi Arabia is another country in the Middle East with severe air pollution problems. It is among the top 15 worst-affected countries in the world, with high levels of PM2.5 pollution. Smoke-emitting activities, such as those from a desalination plant in Jizan, contribute to the poor air quality in the country. Residents of Saudi Arabia are exposed to the equivalent of inhaling 2 to 2.5 cigarettes' worth of PM2.5 pollution daily.
Other countries in the Middle East that are significantly impacted by air pollution include Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar. These countries have PM2.5 levels that exceed the safe guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO). For example, residents of Bahrain are exposed to PM2.5 pollution equivalent to smoking three cigarettes per day. The main causes of air pollution in these countries are road vehicles, municipal waste burning, and industrial activities.
The consequences of air pollution in the Middle East are dire, impacting both human health and economic growth. It is estimated that health problems stemming from air pollution cost the region around 5.5% of its combined GDP in 2019. Additionally, air pollution contributes to reduced lifespans in the region, with elevated pollution levels leading to higher rates of respiratory infections, heart disease, and lung cancer.
To address these challenges, Middle Eastern governments need to take proactive measures to reduce PM2.5 emissions. This can include transitioning to cleaner energy sources, implementing stricter emission controls, and promoting sustainable practices in industrial and municipal sectors. By prioritizing air quality improvements, the region can mitigate the health and economic impacts of pollution and improve the overall well-being of its residents.
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Worst-polluted countries in Europe
According to the World Health Organization, air pollution poses a severe threat to human health and is responsible for more than 10% of all deaths worldwide. In 2019, air pollution was associated with an estimated 6.7 million deaths globally, with nearly 200 million years of life lost due to this issue.
In Europe, Turkey is the most polluted country, with an overall score of 6.1/10. The carbon dioxide pollution in Turkey is 4.33 tonnes per capita per year, and the concentrations of PM2.5 are 41 µg/m3. There are 44 deaths attributable to air pollution per 100,000 capita per year in the country. Poland is the second most polluted country in Europe, with an overall score of 5.5/10. The carbon dioxide emissions in Poland are 7.63 tonnes per capita per year, and the concentrations of PM2.5 are 22 µg/m3. There are 69 deaths attributable to air pollution per 100,000 capita per year.
Other countries in Europe with high pollution levels include Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom. These countries have significant GHG emissions, contributing to climate change. Additionally, neighbouring countries like Albania, Bulgaria, and Montenegro have been reported to have high pollution scores by the European Commission and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
While some European countries are taking steps to address their pollution levels, such as Denmark's planned carbon tax on livestock farming, the continent still faces challenges in reducing air pollution and its associated health risks.
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Frequently asked questions
Asia, particularly South Asia, has the worst air pollution levels. A report found that 83 of the 100 cities with the worst air pollution in the world are in India.
Africa and the Middle East also have high pollution levels. However, there is a lack of monitoring stations in these regions, resulting in limited air quality data.
The most polluted countries in Asia are Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, and Tajikistan.
Burkina Faso, Chad, and Ethiopia are among the most polluted countries in Africa.
Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are among the most polluted countries in the Middle East.
