Pollution's Worst Offenders: Top Polluting Countries Revealed

The world's most polluting countries are responsible for a large proportion of global CO2 emissions. China is currently the biggest emitter of carbon dioxide, with more than 14 billion tons of CO2 released. However, the United States has produced more carbon dioxide over the past three centuries. Other countries with high levels of pollution include Bangladesh, India, and the United Arab Emirates, where the most polluted city in the world, Begusarai, is located.

China is the biggest emitter of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions

China's high levels of CO2 emissions can be attributed to its heavy reliance on coal. Coal is a fossil fuel that releases large amounts of carbon dioxide when burned, and China's extensive use of coal for energy production and industrial activities has made it the world's largest emitter of CO2.

While China is the current largest emitter of CO2, it is important to note that other countries, such as the United States, have historically emitted far more CO2 over the past few centuries. Since 1750, the United States has produced more than 400 billion metric tons of cumulative carbon dioxide emissions. This highlights the long-term impact of industrialisation and the heavy reliance on fossil fuels by developed nations.

Despite China's significant contribution to global CO2 emissions, there have been recent efforts to address this issue. For example, the COP28 meeting held in Dubai in 2023 made progress with agreements among countries to limit emissions. Additionally, legislative measures like the CBAM in Europe and the Inflation Act in the USA aim to advance and standardise global emissions control.

It is worth mentioning that while China leads in CO2 emissions, other countries and cities also struggle with pollution. For instance, Bangladesh was the most polluted country in 2023, with high levels of PM2.5 concentration attributed to persistent traffic, construction activities, and industrial fumes, particularly from coal-reliant brick kilns. Similarly, New Delhi was the most polluted capital city in the world in 2023, followed by Dhaka, the Bangladeshi capital. These examples demonstrate the complex nature of pollution and the need for global cooperation to address this pressing issue.

Bangladesh is the most polluted country

Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, is the second most polluted capital city in the world, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 92.7 µg/m³. The most polluted city worldwide is Begusarai, in northeastern India, with an average PM2.5 concentration of nearly 119 µg/m³.

While Bangladesh is the most polluted country, China is the biggest emitter of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. In 2022, China accounted for over 31 percent of global emissions. The United States has produced more than 400 billion metric tons of cumulative carbon dioxide emissions since 1750.

New Delhi is the most polluted capital city

China, the USA, and the EU are some of the world's biggest polluters, with China leading in emissions primarily driven by its extensive use of coal. However, the USA has produced more than 400 billion metric tons of cumulative carbon dioxide emissions since 1750.

New Delhi, India, is the most polluted capital city in the world. In 2023, it had an average PM2.5 concentration of 92.7 µg/m³, which is 17 times higher than the World Health Organization's goal. This level of pollution is attributed to vehicle emissions, crop burning in nearby states, and industrial activities. In 2024, New Delhi's PM2.5 levels rose to 108.3 µg/m³, showing that pollution is still increasing despite efforts to control it.

According to the 2024 World Air Quality Report, 13 of the 20 most polluted cities in the world are in India, with Byrnihat on the Assam-Meghalaya border being the most polluted. The other cities include Faridabad, Loni (Ghaziabad), Gurgaon, Greater Noida, Bhiwadi, Noida, Muzaffarnagar, New Delhi (Central Delhi), and Delhi (taking the average from the rest of the city).

The United States has produced the most cumulative carbon dioxide emissions

In recent years, China has been the biggest emitter of carbon dioxide, accounting for over 31% of global emissions in 2022. China's emissions are primarily driven by its extensive use of coal. However, the United States has emitted far more carbon dioxide than China over the past three centuries.

Despite progress made at COP28 in Dubai in 2023, there is still a considerable gap in limiting emissions effectively. Legislative measures like the CBAM in Europe and the Inflation Act in the USA are crucial in advancing and standardising global emissions control.

Bangladesh and India are also among the most polluted countries in the world, with high levels of PM2.5 concentrations. PM2.5 refers to fine particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, which can stay in the air for long periods and pose a major risk to human health.

The Industrial Revolution has caused a dramatic increase in global CO2 emissions

The countries that cause the most pollution are China, the USA, and the EU. China was the biggest emitter of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in 2022, accounting for over 31% of global emissions. However, the USA has produced more CO2 emissions over the past three centuries. The high levels of pollution in Bangladesh can be explained by the country's persistent traffic, construction activities, and industrial fumes. In 2023, New Delhi was the most polluted capital city in the world, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 92.7 µg/m³.

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