Air Polluters: The Worst Offenders Across The Globe

Air pollution is a pressing issue that poses significant health risks to people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is responsible for over 10% of global deaths, causing nearly 4.5 million premature deaths in 2019 alone. The primary sources of air pollution include industrial emissions, heavy traffic, biomass burning, and dust storms, with some of the most polluted countries located in Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. In 2022, IQAir, a Swiss technology company that monitors air quality globally, reported that only 13 out of 131 countries met the WHO's recommended guidelines for healthy air quality. This response will explore the countries that contribute most to air pollution and the efforts to address this global crisis.

China's extensive use of coal

China is the largest producer and consumer of coal in the world and is the largest user of coal-derived electricity. In 2020, coal-fired power stations generated 57% of electricity in the country. China's extensive use of coal is driven by its availability and low cost, as well as its role in industrial processes such as steelmaking.

The use of coal in China dates back thousands of years. Ancient people in current-day China are suspected to have been involved in surface mining around 3490 BC, with the Fushan mine believed to be the earliest coal mine in the ancient world, starting around 1000 BC. In the 3rd century BC, Chinese people began burning coal for heat. However, the use of coal remained gradual until the late 11th century when a timber shortage in northern China led to a rapid expansion in coal mining and consumption. By 1000 AD, Chinese mines were ahead of most mining advancements globally.

In the 11th century, coal was the primary fuel source in the capital, Kaifeng, and by the 12th century, twenty new coal markets were established, with coal replacing charcoal in the region. The increasing demand led to the development of mining in areas like Henan and Shandong. During this period, the iron industry in the Henan-Hebei border zone was estimated to use at least 140,000 tons of coal annually, with Chinese scientist Song Yingxing suggesting that around 70% of iron was smelted with coal.

Today, China's coal consumption is substantial, with the country producing most of the thermal coal it burns. Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, and Shaanxi are the main coal-producing provinces, and most coal is found in the north and northwest of the country. While China has pledged to end inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, as of 2020, direct subsidies and rules guaranteeing the purchase of coal power continue to favor its use over cheaper renewable alternatives.

India's burning of fossil fuels

India is the world's second most populous country and the third-largest economy, and it is growing at a rapid pace. It is undertaking enormous efforts to provide modern energy products and services to millions of households living in energy poverty. As a member of the G20, India committed in 2009 to "phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that encourage wasteful consumption... while providing targeted support for the poorest."

India has significant experience reforming its energy subsidies. Its pricing reforms, mainly for gasoline and diesel, cut the country's energy subsidies bill in 2014 by USD 15 billion. In 2022, fossil fuels accounted for 88% of primary energy consumption in India, including 77% of total electricity generation. India's solar generation capacity has grown by 25% per year, and wind by 5% per year, while coal has risen by just 1%.

India's net coal imports have increased from ₹782.6 billion in 2011-12 to ₹1,155.0 billion in 2020-21. Despite this, the country has an abundance of renewable natural resources in its tropical climate, and South-South collaborations can help India avoid the usual patterns of trade between the North and the South. A greener path to development will help India, and the high-employment trajectory that the green path entails may help address the issue of surplus labour.

A recent study estimates that fossil fuel subsidy reform together with fuel taxation could help India prevent 65% of premature deaths caused by air pollution, which would bring down public expenditure on health and improve national productivity.

Industrial emissions in Bahrain

A range of factors influences which countries pollute the air the most. Countries with higher per-capita emissions tend to be more economically developed and have carbon-intensive modes of transportation, energy-intensive industries, or a heavy dependence on fossil fuels. China, the USA, and the EU are notable examples of countries with high pollution levels.

Bahrain, a country in the Gulf region, is taking significant steps to address its industrial emissions and achieve sustainability. The industrial sector, including manufacturing, accounts for about 38% of global emissions, and Bahrain's manufacturing sector is its second-largest non-oil industry. Recognizing the importance of this sector to its economy, Bahrain has set ambitious targets to reduce emissions by 30% by 2035 and reach net-zero emissions by 2060.

To achieve these goals, Bahrain launched initiatives such as the Fiscal Balance Program in 2018, which fosters government partnerships with the private sector to boost revenue from non-oil sources. Additionally, the country has established the Ministry for Sustainable Development to promote environmental, fiscal, and economic sustainability across the Gulf region. Bahrain is also focusing on technological innovation, leveraging data analytics, renewable energy generation, and public-private collaborations to build future-fit and net-zero manufacturing industries.

The Kingdom of Bahrain is committed to moving away from fossil fuel production and has made it a key part of its Industrial Sector Strategy. They aim to boost renewable energy sectors, including "blue and green hydrogen", reflecting a broader trend in the Gulf region toward a non-oil, net-zero future. Bahrain's efforts demonstrate a recognition of the importance of sustainability and a willingness to adapt and innovate to achieve a more sustainable future.

Overall, Bahrain's approach to addressing industrial emissions showcases a combination of government initiatives, private sector collaboration, and technological advancements. By leveraging these strategies, Bahrain aims to reduce its environmental impact, contribute to global sustainability efforts, and create a more sustainable future for its citizens and the region.

Traffic congestion in Iraq

Traffic congestion is a significant issue in Iraq, impacting not just the economy but also the environment and public health. The problem is particularly acute in major cities like Baghdad, where residents can spend over three hours a day stuck in traffic. This congestion is caused by a variety of factors, including the increase in the number of vehicles on the road and the lack of efficient public transportation options.

As a country rich in oil, Iraq has very cheap gasoline and diesel fuel compared to other parts of the world. This has contributed to a rise in car ownership, with more people able to afford private vehicles. In fact, Iraq has seen a significant increase in the number of cars on its roads, with many citizens now opting for private transportation over public transport due to the latter's inefficiency, inadequacy, and discomfort. This shift towards private car usage has resulted in a dramatic increase in traffic congestion, as the existing road networks struggle to accommodate the growing number of vehicles.

The consequences of this congestion are far-reaching. Firstly, it has a direct impact on the economy, with the World Bank estimating that transportation inefficiencies related to traffic congestion consume approximately 1.5% of Iraq's GDP. This is due to losses stemming from wasted fuel, increased vehicle maintenance, and reduced worker productivity as employees spend hours stuck in traffic instead of contributing to their workplaces. According to the 2023 Global Traffic Scorecard, workers in heavily congested cities lose between 100 and 150 hours annually in traffic delays, causing economic losses of 2-5% of GDP in many countries.

Secondly, traffic congestion contributes to environmental degradation and air pollution. Idling vehicles emit higher levels of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, worsening air quality. Studies by the United Nations have found that areas with heavy congestion report a 30% higher prevalence of respiratory diseases compared to less congested regions. This has direct implications for public health, with prolonged traffic congestion increasing respiratory illnesses and raising environmental costs.

To address these issues, the Iraqi government has implemented several measures. They have focused on infrastructure development, including the construction of bridges, tunnels, and the expansion of key roads. Additionally, they have introduced initiatives to improve public transportation, such as obliging ministries and agencies to use buses to transport employees. However, Fadel Al-Gharawi, the head of Iraq's Strategic Human Rights Center (SHRC), emphasizes that these efforts need to be part of a broader strategic approach. He suggests phasing out older vehicles, constructing ring roads, building highways that meet international standards, and investing in sustainable public transportation to reduce the country's reliance on private cars.

US legislative measures to combat climate change

The United States is one of the world's most significant contributors to pollution, largely due to its heavy reliance on fossil fuels. Here is an overview of some US legislative measures to combat climate change:

The Clean Air Act

The Clean Air Act provides the foundation for many existing climate policies. It helps combat climate change and reduce emissions of harmful air pollutants from the oil and natural gas industry, including volatile organic compounds that contribute to ground-level ozone and hazardous pollutants like benzene.

The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009

This Act, passed by the US House of Representatives, would have established an economy-wide greenhouse gas cap-and-trade system and other complementary measures. It represented a comprehensive approach to climate and energy legislation.

The National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act

Passed in 2012, this Act was a step towards full accounting of climate risk. It directed the Federal Emergency Management Agency to use the best available science regarding future changes in sea levels, precipitation, and hurricane intensity when updating flood maps and setting insurance premiums.

The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020

This Act directs the EPA to address hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by phasing down their production and consumption and facilitating the transition to next-generation technologies that do not rely on HFCs. HFCs are highly potent greenhouse gases used in applications like air conditioning and refrigeration.

The Inflation Act

The Inflation Act is a multifaceted approach to combat climate change. It includes provisions for clean energy investments, tax credits for renewable projects, and initiatives to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. By integrating climate-focused measures with economic policies, the Act aims to foster environmental sustainability and economic resilience.

Federal Vehicle Emissions Standards

The EPA has established stringent vehicle emissions standards for passenger cars and light trucks for model years 2023 through 2026. These standards leverage clean car technology to reduce climate pollution, improve public health, and benefit drivers economically.

The US has implemented various legislative measures to address climate change, ranging from emissions standards to clean energy incentives. These actions reflect a growing recognition of the urgency to tackle this global crisis.

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