Greta Jimenez
Air pollution is one of the most pressing issues facing modern society, causing nearly 4.5 million premature deaths in 2019 according to The Lancet. The World Health Organization recommends a PM2.5 limit of 10 micrograms per cubic meter, but many countries far exceed this threshold. In 2023, Bangladesh was reported as the most polluted country in the world, with an average PM2.5 concentration of nearly 80 micrograms per cubic meter. This was driven by traffic, construction, and industrial fumes. In 2024, Bangladesh retained its position as the most polluted country, with an even higher average PM2.5 level of 75 µg/m³. Other countries that feature prominently in pollution rankings include Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Egypt.
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What You'll Learn
Bangladesh: highest pollution country in 2023 and 2024
Bangladesh is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, but it is also facing a severe air pollution crisis. In 2023, it was ranked as the most polluted country in the world, with an annual average fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration of 79.9 µg/m³. This is more than double the national standard of 35 µg/m³ and 15 times the World Health Organization's (WHO) guideline of 5 µg/m³. The high levels of pollution in Bangladesh are caused by persistent traffic, construction activities, and industrial fumes, particularly from brick kilns, which are highly reliant on coal.
The consequences of this extreme pollution are dire. Air pollution has become the leading risk factor for death in the country, cutting the average life expectancy by almost five years. Studies estimate that air pollution contributes to over 100,000 to 200,000 deaths annually in Bangladesh. It is a significant risk factor for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, strokes, and lung cancer. Among children, it worsens asthma, stunting, and cognitive impairment, and it is linked to low birth weight and premature birth in newborns.
Bangladesh's capital city, Dhaka, also suffered from high pollution levels. In 2023, it was the second most polluted capital city globally, with an annual PM2.5 concentration of 80.2 µg/m³. However, there was a slight improvement in 2024, as the concentration decreased to 78.0 µg/m³, but it still ranked as the third most polluted capital city that year.
The Bangladesh Country Environmental Analysis (CEA) report highlights the severe environmental health risks in the country, including air pollution, unsafe water, poor sanitation, and lead exposure. These issues caused over 272,000 premature deaths and 5.2 billion days of illness annually, with a significant economic impact, costing the equivalent of 17.6% of Bangladesh's GDP in 2019.
While Bangladesh has implemented interventions such as the National Air Quality Management Plan (NAQMP) 2024–2030, which aims to reduce industrial emissions, improve transportation, and address brick kiln and agricultural emissions, it still has a long way to go to improve its air quality and mitigate the health and economic consequences of pollution.
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India: 14 of the 15 most contaminated cities
While Bangladesh is ranked as the most polluted country in the world in 2024, India is a close third, with an AQI average of 111. India's air quality varies from poor to unhealthy, often surpassing hazardous levels in major cities like Delhi and Mumbai. According to the World Health Organization, fourteen out of the world's fifteen most contaminated cities are in India.
India's air pollution is driven by multiple factors, including the burning of fossil fuels, which has significantly increased over time. The country has a law protecting air quality that was established in 1981. However, the burning of fossil fuels has intensified, contributing to India's high ranking in air pollution.
New Delhi, the capital of India, was ranked as the most polluted capital city globally in 2023, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 92.7 µg/m³. This concentration far exceeds the World Health Organization's recommended limit of 10 µg/m³, posing significant health risks to the population.
Another Indian city, Begusarai, located in the northeastern part of the country, had an even higher PM2.5 concentration of nearly 119 µg/m³ in 2023, making it the most polluted city worldwide that year. The high levels of PM2.5 pollutants in Indian cities are a major concern as they can remain in the air for extended periods and have detrimental effects on human health when present in high concentrations.
The health impacts of air pollution in India are significant. The poor air quality contributes to respiratory diseases, allergies, and chronic conditions, leading to thousands of premature deaths each year. The pollution not only affects India's population but also has broader environmental implications, impacting nature and various ecological systems.
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Pakistan: second-highest air pollution in 2024
Air pollution is one of the most pressing issues facing modern industrial societies and is responsible for over 10% of deaths worldwide. In 2024, Pakistan ranked as the second-most polluted country in the world, with an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 115, indicating moderate to poor air quality. The country's PM2.5 level, a critical measure of air pollution, averaged 55 µg/m³, exceeding the World Health Organization's recommended limit of 10 µg/m³.
Pakistan's air pollution is driven by several factors, including industrial emissions, transportation, and agricultural burning. The country's megacities, such as Lahore, Karachi, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad, are notorious for their poor air quality, with Lahore previously ranked as the world's most polluted city in March 2023. In January 2024, Pakistan's AQI peaked at 200, indicating serious pollution levels and hazardous health impacts.
The health consequences of Pakistan's air pollution are significant. The poor air quality is linked to increased respiratory diseases, allergies, and chronic conditions. It is estimated that air pollution causes thousands of premature deaths each year in Pakistan. In December 2023, Lahore witnessed the country's first-ever artificial rain, an attempt to combat the dangerous air quality levels in the city.
Pakistan's air pollution is part of a broader regional issue. South Asian countries, including India, Bangladesh, and China, have some of the most polluted cities in the world. These countries face similar challenges, including industrial emissions, vehicle pollution, and the burning of biomass. However, Pakistan's pollution levels are particularly concerning, with its major cities creating vast amounts of smoke, haze, and deadly smog that negatively impact the health and well-being of its inhabitants.
To address the air pollution crisis, Pakistan and its neighbouring countries need to implement measures to reduce industrial and vehicle emissions, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and invest in clean energy technologies. Additionally, raising awareness about the health risks associated with air pollution and encouraging the use of cleaner transportation options can help mitigate the problem.
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Nepal: pollution spikes during the dry season
According to a list of countries by air pollution, which sorts countries by their average measured concentration of particulate matter (PM2.5) in micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3), Bangladesh is the most polluted country in the world in 2024. It is followed by Pakistan, India, and others, with Nepal ranking fifth. While Nepal's average AQI is 100, placing it in the moderate category for air quality, the country experiences dramatic spikes in pollution during the dry season, with the AQI often exceeding 150.
Nepal's relatively high PM2.5 concentration of 39 µg/m³ is influenced by several factors. Vehicular emissions, deforestation, and the burning of biomass for cooking are significant contributors. These issues are particularly prominent in urban centres like Kathmandu, where ambient air pollution is driven by construction projects, a high population, and increased vehicle numbers. In late 2024, Kathmandu experienced a prolonged haze from dust and smoke, with no significant rainfall for six months. As a result, the city had the world's worst air quality in April 2025, with AQI levels exceeding 400.
The levels of pollution in Nepal are heavily influenced by changes in weather patterns. The colder and drier months, especially from December to January, tend to have the worst pollution levels across all registered cities. In contrast, the monsoon season brings some relief as rainfall washes away pollutants and accumulations from the air and ground. However, the end of the monsoon season in October marks a rise in pollution levels, with a notable increase in PM2.5 readings across multiple cities.
Nepal's environmental issues extend beyond air pollution. Water pollution, caused by the sedimentation and discharge of industrial effluents, is a significant concern. Additionally, the burning of wood for fuel contributes to both indoor air pollution and respiratory problems. Diarrhoea is the fourth leading cause of death in Nepal, partly due to inadequate sanitation and solid waste disposal. Furthermore, deforestation and land degradation have led to floods, soil erosion, and stagnant agricultural output. Population growth, infrastructure projects, and the conversion of forests into grazing and cropland have all contributed to these issues.
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China: 5 provinces emit more CO2 than any country
As of 2024, Bangladesh is the most polluted country in the world, with an AQI average score of 140, indicating severe pollution levels. The country's PM2.5 levels are among the highest globally, with an average of 75 µg/m³, far exceeding the World Health Organization's recommended limit of 10 µg/m³. Pakistan, India, and Nepal are also among the top five countries with the worst air pollution.
China, while not among the top-ranked countries in terms of overall pollution, has five provinces that emit more carbon dioxide than any other country. These provinces host most of the country's industries, and as a result, Beijing has experienced constant red alerts for environmental pollution in recent years. China's pollution levels are not limited to big cities, but rural areas are also beginning to be affected. The country's enormous export market and industrial growth have made it the world's biggest industrial and commercial power, posing a serious danger to the planet.
China's rapid industrialization and position as a global economic powerhouse have come at a significant environmental cost. The five provinces in question are major industrial hubs, with a high concentration of factories and manufacturing facilities. The specific provinces are not named in the source, but they are likely to include a combination of heavily industrialized regions such as Shandong, Jiangsu, and Guangdong. These provinces have experienced rapid economic growth and have become key centers for energy-intensive industries, including steel, cement, and chemical production.
The high levels of carbon dioxide emissions from these provinces can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, China's massive industrial sector relies heavily on coal, which is a highly polluting energy source. While the country has made efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources, coal still plays a significant role in meeting its energy demands. Additionally, the country's rapid urbanization and growing energy needs have outpaced the development of renewable energy infrastructure, leading to a continued reliance on fossil fuels.
Furthermore, China's position as a global manufacturing hub has contributed significantly to its carbon dioxide emissions. The country's export-oriented industries, particularly in the five provinces, produce a vast array of goods, from electronics to textiles, often relying on energy-intensive processes. The high demand for Chinese products worldwide has further fueled the country's industrial growth, exacerbating its environmental impact.
While China has recognized the importance of addressing climate change and has led important initiatives, the effectiveness of these efforts has been questioned. The country's economic priorities and dependence on heavy industries have created a complex challenge when it comes to reducing emissions. As a result, China's five provinces continue to emit unprecedented levels of carbon dioxide, contributing significantly to global pollution and climate change.
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Frequently asked questions
Bangladesh is the most polluted country in the world, with an average PM2.5 concentration of nearly 80 micrograms per cubic meter of air (µg/m3) in 2023. This figure rose to 75 µg/m³ in 2024.
The high levels of pollution in Bangladesh are caused by persistent traffic, construction activities, and industrial fumes, particularly from brick kilns, which are highly reliant on coal. Other sources include vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and the burning of biomass.
Pakistan ranks second for air pollution, with an average PM2.5 level of 55 µg/m³. Major contributors to its pollution include industrial emissions, transportation, and agricultural burning.
The poor air quality in Pakistan is linked to an increase in respiratory diseases, allergies, and chronic conditions. It is estimated that air pollution causes thousands of premature deaths in the country each year.
