Meghan Hodges
Air pollution is a pressing global health issue, causing more than 10% of all deaths worldwide. In 2023, only seven countries met safe air pollution levels, according to IQAir. This article will explore which countries are leading the way in terms of pollution-free air and what measures they have taken to achieve this. It will also discuss the impact of air pollution on health and the environment and highlight the progress made by certain countries in improving their air quality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Countries with the least pollution | Australia, Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Bermuda, French Polynesia |
| Thailand, Taiwan, Norway | |
| Country with the most pollution | India |
| Countries with high pollution | Bangladesh, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Burkina Faso, Iraq, Senegal, Nepal |
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What You'll Learn
Australia: the least polluted country in 2024
Australia is one of the least polluted countries in the world in 2024. In fact, it is the ninth cleanest country in the world when it comes to air quality, according to a recent international report. Canberra has also been recognised as the best regional city in the world for air quality.
The report also highlights Australia's most and least polluted towns. Rocklea, Stockton, Collie, Armidale, and Muswellbrook are among the most polluted, while Underwood, Broken Hill, Rufus, Emu River, and Judbury are among the least polluted.
Despite Australia's overall positive results, the report notes that there is still room for improvement. Many cities in the region continue to exceed the World Health Organization's (WHO) annual PM2.5 guideline, indicating that a significant portion of the population is exposed to unhealthy air quality.
Australia's clean air can be attributed to various factors, including its climate, which ranges from tropical in the north to temperate in the south. The country has also experienced La Niña conditions, bringing increased rainfall and vegetation, which can positively impact air quality.
In contrast, other countries, particularly in South Asia, continue to struggle with high levels of air pollution due to urbanisation, industrial activity, and climate factors. Countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India are consistently ranked among the world's most polluted nations, facing significant public health challenges.
By meeting the safe guideline of five micrograms per cubic metre of air (µg/m3) or less, Australia is leading the way in maintaining safe air pollution levels and mitigating the global health risks associated with air pollution.
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Canada: three cities in the top 25 least polluted
Canada is home to the 13 most polluted cities in North America, according to IQAir's 2024 report. However, three Canadian cities are among the top 25 least polluted cities worldwide. While the specific cities are not mentioned, this indicates that Canada is taking steps to improve its air quality and reduce pollution.
Canada's appearance on the list of the least polluted places is notable, as it is not one of the least populated areas globally. The country's efforts to improve air quality are making a significant impact, and it is one of the few non-island nations on the list. This achievement is even more remarkable considering that Canada is a developed country with a high population and a large number of vehicles on the road.
Canada's success in reducing air pollution can be attributed to various factors, including its commitment to eco-friendly initiatives and investments in public transportation. The country has likely implemented measures to reduce emissions and encourage the use of cleaner energy sources. Additionally, Canada may have stringent air quality regulations and standards in place to limit pollution levels.
The presence of Canadian cities among the least polluted places is encouraging and demonstrates that positive change is possible. It is essential to acknowledge that air pollution is a global issue, and even countries with relatively better air quality, like Canada, still need to work towards further improvements. Continuous efforts and commitment from governments, industries, and individuals are necessary to combat air pollution and ensure a sustainable future for all.
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European countries: 54% classified as green in 2023
According to a report by Swiss air quality technology company IQAir, only seven countries in the world met safe air pollution levels in 2023. These were Australia, Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius and New Zealand. Notably, three of these countries are in Europe.
In Europe, Iceland had the cleanest air, with 4µg/m3, followed by Estonia with 4.7µg/m3 and Finland with 4.9µg/m3. Many European countries fell into the 'green' category, denoting levels up to double the safe standard. These included Sweden, Ireland, Norway, Portugal, Liechtenstein, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Andorra, Latvia, Ukraine, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, France, Austria, Spain and Russia.
European countries have been making efforts to improve their sustainability and reduce pollution. The Green EU Trade Marks (EUTMs) initiative, for example, defines green terms related to environmental protection and sustainable development. In 2021, there were 21,281 green EUTMs filed, decreasing to 19,659 in 2022. Green EUTM applications from EU firms performed better than those from non-EU applicants. Slovenia, in particular, showed a significant increase from 12% to almost 20%, reaching the top position in the ranking of green trade marks among EU Member States.
The European Union has also been a leader in climate change policy and action, although it is not expected to reach its 2030 target of reducing emissions by 55%. The EU's new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive will, however, pressure companies to transition away from carbon-based business models.
In terms of regional performance, Scandinavian countries tend to outperform their peers in terms of relatively low GHG emissions intensity, public R&D spending towards the environment, and value-add in the environmental goods and services sector. Western European countries closely follow, while Eastern European countries lag, with lower levels of renewables in their electricity supply and less engagement with transition technologies.
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Thailand, Taiwan, and Norway: clean air due to better policies
While it is challenging to determine the most pollution-free country, Thailand, Taiwan, and Norway have notably implemented effective policies to improve air quality. These nations serve as models for the rest of the world in combating air pollution.
Let's begin with Thailand, which became a partner of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) in 2019. Thailand has demonstrated its commitment to reducing short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) and has actively collaborated with the CCAC on various initiatives. One notable example is the Thai-German Climate Programme (2018-2021), which aimed to support Thailand in operationalizing its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) across multiple sectors. The programme focused on developing monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems and promoting sustainable practices in agriculture, such as the National Training Programme for sustainable rice farming. Additionally, Thailand has embarked on the National Solid Waste Management Master Plan (2016-2021), encouraging citizens to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste, while also targeting open dumping sites and implementing waste separation policies.
Taiwan, while not a large country, has made significant strides in reducing pollution. Taiwan's efforts are particularly impressive given that it is an industrialized nation with a high population density. Taiwan has focused on renewable energy sources, with a remarkable 20% of its energy generated by solar and wind power. The country has also implemented a feed-in tariff scheme, encouraging the development of renewable energy sources by offering long-term contracts and premiums for renewable energy producers.
Norway, a leader in environmental initiatives, has served on the steering committee of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition. The nation has actively promoted pollution-free cooking through its Renewable Energy in Norwegian Development Policy. In 2013, the Norwegian Environment Agency proposed a national action plan to assess the impacts of short-lived climate pollutants. Norway has also played a crucial role in international cooperation, working with China to control black carbon emissions and with India on the "Future Refrigeration India: INDEE+" project, supporting the transition to environmentally friendly technology in the refrigeration and air conditioning sector.
These three nations, Thailand, Taiwan, and Norway, have demonstrated their commitment to tackling air pollution through policy implementation and international collaboration. Their efforts provide a roadmap for other countries to follow, showcasing the potential for significant improvements in air quality on a global scale.
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Bangladesh: the most polluted country
Air pollution has become a pressing global health issue, with only seven countries meeting the World Health Organization's (WHO) air quality guidelines as of 2023. Bangladesh has consistently ranked among the most polluted countries in the world, and its air quality has significant implications for the health of its citizens.
Bangladesh has been identified as the world's most polluted country in several reports, including IQAir's World Air Quality Report for 2024. It has topped the list since 2018, except for a brief period in 2022 when Pakistan led. According to IQAir's data, Bangladesh's annual average concentration of PM 2.5 was 79.9 µg/m³, higher than the previous measurements of 65.8 µg/m³ in 2022 and 76.9 µg/m³ in 2021. While Bangladesh's emissions have decreased, they have not been significant enough to mitigate the climate crisis and protect public health.
The high levels of pollution in Bangladesh can be attributed to various factors, including industrial emissions, agricultural burning, vehicle pollution, and dust. These issues are not unique to Bangladesh, as neighbouring countries like India, Pakistan, and Nepal share similar sources of pollution. However, the limited scope of Bangladesh's air quality monitoring network, which tends to focus on urban areas, may also contribute to the country's high pollution rankings.
Bangladesh's pollution problem is further exacerbated by its geographical location and socioeconomic factors. As a low-lying country with a high population density, Bangladesh is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including sea-level rise and extreme weather events. Additionally, the country's large population contributes to increased vehicle emissions, particularly from older models that emit higher levels of pollutants. Addressing these challenges will require a comprehensive approach that includes transitioning to more eco-friendly energy sources and investing in public transportation to reduce vehicle emissions.
While Bangladesh has made some efforts to improve its air quality, the country continues to face significant challenges in mitigating pollution and adapting to climate change. The government and relevant authorities need to prioritize sustainable practices and policies to ensure the long-term health and well-being of Bangladesh's citizens and the environment.
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Frequently asked questions
According to a report by Swiss air quality technology company IQAir, only seven countries in the world met safe air pollution levels in 2023. These countries were Australia, Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius, and New Zealand.
In 2025, India was ranked as the most polluted country in the world, with an average AQI of 155. However, in 2021, Bangladesh was the world's most polluted country, with 79.9 µg/m³.
Poorer, larger countries tend to have higher pollution levels due to a lack of infrastructure for air quality management and larger vehicle populations, including older, more emission-heavy models.
Air pollution is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, causing more than 10% of all deaths, according to The Lancet. It can affect multiple organs and systems in the human body and also negatively impacts nature.
