A study reveals that almost all of the world’s 20 most polluted cities are in Asia, with India housing 13 of them. The report by IQAir highlights PM2.5 as a significant pollutant, linked to serious health issues. Despite some improvements in China, air pollution remains a critical concern globally, necessitating government action for cleaner air.
A recent study reveals that nearly all of the world’s top 20 most polluted cities are situated in Asia, with only N’Djamena, Chad, being the exception. Among these cities, India experiences the highest concentration of pollution, encompassing thirteen cities, primarily due to rapid economic growth driven by coal, along with substantial traffic congestion. Pakistan features four cities on the list, while one city each is found in China and Kazakhstan.
The report, produced by IQAir, emphasizes fine particulate matter (PM2.5) as a critical concern, which stems from sources such as fossil fuel combustion, dust storms, and wildfires. PM2.5 is particularly hazardous due to its minuscule size, which allows it to penetrate the lungs and bloodstream, leading to severe health complications including respiratory issues and chronic diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that average annual PM2.5 levels not surpass 5 micrograms per cubic meter.
Last year, Byrnihat in India recorded a PM2.5 concentration of 128.2, far exceeding WHO guidelines. Residents like Suman Momin express despair over the constant pollution, attributing the poor air quality to nearby factories and ongoing construction, stating, “It feels very sad and helpless that Byrnihat keeps topping the list.” New Delhi, India’s capital, has been identified as the most polluted capital globally for the sixth consecutive year, with a PM2.5 level of 91.8. The report highlights that while India dropped from third to fifth position in terms of global pollution rankings, air quality still significantly impacts health, reducing life expectancy by an estimated 5.2 years.
Bangladesh and Pakistan follow closely as the second and third-most polluted countries respectively, while China shows slight improvement with PM2.5 levels decreasing. However, recent concerns arose when clean-energy organizations reported potential plans by China to invest in new coal power plants, raising concerns about ongoing air quality issues. All major cities listed in the report exceeded WHO standards by more than tenfold, underscoring the urgency of addressing this public health crisis.
Frank Hammes, the Global CEO of IQAir, stresses the importance of air quality monitoring, claiming, “Air pollution remains a critical threat to both human health and environmental stability.” Notably, inadequate data from countries such as Iran and Afghanistan hampers a full understanding of air quality challenges. With only 17% of cities globally meeting WHO pollution guidelines, the report advocates for enhanced investment in renewable energy sources and stricter emission regulations. Community members, like Suman, urge local governments to take significant action to improve air quality and health outcomes, stating, “We want the governments to do more, come together and work for us.”
This comprehensive analysis emphasizes the dire need for immediate and coordinated action toward improving air quality, particularly in nations facing severe pollution crises and for protecting the health of their populations.
The report from IQAir underscores a pressing crisis as the majority of the world’s most polluted cities are located in Asia, particularly India. It highlights the severe health risks associated with PM2.5 pollution and the failure of many regions to meet WHO air quality standards. Acknowledging the critical need for government intervention, it emphasizes the importance of funding renewable energy initiatives and enforcing stricter emission regulations to alleviate air pollution concerns and safeguard public health.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
