A recent IQAir study reveals that 19 of the world’s top 20 polluted cities are in Asia, primarily India. Byrnihat recorded an alarming PM2.5 level of 128.2, significantly above the WHO limit of 5. Air pollution poses severe health risks, prompting calls for stricter regulations and funding for emissions control and clean energy initiatives. North America has also seen pollution but appeared to have improved overall air quality.
A new study reveals that 19 out of the 20 most polluted cities worldwide are located in Asia, predominantly in India, which houses 13 of these cities. Neighboring Pakistan contributes to four cities, while one city each is found in China and Kazakhstan. Notably, N’Djamena, the capital of Chad in Central Africa, is the sole city outside Asia on this list. In North America, cities in California experience the worst pollution levels, highlighting a stark contrast in air quality across regions.
The study conducted by IQAir, a Swiss air quality tracking organization, focused on fine particulate matter (PM2.5), one of the most dangerous pollutants. PM2.5, originating from fossil fuel combustion, wildfires, and dust storms, is tiny enough to bypass the body’s defenses, causing serious health complications such as respiratory issues, cancer, and increased mental health risks. The World Health Organization recommends that annual PM2.5 levels should not exceed 5 micrograms per cubic meter; however, Byrnihat, India, recorded an alarming concentration of 128.2 micrograms per cubic meter last year.
Local residents like Suman Momin express their despair over the pollution plaguing Byrnihat, attributing it to local factories, heavy construction, and deforestation. With a population of around 70,000, Momin notes, “It feels very sad and helpless that Byrnihat keeps topping the list.” The capital, New Delhi, remains the world’s most polluted capital for the sixth consecutive year, with an annual PM2.5 concentration of 91.8.
Despite India’s overall ranking dropping from third to fifth in terms of global pollution levels, air quality remains a significant health concern, reportedly reducing life expectancy by 5.2 years. Bangladesh and Pakistan rank as the second and third most polluted countries globally, respectively. Conversely, China has seen slight improvements in urban air quality due to stringent measures against pollution, though recent developments include plans to expand coal plant capacity.
The IQAir report indicates that all 20 cities listed exceeded WHO guidelines by over tenfold. Frank Hammes, Global CEO of IQAir, asserted, “Air pollution remains a critical threat to both human health and environmental stability.” Additionally, due to data availability issues, countries like Iran and Afghanistan were not included in the report, and Southeast Asia faces significant gaps in governmental air quality monitoring.
Among 8,954 analyzed cities, only 17% achieved air quality levels that met WHO guidelines. The worst polluted cities in North America—Ontario, Bloomington, and Huntington Park—are all situated in California. The United States, however, experienced a 22% drop in PM2.5 levels last year, owing to comprehensive air quality monitoring systems that facilitate scientific research and policy-making decisions.
The report emphasizes the necessity for governments to increase funding for renewable energy projects and to tighten emissions regulations. Suman Momin expresses her hope for improvement in air quality measures, stating, “We want the governments to do more, come together and work for us.”
The report highlights the alarming air quality crisis, particularly in Asia, with India and its cities, including Byrnihat and New Delhi, showing particularly high PM2.5 levels. While some nations exhibit improvement, the overarching trend indicates a dire need for increased regulation and funding for pollution mitigation efforts. Local residents like Suman Momin call for urgent governmental action to combat pollution and protect public health.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
