The 2024 World Air Quality Report identifies Chad and Bangladesh as the most polluted countries and Delhi, India, as the most polluted capital. Few countries meet WHO air quality standards, with only seven globally. The prevalence of air pollution, especially in the Global South, underscores the need for enhanced monitoring and regional cooperation to combat this public health crisis.
According to the 2024 World Air Quality Report by IQAir, Chad and Bangladesh were identified as the most polluted countries, with Delhi, India ranking as the most polluted capital city. Only seven countries, including Australia and New Zealand, met the World Health Organization’s air quality guidelines. Despite a slight improvement in pollution levels in India, it ranked fifth globally in national pollution levels, reflecting the persistence of air quality challenges.
Seventy-four of the world’s top 100 polluted cities are located in India, a reduction from 83 cities reported the previous year. A nationwide average concentration of PM2.5, a critical pollutant, declined by 7%, yet remains 10 times the WHO guideline. The report indicates that globally, only 17% of nearly 9,000 cities assessed met WHO standards for PM2.5.
The awareness of air quality issues is constrained, particularly in the Global South, where air pollution is notably severe. Only 24 out of 54 African nations reported data, emphasizing the importance of enhanced monitoring efforts. The reduction of environmental monitoring resources under the previous U.S. administration has exacerbated the challenge, as critical air quality data sources experienced significant cuts, hindering public health initiatives.
While India appears at the forefront of air pollution, it benefits from a comprehensive monitoring network that incorporates data from more rural and less polluted areas, thus producing a lower national average. Traditional urban-centered measurements in countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan tend to skew the overall pollution averages higher for those nations. The report underscores the necessity for regional agreements to tackle cross-border air pollution issues, particularly among neighboring countries in South Asia.
The report highlights that all 74 polluted Indian cities belong to Northern India, specifically in the Indo-Gangetic Plain. A coordinated effort to address pollution control in this high-density region is paramount, as pollutant transport across state lines complicates clean air initiatives. Japan is also featured for its decline in air pollution, particularly in major cities. In contrast, pollution still persists in various Southeast Asian nations, notably in Indonesia and Vietnam.
Indonesia’s pollution decreased slightly, but it continues to face challenges due to its reliance on coal for power generation. Meanwhile, Vietnam’s air quality issues impose significant economic costs. Effective community initiatives and expanded awareness are essential to address these environmental concerns.
Overall, the report makes clear that air quality remains a global challenge, particularly in the Global South, requiring multi-faceted approaches, regional cooperation, and enhanced monitoring to protect public health.
The cleanest air was noted in Hawaii’s Honaka’a, ranked significantly lower on the pollution scale with a PM2.5 average of one microgram per cubic meter.
In summary, the 2024 World Air Quality Report indicates severe pollution levels, particularly in Chad, Bangladesh, and India. The disparity in monitoring capabilities highlights the Global South’s struggle with air quality issues. With only seven countries meeting WHO guidelines, significant efforts are needed for regional cooperation and comprehensive monitoring to address these persistent air pollution challenges effectively. Addressing air quality is crucial for public health and necessitates coordinated international efforts.
Original Source: healthpolicy-watch.news
