A recent report from IQAIR reveals that last year, nearly all of the world’s top 20 most polluted cities were in Asia, with 13 located in India, which is experiencing significant economic growth and pollution primarily due to coal usage. The sole city outside Asia on the list is N’djamena in Chad, which has the worst air quality in Central Africa. The report highlights that all the worst pollution cities in North America are in California.
The study focused on PM2.5, a dangerous particulate matter harmful to human health, linked to respiratory issues, chronic diseases, and mental health problems. The World Health Organization’s guideline for PM2.5 is 5 micrograms per cubic meter, yet the Indian city of Byrnihat recorded 128.2, over 25 times the recommended limit. New Delhi has remained the world’s most polluted capital for six consecutive years.
The report indicates that India has deteriorated in rankings but still shows some improvement compared to previous years. Neighboring Bangladesh and Pakistan rank as the second and third most polluted countries, while China has seen slight improvements in air quality. However, it continues to face challenges, including plans for new coal plants despite a recent push towards renewable energy.
Overall, the report indicates that 83% of cities globally fail to meet WHO pollution guidelines, emphasizing the need for government action to combat air pollution through renewable energy investments and stricter emission regulations. Public awareness about air quality remains crucial for effective policy-making and health interventions.
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