IndianEra > Editor's pick > Global Air Quality: Only ‘6’ Of 355 South Asian Cities Meet WHO Norms!

Deteriorating air quality is one major concern for most urban areas, globally.

China was on the top of the list for some years due to its heavy manufacturing activity and resultant pollution.

Now, India replaced China emerging as the home to 21 of the world’s 30 cities with worst air quality, found the IQAir AirVisual’s 2019 World Air Quality Report.

Ghaziabad was named as the world’s most polluted city for 2019 for its average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 110.2. This number is more than double the level that the US Environmental Protection Agency terms as ‘healthy’.

New Delhi reported hazardous levels of air pollution in November 2019, with AQI levels beyond 800 causing the ‘public health emergency’.

New Delhi Air Pollution

Overall, Asian countries dominated the list of most air polluted regions in 2019.

90% of the world’s population breathes highly polluted air – (Source: WHO)

The survey collected data from ground monitoring stations that measure the particulate matter PM 2.5 per cubic meter, which includes sulphate, nitrates and black carbon.

Exposure to these hazardous chemicals lead to heart and immune problems.

Country Air Quality PM2.5*
Bangladesh Unhealthy 83.3
Pakistan Unhealthy 65.8
Mongolia Unhealthy 62
Afghanistan Unhealthy 58.8
India Unhealthy 58.1
Source : Health Effects Institute

Take only the Asian countries from the table (in yellow) under Air Pollution across the World in 2019.

South Asia, The Worst in Air Pollution

Worst in Air Pollution

Air pollution kills an estimated 7 million people each year – (Source: WHO)

Around 80% of urban areas have air pollution levels beyond limits set by the WHO guidelines, with low and middle-income nations posing a serious risk.

“Air pollution constitutes the most pressing environmental health risk facing our global population,” the AirVisual report said.

Air Pollution kills nearly 10% of children under 5 years of age – (Source: WHO)

South Asia, Southeast Asia and Middle East report the worst air quality, globally, with only 6 of 355 included cities meeting WHO norms.

South Asia alone has 27 of the most polluted cities in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

China and India accounted for more than 50% of global pollution deaths –  (Source: State of Global Air Report 2018)

While Pakistan’s Gujranwala, Faisalabad and Raiwind are among the ten most polluted cities, India’s New Delhi and Lahore, and Bangladesh’s Dhaka rank 5th, 12th and 21st positions, respectively.

What’s Leading to Air Pollution?

Leading to Air Pollution

Climate change crisis and urbanization are two leading factors contributing to the rise of air pollution.

There are “clear indications that climate change can directly increase the risk of exposure to air pollution” says the report, citing the increasing number of wildfires and sandstorms.

Poor air quality is the greatest environmental health risk – (Source: WHO)

Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHGs) is another major reason contributing to the deteriorating air quality.

Dependence on coal, the biggest contributor to PM 2.5, is another key factor impacting the air quality, globally.

Rapid industrialization in the Southeast is another major reason behind the growing air pollution in the region.

“Fast growing cities need to make a choice if they want to grow in a sustainable manner,” says Yann Boquillod, director of air quality monitoring at IQAir.

“Up to recently, growth was more important than the environment, but we’re seeing a very clear trend that people are demanding more from their local governments,” Yann adds.

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Posted by IndianEra, 25/02/2020