Air pollution remains a critical issue worldwide, with Indian metropolises prominently featured among the most polluted cities. According to the 2024 World Air Quality Report by IQAir, Byrnihat in East India ranks as the city with the highest air pollution levels globally. India hosts 14 out of the 20 most polluted urban areas, with PM2.5 levels averaging 50.6 micrograms per cubic meter—significantly above the WHO guidelines.
While India grapples with severe pollution, Chad leads the list with the highest PM2.5 concentration, primarily due to dust from the Bodélé Depression. Following Chad are Bangladesh, Pakistan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with India also among the top five nations with concerning air quality.
The detrimental effects of PM2.5 particles are well-documented; they penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, leading to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and contributing to 8.1 million premature deaths annually worldwide. The interconnectedness of air pollution and climate change underscores the urgency of addressing emissions from transportation, agriculture, waste burning, and industrial activities.
Despite the grim statistics, some progress is noted. Air pollution in India decreased by 7% compared to the previous year, and improvements are seen in cities like Beijing. However, only 17% of cities meet WHO air quality standards, with just seven countries—including Australia and New Zealand—achieving recommended levels.
The global air pollution crisis is exacerbated by insufficient monitoring, especially in regions like Africa. Addressing this challenge requires expanded monitoring and concerted international efforts to reduce emissions and enhance air quality standards. The stakes are high, and immediate action is imperative to safeguard public health and the environment.
