The Asian Air Pollution Crisis: A Threat to Billions
In a shocking revelation, a new report has identified that all but one of the 100 cities with the worst air pollution in the world last year were located in Asia. The detrimental impact of the climate crisis has played a pivotal role in exacerbating air quality issues, posing a severe risk to the health of billions of individuals globally.
The report by IQAir, a global air quality tracking organization, highlighted that a staggering 83 out of these cities were situated in India, surpassing the World Health Organization’s air quality guidelines by more than 10 times.
Focusing specifically on fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, the report revealed that only 9% of over 7,800 cities analyzed worldwide met the WHO’s standard, which stipulates that annual PM2.5 levels should not exceed 5 micrograms per cubic meter.
The Deadly Impact of PM2.5
IQAir Global CEO, Frank Hammes, emphasized the dire consequences of air pollution, stating that it could potentially reduce people’s lifespan by three to six years in some of the most polluted regions. Furthermore, exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to a myriad of health issues including asthma, heart disease, cancer, and cognitive impairment.
Begusarai, a city in northern India, topped the list as the world’s most polluted city last year with PM2.5 levels exceeding WHO guidelines by 23 times. The alarming data underscored the severity of the air pollution crisis in India, where 1.3 billion people live in areas with air quality seven times higher than WHO standards.
Regional Concerns and Call for Action
Central and South Asia were identified as the worst-performing regions globally, with countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, and Tajikistan facing alarming pollution levels. South Asia, in particular, was highlighted as a major concern, with 29 of the 30 most polluted cities located in India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh.
Hammes stressed the urgent need for significant changes in energy infrastructure and agricultural practices to address the escalating air pollution crisis. He also expressed concerns about the overlap between outdoor and indoor air pollution, emphasizing the need for comprehensive solutions.
Global Impact and Urgent Action
The report painted a grim picture of global air quality, with 92.5% of analyzed locations exceeding WHO’s PM2.5 guidelines. Only 10 countries and territories were classified as having “healthy” air quality, underscoring the urgent need for action to combat air pollution.
Millions of lives are at stake due to air pollution-related health issues, with fossil fuel emissions alone causing 5.1 million deaths annually. The report also highlighted the critical role of the climate crisis in exacerbating air pollution levels, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to address both issues simultaneously.
As the world grapples with the devastating impact of air pollution, it is clear that immediate action is needed to safeguard the health and well-being of billions of people worldwide.
