South Asia Faces Skyrocketing Air Pollution
In 2023, Bangladesh and Pakistan emerged as two of the world’s most polluted countries, with air quality levels significantly exceeding the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended standards, according to data released by IQAir, a Swiss air monitoring organization.
Average concentrations of PM2.5—tiny airborne particles that penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream—reached 79.9 micrograms per cubic meter in Bangladesh and 73.7 micrograms in Pakistan. These levels are approximately 15 times higher than the WHO’s advised limit of 5 micrograms per cubic meter.
Geography and Climate Factors
“Because of the climate conditions and the geography in South Asia, you get this streak of PM2.5 concentrations that just skyrocket because the pollution has nowhere to go,” said Christi Chester Schroeder, air quality science manager at IQAir. “On top of that are factors such as agricultural practices, industry, and population density. Unfortunately, it really does look like it will get worse before it gets better.”
Health and Economic Impact
In Bangladesh, air pollution contributes to about 20% of premature deaths, with healthcare costs related to pollution estimated to account for 4% to 5% of the country’s GDP, according to Md Firoz Khan, an air pollution expert at Dhaka’s North South University.
India’s Worsening Air Quality
India also saw a deterioration in air quality, with PM2.5 levels around 11 times higher than WHO standards. India’s capital, New Delhi, was recorded as the worst-performing capital city globally, with PM2.5 concentrations at 92.7 micrograms per cubic meter.
The Chinese Mainland’s PM2.5 Levels Increase
The Chinese mainland experienced a 6.3% increase in PM2.5 levels, reaching 32.5 micrograms per cubic meter in 2023, after five consecutive years of decline.
Global Overview
Only a handful of countries, including Australia, Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius, and New Zealand, met the WHO’s air quality guidelines in 2023.
The IQAir report compiled data from over 30,000 monitoring stations across 134 countries and regions. Chad, previously ranked as the most polluted country in 2022, was excluded from the 2023 list due to data issues. Iran and Sudan were also removed from the rankings.
Need for Global Monitoring Efforts
“Considering the large potential benefits and relatively low cost, it’s stunning that we don’t have an organized global effort to deploy resources to close these data gaps, especially in places where the health burden of air pollution has been largest,” said Christa Hasenkopf, director of the Air Quality Life Index at the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
