A new report reveals that global air pollution remains a significant issue, with average annual air quality exceeding World Health Organization guidelines in every country and 97% of cities. The Scandinavian countries, Australia, Canada, Japan, and United Kingdom ranked among the best for air quality, while India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh had the worst air pollution, exceeding WHO guidelines by at least 10 times.
Global Air Pollution Issues
The IQAir report, released in March 2022, provides a comprehensive analysis of air quality around the world in 2021. The report highlights the need for governments to take action to reduce global air pollution.
Key Findings
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Average annual air pollution exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines in every country and 97% of cities.
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Only 222 cities out of 6,475 analyzed had average air quality that met WHO’s standard.
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India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh were among the countries with the worst air pollution, exceeding WHO guidelines by at least 10 times.
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The Scandinavian countries, Australia, Canada, Japan, and United Kingdom ranked among the best countries for air quality.
Sources of Pollution
The report identifies fossil fuel-powered transportation, energy production, and wildfires as the main sources of pollution in the US. These factors have contributed to significant increases in air pollution in cities like Atlanta and Minneapolis.
Impact on Human Health
Air pollution has severe consequences for human health, including respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and premature deaths. The report highlights that millions of people die each year from air quality issues.
Recommendations
Governments around the world need to help reduce global air pollution by setting more stringent air quality national standards and exploring better foreign policies that promote better air quality. The report underscores the need for governments to take action against climate change.
Air Quality Rankings
Best Countries for Air Quality
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Scandinavian countries
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Australia
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Canada
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Japan
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United Kingdom (average levels exceeded WHO guidelines by 1-2 times)
Worst Countries for Air Quality
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India
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Pakistan
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Bangladesh (exceeded WHO guidelines by at least 10 times)
US Air Quality
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Los Angeles remained the most polluted city in the US, despite a 6% decrease compared to 2020.
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Atlanta and Minneapolis saw significant increases in pollution.
Sources of Pollution in the US
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Fossil fuel-powered transportation
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Energy production
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Wildfires
Limitations
Researchers note that relying only on monitoring stations can lead to blind spots in these reports, highlighting the need for alternative techniques and more comprehensive data collection.
