Overview of the Report
IQAir’s recently released 6th edition of the World Air Quality Report 2023 provides critical insights into global air pollution levels. The report, compiled by the Swiss technology company, collected data from over 30,000 air quality monitoring stations across 7,812 locations in 134 countries and regions.
Key Findings
Widespread Pollution: Alarmingly, 92.5% of the countries and regions surveyed exceeded the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline value of 5 µg/m3.
Top Polluted Countries: Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Tajikistan, and Burkina Faso emerged as the top five most polluted countries worldwide. Notably, Canada claimed the unwanted title of the most polluted country in Northern America for the first time.
India’s Pollution Crisis: India ranked as the third most polluted country, with an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 54.4 micrograms per cubic meter, surpassing WHO guidelines by over seven times. Furthermore, 96% of the Indian population experiences PM2.5 levels far exceeding the WHO guideline.
City-level Pollution: The report highlighted that 42 out of the top 50 most polluted cities globally were located in India. Delhi, the capital city, witnessed a disturbing increase in PM2.5 concentration, further solidifying its position as the world’s most polluted capital.
Insights into Indian Cities
Varied Pollution Levels: While metropolitan areas like Delhi, Guwahati, and Begusarai grapple with severe pollution, some Indian cities demonstrate comparatively lower pollution levels. Silchar in Assam, Aizawl in Mizoram, and Damoh in Madhya Pradesh were among the least polluted cities in the region.
Other Indian cities featuring in the top 50 most polluted cities of the world list included Greater Noida (11), Muzzafarnagar (16), Gurgaon (17), Arrah (18), Dadri (19), Patna (20), Faridabad (25), Noida (26), Meerut (28), Ghaziabad (35) and Rohtak (47).
Population Exposure: Despite regional disparities, a significant portion of India’s population faces hazardous air quality. In cities like Delhi, where PM2.5 levels exceed WHO guidelines by over 20 times, millions endure the health risks associated with pollution.
The World Air Quality Report 2023 revealed several major findings regarding air pollution levels globally:
- Exceedance of WHO PM2.5 Guideline: A significant majority of countries and regions, 92.5% to be precise, surpassed the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline value of 5 µg/m3.
- Top Polluted Countries: Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Tajikistan, and Burkina Faso emerged as the top five most polluted countries worldwide in 2023.
- Canada’s Distinction: Canada was identified as the most polluted country in Northern America for the first time in the report’s history.
- India’s Pollution Status: India was ranked as the third-most polluted country in 2023, with an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 54.4 micrograms per cubic meter. Alarmingly, 96% of the Indian population experienced PM2.5 levels exceeding the WHO guideline by more than seven times.
- Most Polluted Cities: Among the top 50 most polluted cities globally, a staggering 42 were located in India. Begusarai emerged as the most polluted metropolitan area in 2023, followed by Guwahati and Delhi.
- Delhi’s Air Quality: Delhi claimed the title of the world’s most polluted capital city, witnessing an increase in PM2.5 concentration from 89.1 to 92.7 micrograms per cubic meter between 2022 and 2023.
- Least Polluted Cities in India: Silchar in Assam, Aizawl in Mizoram, and Damoh in Madhya Pradesh were identified as the least polluted cities in the central and south Asia region.
- Countries Meeting WHO Standards: Only seven countries managed to meet the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline, with an annual average of 5 µg/m3 or less. These countries included Australia, Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius, and New Zealand.
WHO Air Quality Guidelines
The WHO Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recommend specific levels and interim targets for common air pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). These guidelines are intended to provide evidence-based recommendations to help countries achieve air quality that protects public health.
The recommended 2021 AQG levels, compared to the 2005 air quality guidelines, are outlined in the table below:
| Pollutant | AQG Level (2021) | AQG Level (2005) |
|---|---|---|
| Particulate Matter (PM) | 5 μg/m3 (annual average) | 10 μg/m3 (annual average) |
| Ozone (O3) | 100 μg/m3 (8-hour average) | 180 μg/m3 (1-hour average) |
| Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) | 40 μg/m3 (annual average) | 40 μg/m3 (annual average) |
| Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) | 20 μg/m3 (24-hour average) | 20 μg/m3 (24-hour average) |
It’s important to note that AQGs provide both long-term (annual average) and short-term (24-hour or 8-hour average) exposure guidelines for each pollutant. These guidelines serve as benchmarks for countries to assess and manage air quality to protect public health.
Bright Spots and Concerns
Regional Disparities: While countries like Australia, Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius, and New Zealand met WHO air quality standards, many nations continue to struggle with pollution, especially in South Asia and Africa.
Health Impacts: Air pollution poses severe health risks, including respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, and reduced lung function. The associated healthcare costs burden economies and healthcare systems.
Government Initiatives: Governments worldwide have initiated measures like the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), adoption of Bharat Stage VI emission standards, and promoting clean energy solutions to combat air pollution effectively.
Transboundary Pollution: The report underscores the global nature of air pollution, with pollutants traveling across borders, necessitating collaborative efforts to address this pressing environmental challenge.
Conclusion
The World Air Quality Report 2023 serves as a wake-up call for concerted action to mitigate air pollution’s adverse effects on public health and the environment. Urgent measures, informed by data-driven insights, are imperative to safeguard the well-being of present and future generations.