Air pollution is a severe global problem that affects millions of people, contributing to respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and premature death. As industrialisation and urbanisation continue to expand, several cities around the world have become notorious for their dangerously high levels of air pollution. Here are the ten cities with the worst air pollution in the world in 2024.
1. Delhi, India
Delhi frequently tops the list of the world’s most polluted cities. The capital of India faces severe air pollution, particularly during the winter months when a combination of vehicle emissions, industrial activity, construction dust, and crop burning in nearby states results in a thick blanket of smog. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels in Delhi often exceed safe limits, leading to widespread health problems, especially among children and the elderly.
2. Lahore, Pakistan
Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city, struggles with severe air pollution, particularly in the winter. Smog, caused by vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and crop burning in surrounding areas, often envelops the city. The concentration of PM2.5 particles is extremely high, regularly exceeding the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) guidelines. This leads to a range of health issues for the population, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
3. Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is another city suffering from dangerously high levels of air pollution. The city's rapid urbanisation, unregulated industrial activity, and heavy traffic contribute to severe air quality issues. Construction dust and emissions from brick kilns also play a major role in the city's high PM2.5 levels. The pollution in Dhaka causes widespread respiratory problems and a decline in the overall quality of life for its residents.
4. Beijing, China
Beijing, while improving in recent years, still struggles with significant air pollution due to industrial emissions, vehicle traffic, and coal burning. The Chinese government has made strides to reduce pollution through stricter regulations and cleaner energy initiatives, but PM2.5 levels still remain above WHO guidelines, especially during the winter months when coal use increases. Despite progress, Beijing's pollution continues to affect millions of people.
5. Kabul, Afghanistan
Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, faces a unique set of challenges regarding air pollution. In recent years, the city has been plagued by poor air quality due to a combination of factors such as unregulated industry, inefficient vehicles, and the widespread use of coal, wood, and other solid fuels for heating. The mountainous geography traps polluted air, leading to elevated levels of harmful particulate matter. Kabul's ongoing conflict and lack of infrastructure make it difficult to implement pollution controls.
6. Jakarta, Indonesia
Jakarta, the sprawling capital of Indonesia, consistently ranks as one of the most polluted cities in Southeast Asia. The city's rapid population growth, high traffic density, and industrial activity contribute to severe air pollution. During the dry season, the problem is compounded by smoke from forest fires and land clearing on nearby islands. Jakarta regularly experiences high levels of PM2.5, leading to respiratory diseases and other health issues among its population.
7. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital, is one of the coldest capital cities in the world, which exacerbates its air pollution problem. During the harsh winter months, residents rely heavily on coal for heating, leading to extremely high levels of particulate matter. The pollution in Ulaanbaatar has reached crisis levels, with air quality measurements often far exceeding safe limits, posing severe health risks for the city's inhabitants.
8. Karachi, Pakistan
Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city and economic hub, faces persistent air pollution due to rapid industrialisation, unchecked vehicle emissions, and the burning of solid waste. The city's coastal location does little to mitigate its high levels of PM2.5 and PM10. Karachi’s poor air quality leads to a variety of health issues, including chronic respiratory conditions and heart problems, impacting millions of people.
9. Chengdu, China
Chengdu, one of China's major cities, faces significant air pollution due to its rapid industrial growth and heavy reliance on coal for energy. The city experiences high levels of PM2.5, particularly during the winter months when heating demand increases. While China has made strides in reducing air pollution in major cities, Chengdu’s geography and industrial base continue to make it one of the country’s most polluted urban areas.
10. Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City has long struggled with air pollution, primarily due to its geographic location in a valley surrounded by mountains, which traps pollutants. Emissions from vehicles, industrial activity, and construction contribute to high levels of ozone and particulate matter. While the city has made some improvements in air quality over the years, it still faces periods of severe pollution, especially during temperature inversions that trap smog over the city.
Conclusion
These cities are grappling with the severe consequences of air pollution, which poses a major public health challenge. The sources of pollution—ranging from vehicle emissions and industrial activity to coal burning and forest fires—underscore the complexity of the issue. Addressing air quality will require global cooperation, stricter environmental regulations, and the promotion of cleaner energy alternatives to improve the health and well-being of millions of people around the world.