Global Highlights of the Report
According to the World Air Quality Report 2024, only seven countries worldwide managed to meet the World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guidelines for PM2.5 levels. These countries include:✅ Australia
✅ New Zealand
✅ Bahamas
✅ Barbados
✅ Grenada
✅ Estonia
✅ Iceland
On the other hand, some of the most polluted countries in 2024 included:
❌ Chad
❌ Bangladesh
❌ Pakistan
❌ India
❌ Tajikistan
The report highlights that Chad and Bangladesh recorded PM2.5 levels approximately 15 times higher than the recommended WHO limits, making them the most polluted nations globally.
India’s Air Pollution Crisis
India ranked fifth among the most polluted countries, with PM2.5 levels far exceeding safe limits. Although the country has seen a 7% decline in air pollution levels compared to previous years, the situation remains dire. Six of the world's top nine most polluted cities are in India, indicating the scale of the problem.Most Polluted Cities in India (2024)
1️⃣ Byrnihat (Most polluted city globally)2️⃣ Delhi
3️⃣ Noida
4️⃣ Ghaziabad
5️⃣ Varanasi
6️⃣ Faridabad
The capital city, New Delhi, continues to experience dangerously high pollution levels, with winter smog, stubble burning, and industrial emissions being the major contributors. Despite government interventions such as the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and emergency action plans, India’s pollution levels remain among the highest in the world.
Challenges in Air Quality Monitoring
The report also highlights the challenges in air quality monitoring, especially in developing regions. The suspension of air quality monitoring by the U.S. Department of State in several countries has created data gaps, making it difficult to track real-time pollution levels accurately.Other Key Environmental Reports: India's Global Performance
Apart from the World Air Quality Report, the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) 2024, published by Yale and Columbia Universities, paints a grim picture of India’s environmental health.- Overall EPI Rank: 176th out of 180 countries
- Air Quality Rank: 177th
- Climate Change Performance: Extremely low
The EPI report highlights India's struggles with air pollution, waste management, and deforestation, raising concerns about the country's long-term sustainability efforts.
Way Forward: What Needs to be Done?
Experts suggest several urgent measures to improve India’s air quality:✔️ Strengthening pollution control policies and strict enforcement of emission limits.
✔️ Promoting renewable energy sources to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
✔️ Enhancing public transportation and reducing vehicle emissions.
✔️ Implementing large-scale afforestation and green infrastructure projects.
✔️ Encouraging citizen participation in air pollution control programs.
Conclusion
The World Air Quality Report 2024 once again highlights the severe air pollution crisis in India, with major cities consistently ranking among the most polluted in the world. While some progress has been made, urgent policy action, technological innovations, and stricter enforcement are needed to protect public health and ensure a sustainable future.🌏 Air pollution is not just an environmental issue; it’s a health emergency that requires immediate global attention. 🌏
This book is for you written by Dr. Keshav Kumar
- Dive into a transformative exploration of how global politics shapes the future of our planet. Dr. Kumar unveils the urgent need for sustainable governance that values all life on Earth, challenging traditional systems and offering a bold vision for change. If you’re passionate about the environment, justice, and a sustainable future, this book is for you!
- Excited to share my new book, The Hidden Fortune of 1857 Join detective Arjun and the clever Ruhi as they uncover a legendary treasure hidden in Delhi’s shadows, filled with dangerous traps and secrets from India’s past. Ready for a thrilling adventure?
📖 Read more about World Politics: Life of All Creatures here!
.png)
%20emblem.%20The%20image%20should%20symbolize%20separation%20a.webp)
.webp)
