Bangladesh and Chad emerged as the most polluted countries in 2024, with smog levels significantly above WHO guidelines. Only seven nations met the WHO air quality standards. The closure of the US air quality monitoring program raises alarms over data gaps, particularly in developing regions, impacting global air quality monitoring and efforts to tackle pollution.
In 2024, Bangladesh and Chad were identified as the most polluted countries globally, with smog levels exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines by more than 15 times. In contrast, only seven nations, including Australia, New Zealand, and Iceland, managed to meet the WHO’s air quality standards, as noted by Swiss air quality monitoring firm IQAir.
Significant data gaps across Asia and Africa pose challenges in monitoring air quality, particularly in developing countries relying on US embassy sensors to track smog. The US State Department’s recent discontinuation of this program raises concerns about the future of air quality data availability. Researchers express apprehension regarding this loss of vital information needed for effective monitoring.
Christi Chester-Schroeder, IQAir’s air quality science manager, pointed out that the closure significantly affects Africa, where many countries previously depended on these sensors for public access to real-time air quality data. Chad’s omission from IQAir’s 2023 list was due to similar data concerns, although it was already noted as the most polluted nation in the previous year, facing issues from Sahara dust and unchecked crop burning.
In India, average PM2.5 levels dropped by 7% to 50.6 mg/m³, ranking it fifth in pollution levels after Chad, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Byrnihat in Meghalaya reported an alarming PM2.5 level of 128 mg/m³, while climate change exacerbates pollution through increased forest fires in Southeast Asia and South America.
Christa Hasenkopf, the Director of the Clean Air Program at the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute, highlighted that the closure of the US monitoring program will result in at least 34 countries losing access to reliable pollution data. The initiative previously led to improvements in urban air quality, enhanced life expectancy, and reduced hazard allowances for US diplomats. Hasenkopf condemned the program’s termination as “a giant blow to air quality efforts worldwide.”
In summary, Bangladesh and Chad were ranked as the most polluted countries in 2024, with severe air quality issues highlighted by excessive PM2.5 levels. The closure of the US air quality monitoring program raises significant concerns about data availability in Asia and Africa, potentially hampering efforts to combat pollution. The termination of this initiative is viewed as detrimental by experts, jeopardizing the ability of numerous nations to monitor and improve their air quality. Furthermore, while India’s air quality saw some improvement, it remains critically polluted, indicating a broader global issue necessitating immediate attention and action.
Original Source: www.newsbytesapp.com
