Only seven countries meet WHO air quality standard, research finds

Only Seven Countries Meeting International Air Quality Standard, New Report Finds

According to a new report, only seven countries are meeting the international air quality standard, with deadly air pollution worsening in some areas due to a rebound in economic activity and the toxic impact of wildfire smoke. The report highlights the importance of addressing air pollution in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Meeting the World Health Organization Guideline

1. Australia
2. Estonia
3. Finland
4. Grenada
5. Iceland
6. Mauritius
7. New Zealand

Out of the 134 countries and regions surveyed in the report, only these seven countries are meeting the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline limit for tiny airborne particles known as PM2.5. PM2.5 is a type of microscopic soot that can cause various health problems and deaths when inhaled. This poses serious implications for people’s health and well-being.

The majority of countries are failing to meet the WHO standard for PM2.5. The report, conducted by IQAir, a Swiss air quality organization that collects data from over 30,000 monitoring stations worldwide, emphasizes the need for urgent action to address air pollution and achieve the SDGs.

Challenges in Air Pollution Reduction

While air pollution has generally improved compared to previous centuries, there are still areas where pollution levels remain dangerously high. Pakistan, the most polluted country according to the report, has PM2.5 levels more than 14 times higher than the WHO standard. India, Tajikistan, and Burkina Faso are also among the most polluted countries.

Even in wealthier and fast-developing countries, progress in reducing air pollution is being threatened. Canada, known for having clean air, became the worst country for PM2.5 last year due to record wildfires. China also experienced challenges in improving air quality due to a rebound in economic activity following the Covid-19 pandemic.

The report highlights the need for swift action to address air pollution and protect public health. It emphasizes the importance of making cities more walkable, reducing reliance on cars, implementing sustainable forestry practices to mitigate the impact of wildfire smoke, and transitioning to clean energy sources. These actions align with the SDGs and contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future.

The Global Impact of Air Pollution

Air pollution is responsible for an estimated 7 million deaths worldwide each year, surpassing the combined impact of AIDS and malaria. Developing countries, which heavily rely on dirty fuels for heating, lighting, and cooking, bear the heaviest burden of air pollution.

The report identifies Begusarai in India as the most polluted urban area in the world. India is home to four of the most polluted cities globally. However, many developing countries, particularly in Africa, lack reliable air quality measurements.

The WHO recently lowered its guideline for “safe” PM2.5 levels to five micrograms per cubic meter. However, research conducted by US scientists suggests that there is no safe level of PM2.5 exposure, as even minimal exposure is linked to increased hospitalizations for conditions such as heart disease and asthma.

The Way Forward

To address the global air pollution crisis and achieve the SDGs, countries must take immediate action. This includes implementing effective air quality monitoring systems, adopting sustainable urban planning strategies, and transitioning to cleaner energy sources. Collaboration between nations is crucial to ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for all.

Aidan Farrow, senior air quality scientist at Greenpeace International, emphasizes the need to implement existing solutions to combat air pollution and address the resulting injustices. The report serves as a reminder of the urgent need to prioritize air quality and work towards a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13: Climate Action

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
• SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
• SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 3.9: Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution (PM2.5 levels).
• Indicator for SDG 11.6: Average concentration of PM2.5 in urban areas.
• Indicator for SDG 13.1: Change in PM2.5 levels before and after climate-related events (e.g., wildfires).

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: theguardian.com

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