Air Quality Report: Baghdad, Iraq – A Sustainable Development Goals Perspective

Executive Summary

This report details a severe air pollution event in Baghdad, Iraq, on September 18, 2025. The Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeded 200, classified as “Very Unhealthy,” primarily due to high concentrations of PM2.5. This event, which positioned Baghdad as the most polluted major city globally, underscores significant challenges to achieving key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The city’s chronic poor air quality, with a 2024 annual average PM2.5 concentration 8.1 times the WHO guideline, indicates a persistent environmental crisis requiring urgent intervention.

Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The “Very Unhealthy” air quality poses a direct threat to public health, undermining progress toward SDG 3. The high concentration of pollutants has immediate and severe health implications, especially for vulnerable populations.

• Acute Health Risks: Exposure can cause significant respiratory distress, worsen cardiovascular conditions, and impair lung function.
• Vulnerable Groups: Children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions face a disproportionately high risk of adverse effects.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The hazardous air quality in Baghdad is in direct conflict with the objectives of SDG 11, which aims to make cities safe, resilient, and sustainable. Specifically, the situation reflects a failure to meet Target 11.6, which calls for reducing the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities by improving air quality.

• Chronic Pollution: The 2024 average PM2.5 concentration for Baghdad was 40.5 µg/m³, far exceeding the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.
• Global Ranking: On the date of this report, Baghdad was ranked as the most polluted major city in the world, highlighting the extreme nature of its urban environmental degradation.

Analysis of Pollution Sources and SDG Linkages

Primary Contributing Factors

The poor air quality in Baghdad results from a combination of natural and anthropogenic factors, many of which are linked to unsustainable development practices.

1. Natural Phenomena: Frequent dust storms from surrounding arid regions significantly increase particulate matter levels.
2. Vehicular Emissions: A study identified gasoline (≈37%) and diesel (≈17%) engines as major sources of carbon-based aerosols. This points to challenges in achieving sustainable transport systems under SDG 11.
3. Industrial and Energy Production: Pollution from oil refineries, power plants, and the widespread use of private generators during power shortages contributes heavily to emissions. This highlights a critical need for investment in clean and reliable energy, as outlined in SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).
4. Waste Management: The practice of open waste burning further degrades air quality, indicating gaps in sustainable municipal waste management systems (SDG 11).

Forecast and Recommendations

Short-Term Outlook

Forecasts indicate a slight improvement in air quality, with AQI levels expected to fall into the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category. However, conditions will remain hazardous for outdoor activities, offering only temporary and insufficient relief. This volatility underscores the need for systemic solutions over reactive measures.

Recommendations for Public Safety

To mitigate immediate health risks and support SDG 3, the following protective measures are advised:

• Limit time spent outdoors.
• Keep windows and doors sealed to reduce indoor pollution.
• Utilize indoor air purifiers.
• Wear a protective mask if outdoor activity is unavoidable.

Consistent, long-term improvement in Baghdad’s air quality is contingent upon broad environmental interventions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Addressing the root causes of pollution, including transportation, energy infrastructure, and waste management, is essential for creating a healthy and sustainable urban environment.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

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

   The article on air quality in Baghdad addresses two primary Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

   • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The article directly connects poor air quality to negative health outcomes. It states that the “very unhealthy” conditions “can cause respiratory issues, worsen heart problems, and impair lung function, especially for children, the elderly, and those with health vulnerabilities.” This establishes a clear link between the environmental issue (air pollution) and public health.
   • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The focus of the article is on the urban environment of Baghdad, a major city. It highlights the city’s ranking as “the most polluted major city in the world” and discusses the causes of this pollution, which are characteristic of urban challenges, such as “vehicular emissions, industrial pollution from oil refineries and power plants, waste burning, and generator use.”

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

   Based on the issues discussed, the following specific targets can be identified:

   • Target 3.9: “By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.” The article’s emphasis on the health risks posed by high concentrations of PM2.5, including respiratory and heart problems, directly relates to the goal of reducing illnesses caused by air pollution.
   • Target 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.” The article’s entire premise is centered on the poor air quality in Baghdad. It details the sources of pollution, including traffic, industry, and waste burning, which are key areas of focus for reducing the adverse environmental impact of a city.

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

   Yes, the article mentions and implies specific indicators that are used to measure progress towards these targets:

   • Indicator 3.9.1: “Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.” While the article does not provide specific mortality statistics, it implies the relevance of this indicator by detailing the severe health problems (“respiratory issues, worsen heart problems”) that contribute to illnesses and deaths from air pollution.
   • Indicator 11.6.2: “Annual mean concentration of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5) in cities (population weighted).” The article explicitly provides data for this indicator. It states, “the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for Baghdad was 40.5 µg/m³.” It also provides a benchmark by noting this is “8.1 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³,” which is the standard used to assess this indicator. The article also provides real-time AQI and PM2.5 data, which are the foundational measurements for this indicator.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators
   SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	Target 3.9: Substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.	Indicator 3.9.1 (Implied): Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution. The article implies this by discussing the severe health conditions caused by air pollution.
   SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.	Indicator 11.6.2 (Mentioned): Annual mean concentration of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5). The article explicitly states the average PM2.5 concentration for Baghdad in 2024 was 40.5 µg/m³.

Source: iqair.com