Which European countries have the best – and worst – air quality?

Scientists say that air pollution is a ‘global health catastrophe’.

Only seven countries in the world met safe air pollution levels in 2023, a new report by Swiss air quality technology company IQAir reveals.

The World Air Quality Report, released this week, draws on data from more than 30,000 monitoring stations in 134 countries, territories and regions.

Which seven countries meet safe air quality levels?

• Australia
• Estonia
• Finland
• Grenada
• Iceland
• Mauritius
• New Zealand

Puerto Rico, Bermuda and French Polynesia also fell within safe levels.

How bad is the air pollution in other European countries?

• Lithuania
• The Czech Republic
• Hungary
• Malta
• Slovakia
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Poland
• Cyprus
• Slovenia
• Italy

Which are the most polluted countries in the world?

• Bangladesh
• Pakistan
• India
• Tajikistan
• Burkina Faso

Why is air quality data important?

Air quality reports act as important calls to action to curb pollution levels, which are usually worst in areas home to vulnerable and underrepresented groups of people.

“A clean, healthy and sustainable environment is a universal human right,” says Frank Hammes, Global CEO, IQAir. “In many parts of the world the lack of air quality data delays decisive action and perpetuates unnecessary human suffering.

“Air quality data saves lives. Where air quality is reported, action is taken, and air quality improves.”

Efforts are urgently needed to “manage the causes of transboundary haze and cut our reliance on combustion as an energy source”, according to Aidan Farrow, a senior air quality scientist at Greenpeace International.

“In 2023 air pollution remained a global health catastrophe,” he says. “IQAir’s global data set provides an important reminder of the resulting injustices and the need to implement the many solutions that exist to this problem.”

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
   • Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • 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.
   • Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population-weighted).

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
   • Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

The article highlights the issue of air pollution and its impact on global health. Based on the content of the article, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

This SDG is directly connected to the issue of air pollution and its impact on human health. Target 3.9 aims to reduce deaths and illnesses caused by hazardous chemicals and air pollution. The indicator 3.9.1 measures the mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

This SDG is relevant because it focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities, including paying special attention to air quality. Target 11.6 specifically addresses the adverse environmental impact of cities, including air quality. The indicator 11.6.2 measures the annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in cities.

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

This SDG is indirectly connected to the issue of air pollution as it aims to address climate change and its impacts. Target 13.2 focuses on integrating climate change measures into national policies and planning. The indicator 13.2.1 measures the number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer.

Overall, the article highlights the urgent need to address air pollution and its impact on health and the environment. The identified SDGs, targets, and indicators provide a framework for measuring progress and taking action to mitigate the effects of air pollution.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: euronews.com

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